There'a an interesting echo here of the lure and lust
for the Ring in the reactions of Bard and Thranduil to
the Arkenstone (and the hobbit's comparative, but
not total, immunity to its allure).
Quote:
The Elvenking himself, whose eyes were
used to things of wonder and beauty, stood up in
amazement. Even Bard gazed marvelling at it in silence...
Then Bilbo, not without a shudder, not without a glance
of longing, handed the marvellous stone to Bard, and
he held it in his hand, as though dazed.
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