CALL FOR AMERICAN HALLMARKING
United States
We have always wanted a hall-mark on silverware in this country, and now is the time to get it. Discussions are going on at Albany, and prominent firms are being accused of unfairness in the matter of manufactures of silverware. To mark the word sterling on a bit of metal means nothing unless backed by the mark of a reliable maker because of the laxity of laws pertaining to such a stamp. The English hall-mark, while it is open to the criticism of resembling a string of hieroglyphics, enables one to determine not only the genuineness of the article, but also the date of manufacture, which in the case of older silver is extremely desirable.
Source: The Illustrated American - 2nd May 1896
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The Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
A CHANGE OF DIRECTION FOR RAILWAYMAN
Philadelphia
W. H. Brommer, conductor on the first section of the train which was wrecked some weeks ago at Exeter, Pa., has been so horrified by his terrible experience and miraculous escape from injury or death that he has determined to give up railroading and start in business as a jeweler in Philadelphia. Mr. Brommer is a practical watchmaker, and had a jewelry repair store in Pottsville, Pa., but he has decided to devote his entire attention to the jewelry trade. He was in town last week buying extensively.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 7th June 1899
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Philadelphia
W. H. Brommer, conductor on the first section of the train which was wrecked some weeks ago at Exeter, Pa., has been so horrified by his terrible experience and miraculous escape from injury or death that he has determined to give up railroading and start in business as a jeweler in Philadelphia. Mr. Brommer is a practical watchmaker, and had a jewelry repair store in Pottsville, Pa., but he has decided to devote his entire attention to the jewelry trade. He was in town last week buying extensively.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 7th June 1899
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
DEATH OF PETER DOUBLAC
London
Yesterday died at his lodgings in Red Lion street aged 86, Mr. Peter Doublac, an eminent jeweller; a man famous for his extensive knowledge in old coins.
Source: The Covent-Garden Journal - 27th February 1752
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London
Yesterday died at his lodgings in Red Lion street aged 86, Mr. Peter Doublac, an eminent jeweller; a man famous for his extensive knowledge in old coins.
Source: The Covent-Garden Journal - 27th February 1752
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
DEMOLITION DISASTER AT PROPOSED JEWELERS' BUILDING
New York
On the evening of May 23 the jewelry district was treated to the terrible spectacle of a great disaster at the corner of John street and Broadway. The buildings which are being torn down there to make place for the handsome new office building promised to jewelers by Mr. Austin Corbin, were in process of demolition, and the workmen had reached the third floor from the ground. They piled too much of the debris upon the floor of the rear part of the building, formerly 7 John street, and the floor caved in and the whole pile of mortar, dirt, bricks and beams crashed its way to the cellar, burying beneath the ruins about a dozen men. There were some fifty persons at work upon the building at the time, and the confusion that ensued was intense. The walls were left standing but they were in a tottering condition, and a man had saved himself by clinging to the top of one of them. He did not dare to move, however, fearing that the wall would go down if he did. He was afterwards rescued. The scene was terrible to behold. Workingmen and citizens worked to extricate the buried men, who were brought out covered with dirt and half smothered. Four men were quite badly injured and were sent to hospitals. Several others were seriously hurt, but went unaided to their homes. But one poor fellow lay underneath the ruins for nearly half an hour, and despite the frantic efforts of his rescuers to get at him sooner, he was dead before they got him out. It appears that the accident was the result of the insecure manner in which the floor supports were placed, and the wonder is that the former tenants were not precipitated to the cellar before the destruction of the building began. The work of destroying the building is now progressing as though the terrible calamity had not happened, and within a year hence the jewelry trade may find on this spot a fine building of ten stories, built especially for them, at a cost of probably $200,000.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - June 1888
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New York
