Publisher's Synopsis
From the Foreword.
IN writing this little monograph on factors that govern the value of diamonds the author has attempted to put, within limits not too wide to be covered by the busy diamond merchant, much of the experience he has gained during the past fifteen years, as a student of diamonds. Some of the information contained in this volume is the common property of all who have given attention to the subject. Part of it is to be found already in print, in larger and more pretentious works. A modest portion of the material is the result of original study at first hand, especially such part as attempts to analyse various effects and to determine and explain their causes. While most of the technical information contained in the following chapters might be learned of men who are now in the business, many such have no time or taste for writing down what they have learned, and others, unfortunately, regard some of these matters as trade secrets to be kept from the buying public. The writer therefore feels that there is a place for such an essay, and hopes that many who are serving their apprenticeship in the jewelry business and perhaps a few who are already recognized as diamond merchants may profit by the close study of this handbook.
In preparing these pages, the author has also had the great American diamond-buying public in mind and has even given over a short chapter to advice to the intending buyer of a diamond. No other people buy diamonds so largely as Americans. They buy the best and are usually at pains to inform themselves more thoroughly than other nationalities as to the points that determine the value of diamonds. There is nothing within the pages of this book which a merchant who is conducting an honest business in diamonds need fear to have become the property of the public. The more discerning and intelligent the buying public becomes, the better customer it will be, in the long run. In conclusion, the author would extend his thanks to the many jewelers and diamond men who have courteously extended to him opportunities to study diamonds at first hand. Most of the jewelers of Indianapolis should be included and, in addition, the author wishes gratefully to acknowledge much assistance from Mr. Edward E. Stone and Mr. John O'Hanion of Boston and Mr. John H. Baker of New York. The admirable treatise on diamonds by W. R. Cattelle has also furnished much interesting information and confirmed much that was gathered at first hand.
