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Many of our readers are aware that there are name-rings, in which the first letter attaching to each jewel employed will make a loved one’s name or a sentiment. In the formation of English rings of this kind, the terms Regard and Dearest are common. Thus illustrated:—R(uby) E(merald) G(arnet) A(methyst) R(uby) D(iamond).—D(iamond) E(merald) A(methyst) R(uby) E(merald) S(apphire) T(opaz). It is believed that this pretty notion originated (as many pretty notions do) with the French. The words which the latter generally play with, in a combination of gems, are Souvenir and Amitié, thus: S(aphir or Sardoine) O(nix or Opale) U(raine) V(ermeille) E(meraude) N(atralithe) I(ris) R(ubis or Rose diamant).—A(méthiste or Aigue-marine) M(alachite) I(ris) T(urquoise or Topaze) I(ris) E(meraude).

Here are the alphabetical French names of precious stones:[98]

A. Améthiste. Aigue-marine. B. Brilliant. Diamant, désigniant la même pierre. C. Chrisolithe. Carnaline. Chrisophrase. D. Diamant. E. Emeraude. F. (Pas de pierre connue.) G. Grenat. H. Hiacinthe. I. Iris. J. Jasper. K. (Pas de pierre connue.) L. Lapis lazuli. M. Malachite. N. Natralithe. O. Onix. Opale. P. Perle. Peridot. Purpurine. Q. (Pas de pierre connue.) R. Rubis. Rose diamant. S. Saphir. Sardoine. T. Turquoise. Topaze. U. Uraine. V. Vermeille (espèce de grenat jaune). X. Xépherine. Y. Z. (Pas de nous connus.)