There is nothing more difficult to discover than the probable dates of oriental jewels. Those of Arab origin are few in number, and are either of incredible rudeness or of marvellous perfection, according to the centres from which they have been enamelled; the taste, moreover, is invariably that found in other Mahometan products -the skilful combination of geometrical figures with patterns drawn from the vegetable world.

With India and Persia it is just the same: the traditions of the past, handed down from generation to generation, form the rules of modern art; and one is astonished to see, reproduced by the most rudimentary means, works of surprising delicacy.

As to the Chinese, two descriptions of works are presented to the collector: here we have massive gold, wrought and chased so as to produce the most complicated ornaments; there, on the contrary, the metal is beaten out into thin leaves, delicately cut, to receive, not only heightenings of enamel, but delicate applications of the azure-blue feathers of the kingfisher. By these means, pieces are obtained of remarkable elegance and distinction. Head-dresses, waist-buckles, ornaments for the dress or arms, earrings, they venture upon all; skilled in introducing under these fragile works symbols of a sacred character, and emblems which told, at the first glance, the rank and office of the personage by whom they were worn.