The Diamond's Journey

By Susanne Steiner

The Diamond's Journey tells the story of a set of diamonds from their discovery to their travels from person to person and hand to hand. The Diamond's Journey is a work of fiction, however, many of the elements within the story are based on true stories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781543904673

Book preview

Biography

Sometimes the dullest moments end up shining the most brightly in memory. Or do they? thought Stephanie. Maybe, if she kept repeating it to herself, her attitude would change. She’d been doing the mom thing for several years now, and it was the same but different every day. The same in that her kids drove her nuts and she loved them fiercely anyway, and different in that the things that drove her nuts changed. There was one thing she consistently despised and that was being late.

Get your uniform and put some flip flops on, she yelled as she pushed bangs back from her face and rushed to pull some bottles from the cupboard. She filled them both with cold water from the refrigerator. And don’t forget your belt this time! She was so frustrated: why did she think bangs were a good idea?

Her younger son, Max, smiled at her and yelled, I won’t, as he ran back up the stairs to his room, presumably to get the belt he had forgotten.

Your brother is already in the car. Hurry up and get in. I’m grabbing some waters for you guys, she shouted as she screwed the lids on tightly. What else, what else, what else, she muttered as she tried to remember all the things they needed for the karate lesson.

It was a typical day in the San Fernando Valley: warm, but not yet hot, as spring was just starting to turn into summer. She loved this time of the year because she could be outside at any time and feel comfortable. The weather was one of the reasons she and Scott moved to the area, along with being closer to their parents—closer, but not too close, close enough to visit, but not close enough to pop in.

Stephanie was pacing, trying to remember all the items she needed. Having two young sons and trying to be on time was her biggest challenge of late. She grabbed her purse, her phone, her keys, and the water bottles and headed over to the door to the garage.

Where’s your brother? she asked her older son, Tyler.

I don’t know, he answered without looking up.

Ugh! He’s making me crazy, Stephanie muttered as she loaded up the trunk with the boys’ gear.

The door to the garage opened, and Max ran to the back of the car. He climbed in and buckled his seat belt, his wide grin making her chuckle. She shook her head and started the car.

She drove them to the karate studio and helped them collect all the gear from the car. She could see their teacher stretching his legs on the floor of the studio. He smiled when the boys came up to the door.

Hey guys, glad to see you, he said.

The boys both straightened up, bowed toward their sensei, and entered the studio. Their movements became very regimented. They put their shoes and socks under the bench, placed their bags on the bench, and stepped toward the mat. They bowed at the mat and each raised a hand, requesting permission to step onto the mat. Stephanie’s eyes sparkled as she watched them. After a few minutes of watching them stretch and start their lesson, she planted herself on the floor, legs crossed, and started to play a game she had on her cell phone. She was on level 68 and for some reason could not get past. Tyler had also tried, and he couldn’t do it either; in her mind this cemented the fact that the game had a glitch in it. She kept trying, though, because she was the type who would not give up until she figured it out. It was irritating, but at least it was a little break from the rest of her crazy day.

Her phone rang just as she was about to zap the last bomb coming toward her castle. Annoyed, she glanced at the number. It was Scott. She got up and hurried out of the room to keep from disturbing the class.

Hey sweetie, what’s up? she said softly.

Hey baby, how are you? Scott asked.

About the same as the last time we spoke, stressed, irritated, and frazzled. Nothing new here. Just brought the boys to karate, and we’ll be home around six-fifteenish, she said.

We need to talk tonight, Scott said.

Uh oh, that sounds ominous, Stephanie replied.

Nothing serious. Just about my mom and dad’s will, said Scott.

You know I don’t want to talk about the will! Plus, I thought we already decided we didn’t want anything from them.

Look hon, I know we said that but they are really serious about getting it all finalized and I want to make one hundred percent sure we are all on the same page, Scott said.

Okay, okay. I’ll see you at home. I’ll grab some chicken take-out or something.

Okay, babe, I’ll see you soon. Love you.

