A Diamond in the Rough

by Marilyn Land

  By the end of 1946, the United Nations selected New York as the location for its permanent headquarters; work would soon begin on a 16-acre site along the East River, where a magnificent new complex would rise over the coming years.

  Jake was mesmerized by the view of the City from the car taking them to the hotel. The shops, the office buildings, the people hurrying about the streets, the restaurants were all so vibrant. The London of his youth mirrored New York City while postwar London was forced to endure the long slow process of rebuilding.

  By 1946, the Waldorf Astoria was well on its way to becoming one of the most prestigious and best known hotels in the world. In 1929 to make way for the construction of the Empire State Building, its original site was demolished, and a new building at 301 Park Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets was erected.

  From its inception, the hotel gained international renown for its lavish dinner parties and galas, and was often at the center of political and business conferences involving the rich and famous.

  Their meetings for the most part were scheduled to take place at the Waldorf Astoria hence it was the obvious place for them to stay. As they were shown to their suites, Jake remained in awe of everything around him, unable to shake the bombed out images of London from his mind.

  Their first evening, they dined at Voisin on Park Avenue and walked the City’s streets until they were exhausted. The Broadway lights, Times Square, the retail shops brought back memories of Piccadilly Circus to Jake. They couldn’t resist stopping in at Horn and Harder’s Automat for coffee and pie before returning to the hotel. Inserting a coin into the slot to get a piece of pie was a totally new and delightful experience for the three of them; it was fun.

  Most days, Elena was on her own to shop, do a little sightseeing, visit the many art museums, or sample the eclectic tastes of the City. She made notes of the places she thought Marcus and Jake should visit, and she made reservations each night for dinner at a new and different restaurant.

  For the first week, Marcus and Jake were tied up in meetings pertaining to the ad campaign; the second week, they spent exploring. Marcus had three specific organizations in mind that he wanted to introduce to Jake.

  In 1906, Jewelers of America was founded by jewelers for jewelers, with the goal of advancing the professionalism and ethics of the jewelry industry while representing every facet of the jewelry supply chain. Members’ benefits included not only buyer discounts, but also education programs that covered relevant business topics such as profit strategies, selling techniques, jewelry marketing, product knowledge, legal issues, and more.

  The Gemological Institute of America was founded in 1931 to protect all buyers and sellers of gemstones by setting and maintaining the standards used to evaluate gemstone quality. The Institute’s ultimate goal was to develop an International Diamond Grading System and the Four C’s (cut, clarity, color, and carat weight) as a standard to compare and evaluate the quality of diamonds.

  The Diamond Council of America was founded in 1944 as a forum to educate jewelry sales professionals. DCA was a nationally accredited school that offered jewelers the opportunity to earn professional certifications in diamonds and colored gemstones through distance education that ultimately became known as correspondence courses.

  Each evening at dinner, they discussed their visit of the day, and each day brought new revelations. They took in Broadway, and Jake fell in love with the theatre—in particular, musicals. They saw Annie Get Your Gun at the Shubert and Showboat at the Ziegfeld. For days after seeing each show, he found himself humming or singing the tunes endlessly.

  “Elena, I can’t begin to tell you what I have learned in the past few days. It is overwhelming at times, and yet at others it is so invigorating and inspiring. It shows me that today’s world of diamonds is all about the future far different than my father’s that was all about the past.

  “Once again Marcus, I have you to thank. I gave you my word to think carefully about making my decision to accept your offer, and though you are not expecting an answer until we return to London, I’m going to break my word here and now. I’m in; I’m onboard, however you wish to phrase it. Before we leave New York, I’m hoping to set up a series of future meetings and courses that I can take.

  “Next week belongs to the two of you. Celebrate your Anniversary and explore New York to your hearts’ content. I will be busy taking care of things, but I plan to do some sightseeing on my own. I have but one request; allow me the honor of taking you to the Rainbow Room for dinner to celebrate your Anniversary.

  “As my Papa said to me so long ago, do we have a deal?”

  The next week went by in a whirl. Striking up a conversation with Al Cohen after their meeting at Jewelers of America, he asked for suggestions of must see New York attractions. Al took a liking to the clean-cut young Brit who he learned was an ace RAF pilot. When he said he would be on his own, Al offered to check with his receptionist Molly to see if she would like to show him around the City.

  Jake rose early each day scheduling meetings for his mornings only. Afternoons, Al allowed Molly time off to show Jake around.

  They had such a good time that he invited her to join him for dinner each evening. The last night before he was due to sail for England, Al managed to secure reservations for them at the Stork Club and picked up the tab.

  As they walked to the station for Molly to catch the subway to Brooklyn, they talked about the evening and how much fun it had been. “I don’t remember when I had so much fun Jake. I hope you’re taking back the best of New York.”

  “That I am, and I have you and Al to thank for a good portion of that. I hope all Americans realize how fortunate they are that the War didn’t land on the doorstep of their homeland. England was not so lucky. But that aside, as the saying goes I love New York, and London will be back.”

