Kovalan next passed through the wealthy street full of…dealers in superior diamonds which were free from such defects as crows’ feet, spots, holes and lines, which had no natural deficiencies observable by experts of trained acuteness, and which reflected the colours of the four castes.

Emeralds of green brilliance free from black spots and defects of line and curve

the manikkam (ruby) variety known as padmam (lotus), nilam, bindu, and spatikam, all of which were free from recognized defects

the pushparaga set with gold resembling a cat’s eye

the beautiful sardonyx (gomedaga) with the faultless brilliance of the sun

the blue gem with crystallized darkness

the double-coloured vaidurya…glimmering like the setting sun

as well as heaps of white pearls, pink-lustred pearls, all of which sparkled without any blemish caused by wind or sand, stone or water.

There were also well-formed corals completely free from flaws in their inner cavities, without stones in their interspaces, and untwisted.’’

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“Kannagi was sad at heart.  Her anklet was no more on her charming feet; the girdle no longer graced her soft waist-cloth; her breasts were no more painted with vermilion paste : no jewel other than her scared tali did she wear ; no ear-rings were visible on her ears.”