On the evening of May 23 the jewelry district was treated to the terrible spectacle of a great disaster at the corner of John street and Broadway. The buildings which are being torn down there to make place for the handsome new office building promised to jewelers by Mr. Austin Corbin, were in process of demolition, and the workmen had reached the third floor from the ground. They piled too much of the debris upon the floor of the rear part of the building, formerly 7 John street, and the floor caved in and the whole pile of mortar, dirt, bricks and beams crashed its way to the cellar, burying beneath the ruins about a dozen men. There were some fifty persons at work upon the building at the time, and the confusion that ensued was intense. The walls were left standing but they were in a tottering condition, and a man had saved himself by clinging to the top of one of them. He did not dare to move, however, fearing that the wall would go down if he did. He was afterwards rescued. The scene was terrible to behold. Workingmen and citizens worked to extricate the buried men, who were brought out covered with dirt and half smothered. Four men were quite badly injured and were sent to hospitals. Several others were seriously hurt, but went unaided to their homes. But one poor fellow lay underneath the ruins for nearly half an hour, and despite the frantic efforts of his rescuers to get at him sooner, he was dead before they got him out. It appears that the accident was the result of the insecure manner in which the floor supports were placed, and the wonder is that the former tenants were not precipitated to the cellar before the destruction of the building began. The work of destroying the building is now progressing as though the terrible calamity had not happened, and within a year hence the jewelry trade may find on this spot a fine building of ten stories, built especially for them, at a cost of probably $200,000.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - June 1888
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
COUNTERFEIT ENGLISH SHILLINGS SCAM EXPOSED
Brooklyn, New York
Constantine N. Kauffman, who for the past few years has been in the employ of Tiffany and Schumann & Sons, was arrested Thursday, in Brooklyn, by United States Secret Service officers, for making counterfeit English shillings. When arrested by the detectives he confessed that his idea was to make a large quantity of the money and carry it to England, where it was to be put into circulation. The dies that he had in his possession when arrested were remarkably fine, and as he proposed to use real silver in their manufacture, the detectives say that the money would have undoubtedly deceived experts. Kauffman was held for the Federal Grand Jury.
Source: The Jewelers Review - 3rd May 1899
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Brooklyn, New York
Constantine N. Kauffman, who for the past few years has been in the employ of Tiffany and Schumann & Sons, was arrested Thursday, in Brooklyn, by United States Secret Service officers, for making counterfeit English shillings. When arrested by the detectives he confessed that his idea was to make a large quantity of the money and carry it to England, where it was to be put into circulation. The dies that he had in his possession when arrested were remarkably fine, and as he proposed to use real silver in their manufacture, the detectives say that the money would have undoubtedly deceived experts. Kauffman was held for the Federal Grand Jury.
Source: The Jewelers Review - 3rd May 1899
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
THE KEYSTONE WATCH CASE Co. RESUME PRODUCTION
Riverside, New Jersey
The Keystone Watch Case Company, of Riverside, N. J., which suspended operations last June, has reopened its plant with a force of 1,000 hands. All the departments are now in operation.
Source: The Metal Industry - September 1921
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Riverside, New Jersey
The Keystone Watch Case Company, of Riverside, N. J., which suspended operations last June, has reopened its plant with a force of 1,000 hands. All the departments are now in operation.
Source: The Metal Industry - September 1921
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
INCORPORATION OF STUMPF JEWELRY Co.
Chicago
Stumpf Jewelry Company, Chicago, Ill., Capital $10,000. To manufacture and deal in watches, jewelry, silverware, etc. Incorporators, A. H. Stumpf, A. M. Bowers, F. W. Zimmerman and Otto Stumpf, formerly with Otto Stumpf & Co., will be general manager.
Source: The Metal Industry - July 1913
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Chicago
Stumpf Jewelry Company, Chicago, Ill., Capital $10,000. To manufacture and deal in watches, jewelry, silverware, etc. Incorporators, A. H. Stumpf, A. M. Bowers, F. W. Zimmerman and Otto Stumpf, formerly with Otto Stumpf & Co., will be general manager.
Source: The Metal Industry - July 1913
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
TURNING THE TABLES
Brentford, England
Joseph Rickett is a watchmaker, of High-street, Brentford, and although only thirty-three years of age, has a wife and seven children, and in some things appears to have the innocence of his last-born. Having found difficulties in meeting his bills he forthwith took to pawning watches entrusted to him to repair, under the idea that there was nothing criminal in the act. When charged at the Brentford Police-court his defending barrister held him up as such a well-intending simpleton that the court not only discharged him under the First Offenders Act, but made a present of £5 out of a fund at their disposal for the benefit of the prisoner's wife and family.
Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st December 1893
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Brentford, England
Joseph Rickett is a watchmaker, of High-street, Brentford, and although only thirty-three years of age, has a wife and seven children, and in some things appears to have the innocence of his last-born. Having found difficulties in meeting his bills he forthwith took to pawning watches entrusted to him to repair, under the idea that there was nothing criminal in the act. When charged at the Brentford Police-court his defending barrister held him up as such a well-intending simpleton that the court not only discharged him under the First Offenders Act, but made a present of £5 out of a fund at their disposal for the benefit of the prisoner's wife and family.
Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st December 1893
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
INTERNATIONAL WATCH AND JEWELLERY TRADE FAIR
London
Trading begins at 10 o'clock on the morning of Monday, September 13, for the 120 exhibitors at this years International Watch and Jewellery Trade Fair at Earls Court, London.
The official opening will not be until an hour later, and will be performed by Mrs. Harold Wilson, wife of the Prime Minister, who will later tour the exhibition.
On display will be watches from Japan, Russia, Switzerland, Western Germany and the U.S., and jewellery from Austria, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Siam, India, Canada and Australia.
Overseas representation is stronger than ever before and exhibitors are looking forward to a week of brisk sales. The fair closes at 1p.m,, Friday, September 17.
Source: The Financial Times - 31st August 1965
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London
Trading begins at 10 o'clock on the morning of Monday, September 13, for the 120 exhibitors at this years International Watch and Jewellery Trade Fair at Earls Court, London.
The official opening will not be until an hour later, and will be performed by Mrs. Harold Wilson, wife of the Prime Minister, who will later tour the exhibition.
On display will be watches from Japan, Russia, Switzerland, Western Germany and the U.S., and jewellery from Austria, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Siam, India, Canada and Australia.
Overseas representation is stronger than ever before and exhibitors are looking forward to a week of brisk sales. The fair closes at 1p.m,, Friday, September 17.
Source: The Financial Times - 31st August 1965
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
HOLMES & EDWARDS SECURE STEAMSHIPS SILVERWARE CONTRACT
Bridgeport, Connecticut
The contract for the silverware for the St. Louis and St. Paul, the two new American steamships, has been awarded to the Holmes & Edwards Silver Co., Bridgeport, Conn. The competition was very close, such houses as the Gorham Mfg. Co., the Meriden Britannia Co., Reed & Barton and Holmes & Edwards participating. The last company's celebrated sterling silver inlaid quality was accepted. This company are congratulating themselves very much on the securing of this contract, as it emphasizes the excellence of this class of manufacture for the best steamship and hotel use, thus endorsing the official report of the judges of the award at the World's Columbian Exposition, which is incorporated in the government report.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 9th January 1895
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Bridgeport, Connecticut
The contract for the silverware for the St. Louis and St. Paul, the two new American steamships, has been awarded to the Holmes & Edwards Silver Co., Bridgeport, Conn. The competition was very close, such houses as the Gorham Mfg. Co., the Meriden Britannia Co., Reed & Barton and Holmes & Edwards participating. The last company's celebrated sterling silver inlaid quality was accepted. This company are congratulating themselves very much on the securing of this contract, as it emphasizes the excellence of this class of manufacture for the best steamship and hotel use, thus endorsing the official report of the judges of the award at the World's Columbian Exposition, which is incorporated in the government report.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 9th January 1895
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
BOND STREET MOVES WITH THE TIMES
London
There was a time when very little indeed was exhibited in Bond-street windows, but that time has gone by. Even the grand old classic front of Messrs. Hunt and Roskell has been rejuvenated, and some of the finest things shown may now be seen in it. Nor is it thought to be beyond the dignity of the Bond-street jeweler to expose any novelties he has, alike to the plagiarist trade and the public. The late exhibition in the window of Messrs. Henry Lewis, of pearls in situ, with the mollusc that produced them, probably brought forth more press notices than anything done by any other member of the trade during the same period. A seven-dial calendar also attracted a great deal of attention in the same window, and was rewarded by Royal patronage.
Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st August 1891
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London
There was a time when very little indeed was exhibited in Bond-street windows, but that time has gone by. Even the grand old classic front of Messrs. Hunt and Roskell has been rejuvenated, and some of the finest things shown may now be seen in it. Nor is it thought to be beyond the dignity of the Bond-street jeweler to expose any novelties he has, alike to the plagiarist trade and the public. The late exhibition in the window of Messrs. Henry Lewis, of pearls in situ, with the mollusc that produced them, probably brought forth more press notices than anything done by any other member of the trade during the same period. A seven-dial calendar also attracted a great deal of attention in the same window, and was rewarded by Royal patronage.
Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st August 1891
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
IGNATIUS WEIDER RETURNED TO LONDON
New York
Ignatius Weider, the London jeweler, who has been locked up in Ludlow St. jail for two weeks on the charge of stealing jewelry from English diamond merchants, was arraigned before United States Commissioner Alexander last Tuesday. He waived examination and consented to go back to England to stand trial. He left for that country Saturday.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 31st August 1892
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New York
Ignatius Weider, the London jeweler, who has been locked up in Ludlow St. jail for two weeks on the charge of stealing jewelry from English diamond merchants, was arraigned before United States Commissioner Alexander last Tuesday. He waived examination and consented to go back to England to stand trial. He left for that country Saturday.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 31st August 1892
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
JEWEL SALES
London
A 46¾-carat Burmah ruby, the largest ruby ever cut, so far as is known, was bought in at a London jeweler's sale recently for $40,000. A one-carat blue diamond brought $3,000, and a 140-grain black pearl, once belonging to Queen Isobella II. of Spain $5,750.
Source: Current Literature - January 1896
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London
A 46¾-carat Burmah ruby, the largest ruby ever cut, so far as is known, was bought in at a London jeweler's sale recently for $40,000. A one-carat blue diamond brought $3,000, and a 140-grain black pearl, once belonging to Queen Isobella II. of Spain $5,750.
Source: Current Literature - January 1896
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
THE DUCHESS OF FERNAND NUNEZ'S HEAD ORNAMENT
London
At a great London jeweler's is exhibited a head ornament representing a bat almost the size of life, with outspread wings, and fiery eyes composed of a cluster of rubies. This extraordinary object is to be worn in front of a superb tiara of brilliants by the Duchess of Fernand Nunez at the royal gala fetes at Madrid. The bat is regarded with great reverence among the tenants and servitors of the house of Fernand Nunez as the emblem of that ancient ducal family. The ladies of the family wear, on such occasions, this lugubrious image as a sign of their rank, and the last Duchess is said to have appeared at court with a black velvet train richly embroidered with figures of the bat in gold and precious stones.
Source: The Australian Journal - November 1882
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London
At a great London jeweler's is exhibited a head ornament representing a bat almost the size of life, with outspread wings, and fiery eyes composed of a cluster of rubies. This extraordinary object is to be worn in front of a superb tiara of brilliants by the Duchess of Fernand Nunez at the royal gala fetes at Madrid. The bat is regarded with great reverence among the tenants and servitors of the house of Fernand Nunez as the emblem of that ancient ducal family. The ladies of the family wear, on such occasions, this lugubrious image as a sign of their rank, and the last Duchess is said to have appeared at court with a black velvet train richly embroidered with figures of the bat in gold and precious stones.
Source: The Australian Journal - November 1882
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
EXTRAVAGANCE
United States
A London paper, describing the dresses of some ladies on a public occasion in that city, makes the following statements:
The duchess of Argyll, in a dress of massive gold tissue, her raven locks, and a prodigious plume of feathers of the same color, produced a contrast with her diamonds, equalled only by the duchess of Bedford, whose jewellery astonished all by its glitter and glare. The latter made a prodigious display indeed. Independently of the necklace, which cost fifty thousand guineas, ($233,000), chains of diamonds, with amethysts in the centre, decorated her grace's dress, from the thick velvet Spanish hat, to the girdle or cestus, below the stomach.
