Читать книгу The Book of the Pearl. The history, art, science, and industry of the queen of gems онлайн

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The pearl is praised wherever gems are seen,

though it be not the dearest by way of merchandise.

Why is the pearl so prized, save for its purity,

that wins praise for it above all white stones?

It shineth so bright; it is so round of shape;

without fault or stain; if it be truly a pearl.

In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries throughout Europe pearls were very fashionable as personal ornaments, and were worn in enormous quantities; the dresses of men as well as of women were decorated and embroidered with them, and they were noted in nearly every account of a festive occasion, whether it were a marriage, a brilliant tourney, the consecration of a bishop, or the celebration of a victory in battle.

The faceting of crystal gems was not known at that time, and those dependent on artifice for their beauty were not much sought after. Although the diamond had been known from the eighth century, it was not generally treasured as an ornament, and not until long after the invention of cutting in regular facets—about 1450—did it attain its great popularity.