Love you more, said Stephanie. She blew a large puff of air out of her lungs, leaning her head back on the brick wall outside the karate studio.

After dinner that night, the boys excused themselves to do their homework, leaving Scott and Stephanie alone in the dining room.

So what is there really to talk about here? asked Stephanie, as she piled up the plates to take into the kitchen. Scott took another sip of his red wine and sighed.

Look hon, I know you don’t like talking about my parents’ will, but I just want to be sure that we agree on how all this should be handled, Scott replied, leaning back in his chair. You know my mom’s not going to let up until we put our stake on something.

It just makes me feel really weird, talking about who gets this and who gets that, and they’re not even close to being dead! Stephanie exclaimed. I don’t like the idea of picking apart their things.

Well, they are getting a lot older. They’re in their eighties for Chrissakes, Steph. They’re not going to live forever, you know. They’re just trying to be practical and plan ahead.

I know, I know, Stephanie sighed. Is there anything of theirs that you really want? I mean, they’ve got three properties . . . and then your mom has all those weird collectibles in her house. Do you want to look at clown figurines in the future? Seriously, she’s like on the verge of being a major hoarder, Stephanie said, picking up her wine glass and swirling the last few sips. She stood next to Scott’s chair and he put his arms around her waist. She stroked his hair as he rested his head against her.

That’s true. I can’t stand all the weird items my mom collects. Tommy wants all her pink depression glass, and Jarrod wants the paintings, some of which are really awesome and valuable. You know she got some as a gift from that guy when she was working at the university and he’s dead now, so that stuff will probably go up in value, Scott said.

"We don’t really need more stuff, you know? It would be different if it had some sort of meaning or something."

Stephanie thought for a moment.

What about that ring? she asked.

What ring? said Scott.

Your grandma’s ring, the one your mom always wears, the diamond one.

Eleanor’s ring? asked Scott.

"Eleanor’s ring? Who is Eleanor?" asked Stephanie.

The big diamond ring my mom wears was my granny’s, but she got it from her best friend, Eleanor, when she died, said Scott.

Well, said Stephanie, it’s a gorgeous ring, and I know you were so close to your granny. I mean, you lived with her for quite a while, right?

Yeah, I lived with her at the beach, Scott said wistfully, his eyes taking on a faraway look. He leaned his head back as Stephanie rubbed his head. I loved it there, and I loved her so much. I used to help her out at Eleanor’s once in a while too. Granny used to have me wash all the old ladies’ cars and do the grocery shopping. I did little odd jobs too, here and there, fixing screen doors, cleaning rain gutters. Granny took care of Eleanor for a couple of years once she got sick and that’s how she got the ring. I was there when she passed away. It was really sad. Granny and Eleanor were really close. When I spent summers with granny as a kid, I hung out a lot with Eleanor’s kids at their house. They were always doing fun stuff.

Then that might be something worth bringing into our little family, as it ties to your granny, and we don’t have anything of hers really to remember her by, said Stephanie. Ask your mom about that and if she’s okay with it, and then if it’s all good, we’ll just stick with the ring.

Scott looked up at Stephanie and smiled at her. You got it sweetheart. I think that’s awesome. I dig the fact that you’re thinking of my granny. I forgot all about that ring. Come here, he motioned for her to lean down and gave her a quick kiss. I’ll call my mom tomorrow, and I’ll let her know.

Patricia returned the phone to its cradle and looked down at her hand. Her mother’s ring enchanted her to this day. She loved how it was set and kept it exactly the same as it had been given to her. Her mother had never worn it, had never even really bothered with it except to give it over to her. What do I need this for? Dorothy had said to her when Patricia tried to refuse it. Patricia had always admired the ring but wanted her mother to enjoy it as she had been so close to Eleanor. But Dorothy was adamant about giving it over to Patricia. She had kept it for almost a decade in a drawer and had taken it out only when Patricia told her she would help her move to an assisted living facility closer to Patricia’s sister.

