First Water

First Water

First Water means "highest quality" and is a term which originates from the gemstone trade. The clarity of diamonds is assessed by their translucence; the more like water, the higher the quality. This comparison of diamonds with water dates back to at least the early 17th century, and Shakespeare alludes to it in Tymon of Athens, 1607. The 1753 edition of Chambers' Encyclopedia has this under an entry for 'Diamond':

"The first water in Diamonds means the greatest purity and perfection of their complexion, which ought to be that of the clearest drop of water. When Diamonds fall short of this perfection, they are said to be of the second or third water, &c. till the stone may be properly called a coloured one."

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  • First water — First First (f[ e]rst), a. [OE. first, furst, AS. fyrst; akin to Icel. fyrstr, Sw. & Dan. f[ o]rste, OHG. furist, G. f[ u]rst prince; a superlatiye form of E. for, fore. See {For}, {Fore}, and cf. {Formeer}, {Foremost}.] 1. Preceding all others… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • first water — n. the best quality and purest luster: said of diamonds, pearls, etc., but also used figuratively …   English World dictionary

  • first water — noun the highest quality gems • Hypernyms: ↑superiority, ↑high quality * * * noun 1. : the highest quality or purest luster used of gems (as diamonds and pearls) 2. : the highest grade or excellence …   Useful english dictionary

  • first water — /fɜst ˈwɔtə/ (say ferst wawtuh) noun 1. the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone. 2. the highest rank, quality or degree: a musician of the first water. {from the grading of diamonds where quality is indicated by… …  

  • first water — first′ wa′ter n. 1) jew (formerly) the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone Compare water 13) 2) the finest quality; highest rank • Etymology: 1745–55 …   From formal English to slang

  • first water — 1. (formerly) the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone. Cf. water (def. 13). 2. the finest quality; highest rank. [1745 55] * * * …   Universalium

  • first water — Meaning Of the highest quality. Origin From the gem trade. The clarity of diamonds is assessed by their translucence. The more like water, the higher the quality …   Meaning and origin of phrases

  • first water — noun Date: 1753 1. the purest luster used of gems 2. the highest grade, degree, or quality …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • first water — noun a) The highest quality of gemstones, especially of diamonds and pearls. b) Of the highest rank or quality …   Wiktionary

  • first water — n. top and highest quality gems …   English contemporary dictionary

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