Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-04
HOW JEWELRY IS MADE.
An Entertaining and Instructive
Visit to u Leading Estublishment.

HOW JEWELRY IS MADE.
An Entertaining and Instructive
Visit to u Leading Establishment.
A richly attired woman stepped from a
luxurious equipage on eth street at the
corner of D this morning and entered the
jewelry establishment of R. Harris & Com
pany. Approaching one of the attentive
clerks, she Informed him that she desired
to secure some jewelry for presentation to
the ushers and bridesmaids at the ap-
preaching marriage of her daughter.
II desire something of original design
she remarked. "Out of the general run,
you know, of the gifts made on such occa-
sions."
The clerk said he would call Mr. Harris,
and reaching behind him he touched an
electric bell, which quickly brought the
head of the firm to that part of the store.
Harris, who told her he would place his
artist and designer at her disposal, and in
a few moments the lady was approving
some quickly made sketches of unique ee-
signs in pins and bracelets.
A Star reporter. who happened to be res
ent, was struck by this original departure
from the usual business methods that OBJ
tain in this section of the country, and in
response to the inquiries which the incident
inspired Mr.. Harris kindly volunteered to
show him the establishment. A journey
through first-class manufac turing jew
eler'S place is Interesting Descending the
steps at the rear Of the commedious and
beautiful store, the reporter found himself
in the midst of half 4 dozen alert young
mechanics, who were engaged in The deft
manipulation of that most precious OF all
metals-gold. At a crucible in the center of
the room one was melting the virgin metal
into ingots, while few feet away another
was drawing bar of gold through a pair
of cylinders and pressing it out to the re-
Quired thickness. There we're other delicate
and ingenious machines for :haping the
precious stun into square wires and half
circles needed for wedding rings, all of
which were operated by powerful electric
dynamo. Along bench running under the
windows on D street several expert en-
gravers, jewel settlers and other artists
were devoting themselves aSSiduouSly to
the manufacture Of medals, rings, pen
dants, earrings and other forms of jewelry,
while at a brush revolving with the ire
mendouS rapidfty which electric energy in
spires workman was Furnishing and pol
| ishing articles already manufactured.
Leaving this interesting portion of the es-
tablishment. Mr.. Harris took the way again
upstairs, and, after showing his visitor the
apartment devoted to the oculist in charge
of that important feature of the business,
led the reporter by immense burglar-proof
safes and the electric system which pro-
tects every door. window, desk and show
case in the establishment to room in the
rear of his private office. Reaching under 4
small table, Mr.. Harris pulled out two tin
DOXeS, anu the VlSltOr expected ne was going
| to be invited to share midday sandwich.
Mr.. Harris quietly remarked: There are
| $4,000 worth of unset diamonds and other
| gems in these two boxes" He opened one
| and displayed what locked like a number of
| small envelopes, but which proved to be
| folded sheets of paper, containing gems as
| sorted into sizes. There were diamonds TAX
ing sixty-four to weigh carat. and each one
cut as perfectly as the Kohinoor, and dia-
monds worth $1,000 apiece, and several
rare black diamonds, that were as beautiful
| as they wer. unusual In the other box
| there was profusion of opals, sapphires,
| able purity and color. Mr.. Harris showed a
green pearl, which is one of the rarest of
| stones. pink pearl and pigeon-blood ruby,
| that looked like liquid fire.
| I'VE import all our diamonds direct from
| the cutters in Amsterdam" said Mr. Har-
ris. and consequently we are enabled to dc
| away with the profits Of the brokers and
middlemen. The style in rings is little
| changed. The solitaire with plain Tiffany
| setting Is favored, while marquise, princess
| and round clusters are very popular in those
| sorts Of rings. the latest things in diamond
| ornaments are butterflies. Here is one fol-
| instance" and he held up a dazzling butter.
| fly with q large pearl for body and whose
| diamond wings were heightened by streaks
| of olivines. THAT costs $3.50" he said
| Another thing that enables us to dispose
| elsewhere is the fact that we are located or
a splendid corner and still can give our Gus.
toners the benefit Of tie money we save In
| rent During the five years we have beer
on eth street our business has continually
increased, and this is only another proof
that 18th street is the natural commercial
| artery of Washington, and that it has moi
| been and cannot be affected by the changes
| of business locations in other sections of the
| city,"
The reporter upon leaving Mr.. Harris ad.
| mired the vast and varied stock that filled
the cases and cabinets of the store, present
ing Kaleidoscope view of exquisite and
| beautiful effect. Heavy silver and plated
| ware, cut glass, bronze and Delft clocks ant
ornaments. and showcases crowded to theil
| capacity with watches, rings and jewelry Of
| every conceivable sort, made up a collection
that would be difficult to equal in Ions
| search.