Scott was the youngest of Patricia’s three sons and a bit of a surprise. She’d been told she couldn’t have any more children and then, surprise, she was pregnant. Back in the early sixties, she’d been told she could have him aborted as she was considered advanced in age and doctors felt it was risky for a woman of forty to carry a child. She wasn’t concerned though and was thrilled to have another baby after being told she wouldn’t be able to. She’d also had her mom to help her out because her older boys needed her attention with school and sports and after-school activities. Her mom had been her savior, taking care of Scott from the time he was born until he headed into kindergarten. They shared a tight bond over the years, and Scott loved being around his granny. Once Scott was in school and Dorothy wasn’t needed as much, Scott visited her during the summer break, her little apartment becoming his second home.

Patricia remembered the first time she met Stephanie. She smiled at the thought. Scott was so nervous and obviously very proud. They all enjoyed a dinner out at a restaurant where the waiters sang show tunes and opera in between serving courses. Stephanie sang along, loudly, and badly, but with a free spirit that Patricia admired. They had laughed all evening. Stephanie had a spark in her eyes that shone whenever she was around Scott.

Scott and Stephanie had been a great fit from the start. They complemented each other and still looked happily in love, even after several years of marriage and two children. Not an easy thing to do, thought Patricia. Having been married over sixty years, she knew in her heart that Stephanie and Scott would make it no matter what.

Patricia and Stephanie’s relationship had not always been perfect. The youngest one was always the hardest to let go of, but, over time, the women came to understand each other well. It was a bit of give and take, but each of them had flexed and bowed and now they worked well together. The key for Patricia was the way Stephanie treated Scott, the way they were always touching each other—a gentle pat on the shoulder, a helping hand when one or the other appeared to struggle, the generous hugs for any reason, especially for no reason. They teased each other mercilessly and laughed often. When things got tough, they stood together, fingers entwined.

Patricia had been very close to her mother and held the memories of her very dear. She was happy to have Stephanie as a daughter-in-law and was glad to give her something special that had family ties.

Patricia called both of her other boys and relayed the information about the ring. She laughed when they mentioned they had no idea what she was talking about. It figured. They were not ones to notice a ring on a woman’s finger. Stephanie, being a woman and having a keen sense of style, noticed everything.

Patricia was happily reviewing several items laid out on a table at a local garage sale when she had a strange sense of foreboding. She looked up and slowly glanced around the table and noticed a young man eyeing her. Something about him seemed off, and although she could not put her finger on why she felt uneasy, she decided she should head home. The young man followed her around the table, and she glanced back again and noticed he had moved quite close to her and was looking at her hand. He had seen her ring. He sensed she noticed his interest, and he swiftly grabbed for the ring. He had her wrist in one hand and was trying to wrench the ring off her finger. He pulled at the ring, but his stance was awkward, Patricia’s arm was twisted and he ended up knocking Patricia down, almost falling on top of her.

The situation was suddenly cut short.

Excuse me, I thought you were interested in these crystal candlesticks and this framed oil painting? a woman’s voice shouted in Patricia’s direction. You left them stacked over here, she said, sounding frustrated. Looking up, her eyes opened widely as she saw Patricia on the ground and rushed over to her. She yelled out at the young man, but he was already halfway down the street, running at full speed.

Are you alright? the woman asked, her attitude changing from irritated to genuinely concerned upon seeing Patricia on the ground. She knelt down and lifted Patricia up to a sitting position. She hesitated a moment, scanning Patricia for any injuries or bumps on the head.

Yes, I’m . . . I’m fine. Thank you, Patricia said unsteadily, breathing heavily. The woman helped her up to a standing position.

What happened? You look white as a ghost! the woman exclaimed. She walked over to a folding chair and sat Patricia down.

It was that young man. I don’t know, I think . . . I . . . Patricia mumbled, as she sat down in the chair, trying to calm her breathing. I think he wanted to steal my ring.

She glanced around, frightened, but the young man was gone. It was then that her decision was made.

S tephanie, I’m giving you the ring now, Patricia said on the phone.

