CHAP. XXVI.

JEWELLERS.

285

impossible not to remark how great, though gra-dual, has been the increased introduction of goldornaments in the decorations of females. Thishas been especially remarkable within the wholeof the last twenty years, but perhaps much moreso within the last, than the first ten years of theperiod.

Only a junta of jewellers, dressmakers, andladies’-maids could give a complete catalogue ofthe numerous ornaments of gold and silver whichhave of late been added to the dress of our femalesin the higher circles of society. Ornaments forthe head, including large combs of gold, neck-laces and broaches of extended size, clasps andbuttons of gold to fasten the bodies of the gowns,bracelets and armlets, additionally numerous ringson the fingers, gold hooks and eyes for the dra-pery of the gowns, eye-glasses set in gold and se-cured by chains of gold, and a watch with goldseals, and trinkets too numerous to be mentionedby one not professionally a master of dress. Suchare the additions recently made to the applicationof gold to purposes of ornament.

Whatever effect may be produced by suchfashionable changes when confined to the higherclasses, it is not bounded by their consumptionalone. The ornaments of this kind are first fa-bricated of fine gold, and commonly in London alone. They are, however, soon imitated by otherworkmen in gold of inferior quality, in some de-