The hon. Mrs. Hope, was a meteor in the throng; that lady was a moving firmament, and it was said that the cost in brilliants alone in a dress of sombre magnificence, (crimson), exceeded seven hundred thousand pounds or three million one hundred and eight thousand dollars.
This single sum is more than sufficient to pay the salaries of all the governors in the United States, for fifty-five years, and, if divided among the people of this country, would be about $8 to every person, both white and black, in the slate of Georgia; and nearly $518 to every person in the city of Augusta. It is also about one-sixth of the expense of our national government for a year.
Source: Niles' Weekly Register - 3rd December 1831
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United States
A London paper, describing the dresses of some ladies on a public occasion in that city, makes the following statements:
The duchess of Argyll, in a dress of massive gold tissue, her raven locks, and a prodigious plume of feathers of the same color, produced a contrast with her diamonds, equalled only by the duchess of Bedford, whose jewellery astonished all by its glitter and glare. The latter made a prodigious display indeed. Independently of the necklace, which cost fifty thousand guineas, ($233,000), chains of diamonds, with amethysts in the centre, decorated her grace's dress, from the thick velvet Spanish hat, to the girdle or cestus, below the stomach.
The hon. Mrs. Hope, was a meteor in the throng; that lady was a moving firmament, and it was said that the cost in brilliants alone in a dress of sombre magnificence, (crimson), exceeded seven hundred thousand pounds or three million one hundred and eight thousand dollars.
This single sum is more than sufficient to pay the salaries of all the governors in the United States, for fifty-five years, and, if divided among the people of this country, would be about $8 to every person, both white and black, in the slate of Georgia; and nearly $518 to every person in the city of Augusta. It is also about one-sixth of the expense of our national government for a year.
Source: Niles' Weekly Register - 3rd December 1831
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
A VETERAN SILVER PLATER EXPIRES
Meriden, Connecticut
Meriden, Conn., April 27.—M. L. Forbes, whose residence in this city dates back to the organization of the Meriden Britannia Co., died on Friday, of consumption. Mr. Forbes was superintendent of the plating room for forty years. He served a term in the city council.
The Meriden Britannia factory was shut down and the flag was at half mast during the funeral services on Monday. The bearers were members of the family. The officials of the Britannia Company sincerely regret the death of Mr. Forbes, as the loss to them is a long, faithful and very competent workman.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 6th May 1891
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Meriden, Connecticut
Meriden, Conn., April 27.—M. L. Forbes, whose residence in this city dates back to the organization of the Meriden Britannia Co., died on Friday, of consumption. Mr. Forbes was superintendent of the plating room for forty years. He served a term in the city council.
The Meriden Britannia factory was shut down and the flag was at half mast during the funeral services on Monday. The bearers were members of the family. The officials of the Britannia Company sincerely regret the death of Mr. Forbes, as the loss to them is a long, faithful and very competent workman.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 6th May 1891
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
WILCOX SILVER PLATE Co.
Meriden, Connecticut
The Wilcox Silver Plate Company, of Meriden, Conn., is strengthening and improving some of its buildings which were found to be faulty in construction. When the work is completed the plant will be in better shape than ever. The company have a model shop for the manufacture of silver-plated ware, sterling silver and cut glass.
Source: The Metal Industry - December 1908
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Meriden, Connecticut
The Wilcox Silver Plate Company, of Meriden, Conn., is strengthening and improving some of its buildings which were found to be faulty in construction. When the work is completed the plant will be in better shape than ever. The company have a model shop for the manufacture of silver-plated ware, sterling silver and cut glass.