The incident at the garage sale had spooked Patricia, and the ring was too precious to lose to some thief. She was getting old. Hell, she was old, and she was a candidate for theft if she wasn’t more careful.

Patticake, you do not have to give me that ring right now, Stephanie sighed. I only chose it because you were so insistent that we pick something. I wanted it as a memory of your mom and her friend Eleanor since Scott treasured his time with them. You should continue enjoying wearing it as long as you want. Plus, where the heck would I wear it? I mean, I’m just hanging out at the house or at the park with the kids. What do I need a diamond ring for right now? We just mentioned it because you wanted us to choose something.

I understand, sweetheart, but listen to me. I want you to have it now. I know you want to honor my mom, and that means a lot to me, honey. She would have been so proud of you and Scott. You are getting the ring and it’s not part of the will. Just consider it a gift, from me to you, Patricia said.

Stephanie was silent on the other end of the phone line. There was not much more she could say. She swallowed heavily and sighed. She really loved the ring and what it represented. She knew how much Scott adored his granny and how much it would mean to wear the ring in her honor. She sighed.

I’m not going to argue about this ring anymore, she said. It’s clearly your decision, but honestly Patty, I really can’t imagine wearing it right now.

I know it’s the right thing to do, Patricia said.

They said their goodbyes and hung up.

One Saturday, a few weeks later, the family was meeting for brunch at one of their favorite restaurants. The location was ideal, because Scott and Stephanie’s boys could play out on the expansive lawn when they were finished eating their plates full of shrimp cocktail and chocolate-covered strawberries. Stephanie was outside with the boys while Scott was finishing up his cup of coffee. They always had something in the car to keep the boys entertained when they became antsy during long meals with family. Patricia asked Scott where Stephanie was. He lifted his cup and indicated toward the window as he swallowed his last bit of coffee. Patricia nodded and smiled at Scott.

I’m giving it to her today, Patricia said, smiling.

What? Scott asked, somewhat confused.

The ring. I’m giving her the ring today.

Scott looked at his mother and smiled. She’ll be very pleased, mom, he said, smiling back at her, and I know granny would be, too.

Patricia made her way slowly outside. She inhaled the fragrance from the old orange grove that hugged the lawn the boys were playing ball on. Stephanie was there, wearing a beautiful flowing dress with high heels that were sinking into the grass. She was trying to throw a softball to Tyler, without toppling over, while Max ran around trying to catch the ball wherever it landed. They were all shouting, and Stephanie was trying to instruct them in the game they were trying to play. They were laughing at Max’s antics in the grass.

Patricia called out to the boys and asked them to give Stephanie a break for a moment. They agreed and kept playing while Stephanie tried to walk to Patricia, having to lift each foot up awkwardly to keep from falling as her heels sunk and re-sunk into the soft grass.

What’s up Patticake? Stephanie said, giggling as she tried to walk over. I should have brought some sneakers with me.

Patricia removed the ring from her finger and handed it to Stephanie. Stephanie’s eyes lit up when she saw the ring. She sucked in her breath. The ring was so beautiful. Stephanie had never had a chance to look at it so closely until that day. The center diamond was quite large, larger than she had remembered. The band was thin and shiny, and the side diamonds were an unusual trapezoid cut she had never seen before. She leaned in toward Patricia and gave her a tight hug. Thank you, she whispered, her voice choking up, thank you.

At home that evening, Stephanie was looking closely at the ring. She was sitting cross-legged on the bed, looking at it intently.

Scott, I think we need to have this insured, she said.

Yeah, that’s probably not a bad idea, Scott murmured, not looking up from the paperwork he was reviewing for work.

Seriously, I think this is maybe worth more than I anticipated, Stephanie said staring at the ring. She held it over to him to look at.

Scott glanced over and nodded. Yeah, okay. That’s a good idea. Why don’t you take it to that local jewelry guy you go to and have it appraised? I’ll call our insurance agent and let them know we have it and get it covered. We’ll need an appraisal, though.

Stephanie pulled it back and looked deeply into the center diamond. It’s full of fire, she said.

