Manuel complet du bijoutier, du joaillier, de l'orfèvre, du graveur sur métaux et du changeur, ..

Abstract

First edition, rare. Included in Sinkankas (the present edition was “not seen” but he gives a good note for the second edition of 1855): “The three parts treat gemstones, jewelry metals, and a glossary of terms concerning metals. The gemological part consists of general remarks, a large section on the diamond, and smaller sections on other gemstones, including their descriptions, alternative names, prices, cutting styles, methods of cutting, and manufacture of imitations...Pearls, imitation pearls, and organic gemstones are also described, and a most interesting detailed description of lapidary apparatus and accessories, with abrasive and polishing agents appears on pages 163-78.” - Gemology an annotated bibliography, 3289-3290. Sinkankas also notes a new revised edition of 1884. The seven folding plates illustrate patterns for cutting gemstones, tools of the trade for cutting and polishing, furnaces for working metals, moulds for casting flatware and all kinds of small hand tools, and three wonderful plates of patterns for personal jewelry and ornaments, many silver forms (candlesticks, chalices, lamps, pitchers, cruet sets, urns, etc) and finally a plate of medals for learned and fraternal societies. This copy has a good provenance; it belonged to and was signed by that omnivorous book collector from Salem, Francis Peabody. (Charles Wood, cat. 167, # 237)