Source: The Metal Industry - December 1908
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
THEODORE D. EDWARDS
New York
Theodore D. Edwards, for many years connected with the firm of Carter, Howe & Co., died at his late home, 319 Mulberry St., Thursday, at the age of 83 years. He was one of the oldest and most highly respected employes of the concern. ‘‘Daddy’' Edwards, as he was familiarly called, was one of the best type of American mechanics ever in the employ of the firm. He was faithful and attentive to his duties, loyal and trustworthy under all conditions, and respected and esteemed by all who knew him. When the late Aaron Carter established the business of Carter, Howe & Co., in 1841, Theodore D. Edwards was his first, and, for a long time his only, apprentice, and except for the limited time he was obliged by the trade customs of the time to journey and see how work was done in other shops, for there were no great factories in existence then, he remained with his first employer. He was with the firm after the death of Aaron Carter until the Fall of 1905, when the burden of years made it best for him to give up his position and enjoy, so far as the increased feebleness of his advanced years permitted, the comfort he had provided for his declining years.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 30th September 1908
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New York
Theodore D. Edwards, for many years connected with the firm of Carter, Howe & Co., died at his late home, 319 Mulberry St., Thursday, at the age of 83 years. He was one of the oldest and most highly respected employes of the concern. ‘‘Daddy’' Edwards, as he was familiarly called, was one of the best type of American mechanics ever in the employ of the firm. He was faithful and attentive to his duties, loyal and trustworthy under all conditions, and respected and esteemed by all who knew him. When the late Aaron Carter established the business of Carter, Howe & Co., in 1841, Theodore D. Edwards was his first, and, for a long time his only, apprentice, and except for the limited time he was obliged by the trade customs of the time to journey and see how work was done in other shops, for there were no great factories in existence then, he remained with his first employer. He was with the firm after the death of Aaron Carter until the Fall of 1905, when the burden of years made it best for him to give up his position and enjoy, so far as the increased feebleness of his advanced years permitted, the comfort he had provided for his declining years.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 30th September 1908
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
SHAMS IN JEWELRY
London
The recent experiment of a London lady of rank who wished to sell some jewels goes to prove that shams are not newer than other things under the sun. Regarding what were supposed to be splendid rubies the jeweler said: “They are certainly very showy, madam, but unfortunately only clever imitations in glass.” The lady, much chagrined, then called attention to the heavy setting, to which the jeweler replied, after the usual tests, “The setting is only gilt!” Another article produced for appraisement was a superb bracelet, the gift of a Continental sovereign to the wife of a distinguished diplomatist. The skillful manufacture and specific gravity of this splendid object had been extolled for generations in the family of the possessor, and so highly was it prized that it was invariably sent to the bankers whenever the family went out of town. The jeweler scrutinized it carefully and pronounced it to be extremely heavy; “but,” he added, “if you will allow me, madam, to raise the very thin plate, I shall be able to show you that the bracelet is filled up with—lead!” Yet it is quite possible that the original purchasers of these articles believed them to be genuine, and paid for them as such. A few years ago an English gentleman took a bracelet to a leading provincial English jeweler to have the clasp mended. The jeweler looked at the stone carefully, and then said: “you are aware that this is not genuine!” “Not genuine!” exclaimed the gentleman, “you must be mistaken. This was given to my wife on her marriage by my uncle, the last man in the world to give sham jewelry.” But the jeweler, an eminent man in his line, persisting, the donor was informed. He wrote back that it had cost $500, and ordered that it at once be sent to him; and taking it. to Messrs.____ , a firm of the first eminence, indignantly stated his case. It was sham. They offered a check at once, or a new bracelet, and seemed terribly chagrined. Their explanation was that, do what they would, they were at times the victims of their workmen, who substituted admirably made bogus gems for real ones. Probably scores of people have jewelry thought to be real, which in truth is not so.
