This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ...of the highest possible polish and luster. The progress of this art has been a gradual and slow one; but in its present development it affords an opportunity for the exercise of knowledge and skill of a high order. It is true that from time to time certain art critics, among whom was Ruskin, have urged that ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ...of the highest possible polish and luster. The progress of this art has been a gradual and slow one; but in its present development it affords an opportunity for the exercise of knowledge and skill of a high order. It is true that from time to time certain art critics, among whom was Ruskin, have urged that gems in their native state are more beautiful than when cut, but such views overlook the obvious enhancing of the optical qualities of a gem by a proper cutting. The mere facetting of a stone may be, as these critics claim, an expression of a somewhat vulgar taste; but cutting a stone with reference to its optical structure applies an intelligent skill which can but prove enhancing to its natural beauty. Occasionally a diamond or ruby crystal is found of sufficient regularity of form and purity to make it available in its natural state for use as a gem; but ordinarily the art of the lapidary is needed to bring from precious stones an exhibition of their full beauties, and fit them for the highest purposes of ornament. On the other hand, there is a common notion as to the amount of improvement that can be made in a stone by cutting or facetting, which is generally a mistaken one. There is no stone so dull and lusterless that some one will not think that it would be beautiful if it could only be cut and polished. But as a matter of fact, cutting or polishing usually changes the appearance of a stone very little, and a stone which is not attractive in color and transparency before cutting is not likely to be after. The skilled lapidary, it is true, can select the most favorable parts of a mass for cutting, but more than this he cannot do; and much disappointment may be avoided if only those stones are cut which can be seen while in the rough to...
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Add this copy of Minerals... to cart. $49.33, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Nabu Press.