The door to Dino’s jewelry store buzzed.

Hey there, Stephanie, how’s the family? Dino Rieti said, stepping out to greet her as she walked in through the jeweler’s doors.

Oh, you know, they are trying to send me to the crazy house, but I try to keep one step ahead, she smiled.

He laughed. That sounds just about right. How old are they now, ten? Eleven?

Yeah, ten and twelve and going strong, she said.

Well, what can I do for you today? Dino smiled.

I got this ring from my mother-in-law, and I wanted to have you check it out. It was a gift from a friend, but I don’t know much more about it. She pulled the ring off her right ring finger and handed it to him.

Dino lifted it up and peered at it in the light of the shop. He whistled.

Wow, this is something special, he said.

He took his time turning it over, checking it for what, she wasn’t sure. He pulled a jeweler’s loupe out of his shirt pocket and peered at it intently.

I want to get it insured as I think it’s worth a little more than my wedding ring, she started.

First of all, we need to fix it, Dino said. He showed her two cracks in the band of the ring, near the side diamonds.

You’re lucky the stone hasn’t fallen out. The prong on this side is unstable, he continued. He showed her that he could move the stone in the prongs by gently pushing on one side.

How much will that cost? Stephanie asked, sighing. This was not what she was expecting. She had looked closely at the ring too but had not seen the cracks or the loose prong.

Not too much, probably between fifty and one hundred to get it fixed and secure everything, Dino said.

Stephanie chewed on her lip, saying, Okay, that’s not too bad, we can do that. I also want to get it appraised for insurance purposes, so what do you think it’s worth?

At least . . . fifty-thousand, Dino said.

What? Did you say fifteen or fifty thousand? Stephanie was shocked.

"Fifty, five zero. This is a special diamond, Stephanie. Yes, it’s large, maybe three carats, but more importantly this is an ideal cut, sometimes called the European cut. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was in Marcel Tolkowsky’s hands. The cuts are incredibly specific. No one cuts diamonds like this anymore. Now everything is cut with lasers and computers. My best guess is that this diamond ring is just over one hundred years old. He was peering at it intently through his loupe. Also, the setting is platinum and the side diamonds are also of high quality and well cut. See this trapezoid cut? You don’t see that often."

Are you serious? she asked. She almost laughed out loud from shock.

Not only am I serious, but also if you had this laser recut, the value would increase exponentially because it’s already a large diamond, and it’s especially clean. It has very few, almost zero, inclusions and the color is spectacular.

Stephanie stood silently; she could not find anything to say. She leaned against the counter in disbelief. This was way beyond what she was expecting. All this time Patricia had been wearing it around town, even to garage sales!

Dino kept turning the ring in his hands, continuing to look at it through his loupe.

Dino continued. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen a diamond that has this much fire and clarity, and I’ve seen a lot of diamonds in my time. Take a look here. Can you see the fine lines here? He pointed out some squiggles she couldn’t really make out. This is a hallmark.

A hallmark? Stephanie asked. Like from a specific country or company?

Dino smiled at her. "Not just any company. The company. This ring . . . Dino said, dragging out the sentence as Stephanie’s heart started to race. This ring . . . is from Tiffany’s, and the hallmark is original, from . . . I’d say turn of the century. Calculating that out, the diamond could really be from Brazil. I’ve never seen one before, but . . ."

Brazil? Stephanie asked.

Yes. It’s such an old setting, and the diamonds . . . well the diamonds are even older, Dino paused, looking closely at the diamonds through the loupe. The cut I can understand, but the diamonds . . . something tells me, they’re older. Dino was entranced, turning the diamonds slowly, studying them. If this is an early Tolkowsky cut, and Tiffany set the stones . . . Dino said slowly, his mind working. He looked up toward Stephanie. Brazilian diamonds are very rare. The mines were operating only a short period of time before they dried up. The diamonds were spectacular though. I can’t confirm they’re Brazilian, but from what I know about them, these seem to fit the bill.

"Brazil? I didn’t even