Perhaps the most plausible explanation given for the present popularity of the diamond--it must, however, be a _solitaire_ of the purest water--is that, as the diamond is the most durable substance known, so it is hoped that it may symbolize an enduring affection between the contracting parties. Though in itself nothing but a symbol or sign, the gift of an engagement ring is considered as evidence in a breach of promise case, thus showing that the very ancient custom in use among princes or noble personages of sending their signet-rings with messages of high importance, to give credit to the messenger, lives on in the spirit, if not in the actual letter, of the law, as applied to the sacred pledge of fidelity to one’s promise to wed. A very conscientious dealer once told me that if a young gentleman were to ask his advice concerning an engagement ring, he should dissuade the amorous youth from buying an emerald, on the ground that the young lady might regard it as a bad omen, possibly on account of its color which, as we have pointed out, is or was considered unlucky; but more probably, we think, because the emerald is said to be the chosen symbol of the “green-eyed monster,” jealousy. An old jeweller readily confirms the opinion that many young ladies would be unwilling to accept an emerald at such a time; while still another adds that he never knew of one being given as an engagement gift. The novelist Black makes use of this superstition in his “Three Feathers,” as something universally admitted, “for how,” he naïvely asks, “could any two people marry who had engaged themselves with an emerald ring?” Doctors disagree, however, as to the actual properties of this beautiful gem, as well as in other things, for we find one authority saying that the emerald “discovers false witnesses, and ensures happiness in love and domestic felicity.” In justice, therefore, to this much abused stone, we must declare that our research thus far fails to confirm the odium sought to be cast upon it, in any particular; on the contrary, so far as we can find, not one jot or tittle of superstition attached to the emerald so long ago as when New England was settled. A learned writer of that time describes it as “a precious stone, the greenest of all other; for which it is very comfortable to the sight,” and he adds, on the authority of Albertus Magnus, that “some affirm them (emeralds) to be taken out of Griffon’s nests, who do keep this stone with great sedulity. It is found by experience that if the emerald be good, it inclineth the wearer to chastity.” It is therefore highly improbable, to say the least, that this article of superstitious faith came over in the _Mayflower_.