  Suddenly, Molly turned and kissed him full on the lips. He pulled her close and kissed her back then quickly released her. “I’m sorry; I can’t.”

  Embarrassed she said, “No, I’m the one who should apologize. It was presumptuous of me at best and totally out of character for me. I took advantage of you after you’ve treated me like a lady and showed me nothing but kindness and respect. You’re one in a million Jake Lyons; I hope the one who has your heart knows and appreciates what she has coming home to her.”

  Jake was speechless; he made no attempt to correct her. “No apology necessary; I had a wonderful time, and I would do it all over again. I enjoyed every minute I spent with you. We did have fun, and we laughed a lot. Laughing is good for the soul.”

  They reached her station; Jake hugged her and thanked her again.

  Walking back to the hotel, he thought of the Empire State Building—the tallest building in the world, the museums, Rockefeller Plaza, Central Park, the restaurants—“21” Club, the Brown Derby, El Morocco, Voisin, the Stork Club, the Rainbow Room, Tavern-on-the-Green, Horn and Harder’s Automat, and Diamonds. He was excited just thinking about what lay ahead.

  For a few brief moments, he had allowed himself to be lost in the kiss until he realized that as Molly was kissing him, he was kissing Lexi. Proving once more neither he nor his heart was close to letting her go.

  They sailed for London the next day. It had been quite a crossing. Marcus and Elena had celebrated their 40th Anniversary; Marcus and Jake had taken care of business for De Beers; and they had taken New York by storm.

  Eager to begin and up for the task, Jake was about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

  Throughout the 1930s, Pan American Airways (Pan Am) and Trans World Airlines (TWA) were in competition to establish the first commercial transatlantic flights.

  Howard Hughes the owner of TWA arranged a meeting with executives from Lockheed Aircraft Corporation to outline his vision of what he called the airline of the future. Expressing his concerns that Lockheed’s L-044 Excalibur under develop
ment at the time did not meet his requirements.

  When the meeting ended, Lockheed agreed that in lieu of modifications, it would start from scratch using some original characteristics of the Excalibur. The new design was given the designation of L-049 Excalibur A. Hughes dissatisfied when called in to look at a scale mockup called for additional modifications. Ultimately, the name Excalibur was dropped, as the new aircraft had nothing in common with the original design. The name Constellation was picked up as a nickname until the intervention of the military.

  When the United States entered WWII, the Constellation was selected for wartime production placing Lockheed’s production lines under military control for the duration of the War.

  As WWII drew to a close, large quantities of military surplus became available on the civilian market along with the cancellation of those remaining in production. With the Constellation’s design at risk, Lockheed purchased the remaining transports in production and reconverted them to civilian airliners putting them up for sale. This placed the development of the L-049 months ahead of the competing Boeing 377, Douglas DC-6, and Republic RC-2 Rainbow which were all still on the drawing board.

  It was from the exigencies of WWII that the crossing of the Atlantic by plane grew to become an even more practical and commonplace possibility; a possibility whose future was now.

  The first production L-049 flew on 12 July 1945 and was delivered to TWA on 14 November 1945. Pan Am received its first L-049 on 5 January 1946. TWA and Pan Am both began offering flights to and from the United States and England five days a week.

  From their return in late July from the States until November, Jake made two additional trips to New York. His first return trip was in September to meet with the Diamond Council of America about the courses he had completed. He flew on TWA from Heathrow to La Guardia; the trip took 15 hours and 15 minutes.

  On his second trip in November, he and Marcus were scheduled to attend a meeting with the Ayer Agency. Marcus was not too keen on flying and Jake had his work cut out for him. They were due to leave in less than a month and time was growing short.

  He arrived for dinner and rang the bell. Marcus opened the door. “Come in Jake. It’s good to see you.”

  “Thank you. It’s good to see you too. Since we returned from the States, the time has just flown by; it seemed the year had just begun and now it’s almost at its end.”

  Over dessert, Jake decided to give it one more try. “Marcus, I have admitted on many occasions that you have never steered me wrong. Now, I’m asking you, have I ever steered you wrong?”

  Marcus could see what was coming. “No Jake you haven’t, at least not that I recall. But I also can’t recall your ever steering me right or wrong. But, I will make this easy for you. I’ve considered your argument, and you are absolutely right about one thing. It simply does not make sense to travel for two or three times the length of our stay. I’ve already arranged for our flights.”

  “Good for you. I can’t wait to see your reaction.”

  Though nervous at first, Marcus actually enjoyed his first flight. He marveled that you could barely feel the plane moving; that you were served meals and drinks mid-air; that in little more than half a day you were across the ocean and once again on land.

  Upon their return, Jake received a letter from Lulu Walsh. Hoping it was not bad news; he hastily tore open the envelope.

  Dear Jake,

  We hope this letter finds you well and enjoying your return to civilian life. We three are getting along just fine. We find ourselves talking and wondering about you often.

  Please accept our long overdue Thank You for the draft you sent to help get the farm up and running full speed. Though totally unnecessary, it was a big help, and we are once again solvent because of you.

