Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 January 1883 — White and Yellow Diamonds. [ARTICLE]

White and Yellow Diamonds.

Some very interesting ami important experiments with diamonds have lately been made at the Paris Academy of Science. An experienced diamond merchant bought, not long ago, a fine white diamond for #4,600. One morning he gave it a good washing with soap and water, when what was his consternation to find that it had turned yellow, which sent its value down to #BOO. The matter was brought to the attention of the academy, and experts submitted a report, which showed that diamond-whitening is a fraud easy to accomplish, and as easy to detect. By plunging a yellow diamond into an aniline violet dye it becomes white, while at the same time it loses neither its transparency nor brilliancy. In fact, on making the experiment, the experts had in a few minutes transformed several yellow stones into what appeared magnificent white stones of five-fold value. Take a yellow diamond, dip it even into no stronger dye than violet ink, wash it with water to remove any discoloration, and the effect is immediate. The dried diamond remains white. But, on the other hand, the illusion is of short duration. Bub the stone oven lightly and the yellow tint is seen coming baok again, and a. little further attrition with the finger restores the pristine hue completely. This discovery may entail upon many persons a rude awakening to the fact that the stones they have are far less value than they supposed, and will necessitate even greater care than that hitherto exercised in purchasing. Douglas Jerrold once, raised the question whether any possession really repaid its possessor which entailed anxiety of mind, and diamonds, in one way and another, entail so much that there are many to whom the great value set upon them becomes almost incomprehensible.New York Times.