DIAMONDS AND PRECIOUS STONES: Their History, Value, and Distinguishing Characteristics. With Simple Tests for Their Identification

London: John Camden Hotten, 1867 [i.e. circa 1877]. Small 8vo. xxii, 266 pages; 36-page publisher's catalog at rear; plus extra engraved title page in color; four sepia plates, and one black & white plate. Additional illustrations in the text. Original blue cloth stamped in gold. [19.5 cm.] Slightly cocked, but sound. Spine a little faded; cloth rubbed at extremities; corners worn and bumped. Title page browned. Generally clean internally with a few minor traces of marginal foxing or soiling. Several leaves creased at lower corners. Good plus. SECOND EDITION, so stated, "with a new table of the present value of diamonds," but a later issue with ads dated Nov., 1877. The first edition was published in 1865. A guide to the properties, cutting, identification, and value of diamonds and other precious stones, designed for use by the layperson as well as the professional. There are also comments on the historical use of gems and accounts of some of the more famous large diamonds. At the rear is a "Table of the Distinguishing Characteristics of Gems," a table of the "Names of Stones in Different Languages," and a "Bibliography of Precious Stones" (pp. [233]-260). The prefatory material for the second edition includes "Additional Notes on Diamonds," providing comments and corrections regarding the ownership and value of some of the large stones, and tables showing the change in the value of pearls and of brilliants from 1865 to 1867. Harry Emanuel (1831-1898) was a prominent London jeweler. He appeared at the London International Exhibition of 1862 and the Paris Exhibition of 1867. He later acquired the Portuguese title of Baron de Almeda, resided in Paris, and had a successful career as a diplomat for France. He served as Minister Plenipotentiary to the Dominican Republic, negotiated a treaty between France and Portugal, and was accepted into the National Order of the Legion of Honor in 1896. He died in Nice and was laid to rest in the Jew's Cemetery in London.