Fashions in Jewellery.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 298, 18 December 1886, Page 5

Fashions in Jewellery.

The moonstone furore seeras to be at its height. At least there is a large stock of moonstone jewellery in the case of both retail and wholesale houses. The moonstones are set now both in gold and silver, and in many cases value as well as effect is added by the association of roee diamonds. The moonstone faces continue popular, and are both fanciful and groteeque. Then there is a full line of neck and scarf pins in form of three and four plover-leaf patterns. Often the stones Bet in these are tinted. Moonstones are of frequent occurrence in cuff button* for both sexes, and ore popular in studs for gentlemen's wear These stones have also appeared on eharma for queen chains. There is a tendency now to employ the finest specimens of moonstones without either carving or tinting, but de pending only upon the chatoyant reflection of tho stone and a unique setting for effect, Little balls sot in claws show off the moonstone en natural to better effect than perhaps does any other form. There is good authority for stating that the opal—a magnificent gem too long negected because of the foolish superstition f late years associated with it -is growing in favour abroad, and is likely to come to the front here. As the opal is the only precious stone, which defies competition, and fiuc specimens are of rare occurrence, there appear no gnod reasons why opals should not recover the high favour they held previous to the publication of SL WaMer Scott's novel, " Anne of Geierstein," in which romance is ascribed to this stone a supernatural power to bring bad luck. Previous to the appearance of this fiction the opal enjoyed its original character of being a lovestone and suitable for a betrothal gage. Some very pretty studs for ladies to wear with summer dresses have been introduced, such as small rubies, turquoise or moonstone, set around with tiny diamonds Then there is a full line of enamelled studs showing email polka dots that are novol and attractive in appearance. The present etyle of dressing the hair favours all kinds of ornamental hairpins, and consequently there are uiany attractive ornaments of this nature to be seen in the shops. The double crook chased and studded with little gems is a favourite pattern in hairpins. The hairpins surmounted by large chased balls of gold and platinum are another pleasing style.