A Diamond Lineage

Diamond history is said to begin in India at least 3,000 years ago. The polishing and processing of diamonds is still predominantly done in India. The ancient Greeks provide the source of the name "diamonds" from the Greek word "adamas". The artistry and craftsmanship involved with setting precious stones goes back thousands of years, and has been passed on to the artisans of today.

There is one amazing diamond lineage that can be traced back to the time of Moses in the Bible. Some time around 1500 B.C., the ancient Israelis made their exodus from Egypt. As depicted in the Charlton Heston movie, The Ten Commandments, the Law was given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. In addition to the list of commandments, there were many instructions given to Moses regarding how the new nation would be organized.

The nation was divided into twelve tribes, according to the twelve sons of Israel. One tribe, made up of the descendants of Levi, was appointed to be a tribe of priests. The Levite who would be the High Priest was the only one who could approach the Ark of the Covenant to make sacrifices on behalf of the nation on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).

The High Priest was given a special set of garments to wear, which contained many precious stones. In the book of Exodus, Chapter 28, jewelers and gem cutters from the tribe of Levi were commanded to fashion the priestly outfit to exact specifications. Included in the "uniform" was a breastplate on which were set twelve precious stones. The jewels were arranged in four rows of three. The third stone on the second row is a diamond. The gold and gemstone craftsmen were given the responsibility to fashion all of the precious metal and stones involved in ancient Israeli worship ceremonies.

One of the leaders today in the design and sale of champagne or chocolate diamonds is the LeVian family of jewelers. According to their posted history, Mr. A. LeVian founded the company in the United States in 1950 after immigrating from Persia. It was in that ancient land where he inherited a storied and famous trade from a long line of family jewelers who trace their lineage directly to the tribe of Levi.

Chocolate diamonds are birthed in the geologic history of the earth, but their human history is also a tribute to their staying power. Though their wild popularity may be relatively new, they are one of the least transient things on earth. Chocolate diamonds, relatively speaking, are indeed forever.

By Kenner Beckley