The emerald condenses the green of the meadows and certain aspects of the ocean. – Charles Blanc, Art in Ornament and Dress, 1875, translated from French

Do not judge from mere appearances; for the lift laughter that bubbles on the lip often mantles over the depths of sadness, and the serious look may be the sober veil that covers a divine peace and joy. The bosom can ache beneath diamond brooches; and many a blithe heart dances under coarse wool. – Edwin Hubbel Chapin

Proverbs are mental gems gathered in the diamond districts of the mind. – William R. Alger

How much art and science, and what attention, what care is necessary to render the sun-beams which are imprisoned in a tiny polyhedron of pure carbon, brilliant and sparkling! – Charles Blanc, Art in Ornament and Dress, 1875, translated from French