  Under the worst of circumstances, we met a young man that has come to mean so much to us—we miss you Jake. Hope you miss us too.

  Watching over my shoulder, Lila is prodding me to get on with it, and so I shall.

  We are inviting you to come to Guernsey Island for the holidays; that is if you don’t have other plans. Although you were here for one long year, you didn’t get to see much more than our farm.

  Please come and let us introduce you to our beautiful Island. This is the perfect time to pay a visit.

  Love and kisses from all (including Bill), Lulu.

  Jake was pleased with the progress he had made since being discharged from the RAF. He was satisfied with his choices. He loved his cottage, his home; the house in Middlesex had sold immediately; his workshop was to his liking allowing him to spend time with diamonds when he felt the need; he had received his private pilot’s license and spent as much time flying as he could; and he had an actual job other than the military—Consultant for De Beers.

  It was the right time to accept their invitation to visit Guernsey Island. The holidays brought back too many memories; it would be nice to be away from London, away from the memories that haunted him and with whom better than the people who kept him safe.

  The Guernsey Airport is located in the Forest, three miles west southwest of St. Peter Port, the Island’s capital. The Airport was officially opened on 5 May 1939, but the development of regular air services was not commenced until October 1946.

  Jake inquired about renting a plane and flying to the Island himself, but if the weather was bad, it could delay his plans. Instead, he opted to use a regular scheduled passenger service leaving from Southampton using a super marine Sea Eagle flying boat that settled on the waves off St. Peter Port.

  Lulu had been right. Exciting things come to Guernsey during Christmas season. Festive events are planned throughout December with holiday markets, late night shopping in St. Peter Port, and the main man himself—Father Christmas no less turning on the Christmas lights. Throughout the Island families open their homes offering refreshments with all proceeds going to charity.

  Lulu, Lila, and Bill were all there to greet him. They thought he looked splendid and told him so. He had gained weight; his deep blue eyes no longer hollow; his smile warmer than ever. He spent two weeks on Guernsey. They partook of each and every event; they went late night shopping and Jake bought them gifts—sweaters, scarves, and gloves. They took him all over and introduced him to what he believe amounted to the entire population of the Island though they assured him they had missed a few.

  The farm looked good. The sheep that had supplied his 21st Birthday dinner had been replaced. They added two additional Guernsey cows and the farm once again produced and sold dairy products. It was winter, but Lulu’s spring garden had yielded enough vegetables to get them through until next spring. They were proud of what they had accomplished, but didn’t hesitate to thank Jake over and over for his help without which it would have taken much longer. When they tried to return the money he had sent, he wouldn’t hear of it. He made it clear; the matter was closed.

  On New Year’s Eve, they invited him to attend church to pray for a blessed year to come. At first he declined, but reconsidered when he equated it to the Jewish New Year when Jews pray to be inscribed in the Book of Life for another year. He hadn’t been in a synagogue in years, since before he lost his family. The only part of his Jewish faith and his Hebrew lessons that he observed was reciting the Kaddish. It had been a good year for him, and it seemed fitting to enter a house of God and pray for a good year for others.

  It was a new experience for him to observe that everyone sat together, men, women, and children, unlike the orthodox synagogues in the East End where women sat off to the side and at times behind a curtain. He liked that families sat together; that everyone was equal in the eyes of God.

  The two weeks on Guernsey were wonderful. He was grateful for the invitation, and that it had come at a time when he could accept it. He knew that 1947 was shaping up to be a very busy year, and that he would be travelling back and forth to the States. There was n
o doubt that flying would make his life a whole lot easier.

  They traveled to St. Peter Port on January 2nd for his return trip to England.

  He promised that he would fly himself the next time. Bill jokingly told him to make sure he landed at the airport.

  Marcus and Elena had returned a day earlier; they decided to surprise him by meeting him in Southampton. They drove him home, and Jake suggested they have dinner at Mandy’s. Jake told them all about Guernsey and what a beautiful Island he had been on for an entire year and yet saw so little of it until this trip.

  It was good to be home.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Francis Gerety spent her career at the Philadelphia advertising agency N.W.

  Ayer, where she dedicated herself to one client—De Beers. Starting in 1943 and for the next three decades, she wrote all of the Company’s ads, including the iconic phrase A Diamond Is Forever.

  When she first suggested the phrase at a routine meeting in 1947, her male colleagues in the copy department argued that it had no meaning; that the word forever wasn’t even grammatically correct. Gerety didn’t think the line was one of her best either, but by refusing to let it get lost in the shuffle it too became forever.

  The audacity of the statement A Diamond Is Forever placed its emphasis on sentiment and eternity focusing on permanence and timelessness. The more they told their story, the more the public came to see it as fact.

  By associating itself with eternal romance, the diamond solitaire was established as the standard token of betrothal and in the process proclaimed the diamond by far the precious gemstone of choice.

  The success of the De Beers ad campaign would become known as one of the most successful of all time; and A Diamond Is Forever would become known as the best advertising slogan of the twentieth century.

  Once again, the best-laid plans can go awry.