Source: The Present Age - 5th April 1883
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London
The recent experiment of a London lady of rank who wished to sell some jewels goes to prove that shams are not newer than other things under the sun. Regarding what were supposed to be splendid rubies the jeweler said: “They are certainly very showy, madam, but unfortunately only clever imitations in glass.” The lady, much chagrined, then called attention to the heavy setting, to which the jeweler replied, after the usual tests, “The setting is only gilt!” Another article produced for appraisement was a superb bracelet, the gift of a Continental sovereign to the wife of a distinguished diplomatist. The skillful manufacture and specific gravity of this splendid object had been extolled for generations in the family of the possessor, and so highly was it prized that it was invariably sent to the bankers whenever the family went out of town. The jeweler scrutinized it carefully and pronounced it to be extremely heavy; “but,” he added, “if you will allow me, madam, to raise the very thin plate, I shall be able to show you that the bracelet is filled up with—lead!” Yet it is quite possible that the original purchasers of these articles believed them to be genuine, and paid for them as such. A few years ago an English gentleman took a bracelet to a leading provincial English jeweler to have the clasp mended. The jeweler looked at the stone carefully, and then said: “you are aware that this is not genuine!” “Not genuine!” exclaimed the gentleman, “you must be mistaken. This was given to my wife on her marriage by my uncle, the last man in the world to give sham jewelry.” But the jeweler, an eminent man in his line, persisting, the donor was informed. He wrote back that it had cost $500, and ordered that it at once be sent to him; and taking it. to Messrs.____ , a firm of the first eminence, indignantly stated his case. It was sham. They offered a check at once, or a new bracelet, and seemed terribly chagrined. Their explanation was that, do what they would, they were at times the victims of their workmen, who substituted admirably made bogus gems for real ones. Probably scores of people have jewelry thought to be real, which in truth is not so.
Source: The Present Age - 5th April 1883
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
GERMAN JEWELRY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Manila
Consul Brittain, of Kehl, writes as follows regarding shipments of jewelry from his consular district to Manila:
During the past four months, or since it has been necessary to consulate invoices for the Philippine Islands, the jewelry manufacturers of Pforzheim have had invoices for Manila amounting to nearly $25,000. During the same period many shipments under $100 in value were made, which would probably increase the above amount very considerably. The jewelry consists principally of ladies' chains, brooches, earrings, bracelets, rings and pins. Much of the jewelry is of 12 and 14 karats gold, and also cheaper goods.
Pforzheim is a city of about 65,000 population and is devoted almost exclusively to the manufacture of jewelry there being about 500 factories where jewelry is made. It is the jewelry center of Europe. The various manufacturers are very energetic and are careful to study the wants of their customers and endeavor to please them regarding designs, prices and terms of sale. From present indications the shipment of jewelry to the Philippines will amount to about $100,000 for the fiscal year. With the American manufacturer's advantage in distance and machinery—as much of the Pforzheim jewelry is made by hand—it appears that we should capture more of the trade of the islands.
The facts are the German manufacturer often wins by easy terms of sale as to credits and discounts and making what the customer wants, in quality and design, and the American maker loses because he demands cash before his goods leave America, and attempts to sell in the Philippine Islands designs suited to Philadelphia or New York trade.
Source: Fabrics, Fancy Goods and Notions - February 1906
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Manila
Consul Brittain, of Kehl, writes as follows regarding shipments of jewelry from his consular district to Manila:
During the past four months, or since it has been necessary to consulate invoices for the Philippine Islands, the jewelry manufacturers of Pforzheim have had invoices for Manila amounting to nearly $25,000. During the same period many shipments under $100 in value were made, which would probably increase the above amount very considerably. The jewelry consists principally of ladies' chains, brooches, earrings, bracelets, rings and pins. Much of the jewelry is of 12 and 14 karats gold, and also cheaper goods.
Pforzheim is a city of about 65,000 population and is devoted almost exclusively to the manufacture of jewelry there being about 500 factories where jewelry is made. It is the jewelry center of Europe. The various manufacturers are very energetic and are careful to study the wants of their customers and endeavor to please them regarding designs, prices and terms of sale. From present indications the shipment of jewelry to the Philippines will amount to about $100,000 for the fiscal year. With the American manufacturer's advantage in distance and machinery—as much of the Pforzheim jewelry is made by hand—it appears that we should capture more of the trade of the islands.
The facts are the German manufacturer often wins by easy terms of sale as to credits and discounts and making what the customer wants, in quality and design, and the American maker loses because he demands cash before his goods leave America, and attempts to sell in the Philippine Islands designs suited to Philadelphia or New York trade.
Source: Fabrics, Fancy Goods and Notions - February 1906
Trev.