Tall, fine bust, sloping shoulders; long, graceful neck: olive complexion, dark and clear; noble features; eyes rather like Mr. Rochester’s: large and black, and as brilliant as her jewels. And then she had such a fine head of hair; ravenblack.
– Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre, Chapter 16. Mrs. Fairfax describes to Jane the beautiful Blanche Ingram, said to be greatly admired for her musical accomplishments. Mrs. Fairfax tells how she heard Blanche and Rochester sing a duet together. An apt simile is used to compare the brillance of the wealthy socialite’s eyes to her jewels.