39 Worth Its Weight In Gold (1/2)
”What if, it was Elven made? With magical properties?”
”That would change the entire value of the item. Miss Vyrena, do you know the difference between an Elven Gemstone and a Dwarven one?”
Vy shook her head, but she wanted to know! Mrs Rudy called for one of her shop assistants to bring two pieces of jewellery. The other customers who were intrigued by the conversation came over to have a look. They crowded around the counter, waiting intently for Mrs Rudy's explanation.
On the countertop, was two nearly identical pairs of sapphire earrings. The craftsmanship was intricate, for the gemstones were carved into the shape of roses. But there was something about the pair on the right that made it that much more special.
Mrs Rudy pointed you the pair on the left and explained, ”This pair is mined by the Dwarves and carved into the shape they are. As these are star sapphires, they would easily go for between 100 to 200 silvers. Dwarven Gemstones have multiple sources and grades, and so those the craftsmanship.”
The shop assistant brought over a scroll which Mrs Rudy revealed to everyone as a Certificate of Authentication for the earrings. It had the emblem of the Dwarven Jeweller's Guild sealed onto the certificate.
”Because is this authentication, this pair of earrings go for 200 silvers.”
The customers were surprised! 200 silvers were equivalent to 4 gold coins. They began to chatter amongst themselves. A gentleman in a top hat eagerly asked a question.
”What about the other pair, Mrs Rudy?”
She held up the other pair of sapphire earrings and explained, ”These are Elven made.”
”Made?” Vy asked.
Mrs Rudy nodded, ”Yes, made. Elven magic is unique. Their gemstones are mined in small batches, it would never be bigger than the size of a pin. An Elf would use their magic and singing to grow and mould the gemstones into their desired form. This process not only creates beautiful and unique pieces, but gemstones produced are also often imbued with magic too.”
As the customers admired the beauty of the sparkling sapphire earrings, she continued to speak, ”Because of their limited quantity, intensive labour, beauty and magical properties, their value is a lot higher.”
”How much is it?”
”Yeah, Mrs Rudy, don't keep us in suspense for too long!”
The other customers are eager to find out the price, and so was Vy. She had to admit, Mrs Rudy's showmanship was genius! A skill Vy would love to have.
”20 gold coins.”
The unified gasp of the customers, including Vy said it all. Not 10 but 20 gold coins? This made Vy wonder, how much would her emerald be worth?
”Based on what you have told us here if this emerald was truly moulded and created using Elven magic, that would mean..”