Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c22.136

c22.136

Gems were almost invariably cut ‘en cabochon,’ never facetted. Coloured gems so cut produce rich colour effects, rather than the flashy brilliancy characteristic of so much European jewellery. Many a ring or pendant set with rubies of comparatively small value, has all the glow of an enamel; whereas facetted stones reflect a much larger proportion *Jewellery* of white light, and cannot be used in the same way to produce a generally decorative and harmonious effect. The Sinhalese lapidaries are very skilful in turning the smallest speck of colour in a stone to good advantage, so that a good effect when set is produced. Stones are also sometimes set over coloured paste or foil to enhance the colour effect; glass and crystal are sometimes similarly treated.