An error has occurred while processing this page. The site administrator has been notified. We apologize for the inconvenience.
162
WITH A RARE VOLUME ON DIAMOND FORGING JEFFRIES, DAVID. Traité des Diamants et des Perles. Dedication leaf with engraving of putto holding a pearl
WITH A RARE VOLUME ON DIAMOND FORGING JEFFRIES, DAVID. Traité des Diamants et des Perles. Dedication leaf with engraving of putto holding a pearl and diamond upon the arms of the Prince de Condé; 10 plates. Bound with Almanach trés curieux sur la connaissance des Diamants. 28 pages bound without title or calendar. 8vo, contemporary marbled calf gilt bound for Laurent de Migieu, with his signature and date of 1759 at end. Paris: Debure l'aine & N. Tillard, 1753
- Notes: first edition in french of "the first book in English to describe how diamonds and pearls can be evaluated on the basis of the factors of size (or weight), and style of cut, with allowances being made in the case of diamonds where cut stones depart from the 'ideal' proportions that were accepted as standard in Jeffries' time"--Sinkankas 3198; the original edition in English first appeared in 1750. The introduction gives a list of earlier books on diamonds and gems, including the Almanach bound with this title. Known only by the Lottin sale copy in 1783, this rare almanach offers full details on forging diamonds and gems, and on the use of metal leaves or color to improve brilliance. There is no copy in major libraries including the Bibliothèque Nationale or the N. U. C. Jeffries was an eminent and successful gem merchant of London and this book was extremely popular, used often by jewelers, and was the standard book in its day for pricing diamonds and pearls. A scarce and valuable work once in the library of famous eighteenth century collector Laurent de Migieu. Sinkankas 3198 (for the Jeffries).
Accepted Forms of Payment:
March 20, 2003 12:00 AM EST
New York, NY, US
Swann Auction Galleries
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 0% and any applicable taxes and shipping.