After President Dean Casperson rang the actual bell (for the past few months at home he has been using a wine glass), President Elect Chana Stocke gave us our Rotary Reflection on the importance of understanding the language of love. Random gifts (diamonds come to mind) are a part of that language along with words of support, quality time, acts of service (think Rotary), and physical touch.
As we now return to in person meetings, members will need to fill their pockets with cash for the Golden Can! ZOOMIES can mail their checks into the Rotary Office! Barb Perrella contributed in honor of her mother Dorothy’s 85th birthday. Jeff Bradt was excited for his actor son Luke who is going to law school, having passed the LSAT entrance exam. A great combination on skills for a trial lawyer! Jerry Pelofske made an appeal for members to serve in the virtual science fair being held On Saturday February 27. On line service would be required from about 8:30 until Noon. Our Club has been assigned to judge the environmental projects. Past President Jerry Ostroski, currently serving as President of our very own Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation, presented a Westmoreland Crest to Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom and Babs for their very generous donation. Jena Evans was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by Phil Strom for her efforts in supporting family, service to healthcare, and Rotary. Jena Evans was graceful in her acceptance by stating “it is an honor to serve.
Phil Strom, Jena Evans with President Dean Casperson
Renee Mattson, Chair of the Day introduced one of our newest members Jack Seiler. Both were on the large Zoom screen at the front of the room, demonstrating again the agility and nimbleness of a Club with 110 years of service! Jack Seiler continues to be a force within the diamond and jewelry industry both as a member of the AGS (American Gem Society) and as a former owner of Security Jewelers with 50 years of service to customers. He considers his vocation fun as he helps people celebrate life cycle events - as compared to an Attorney or Funeral Director (there may be a work zone fine in here somewhere).
Diamonds have been valued forever, at least as far back as Roman times. The copyrighted phrase “Diamonds are Forever” was developed in 1947 for a De Beers advertising campaign that restored the industry after the depression and gave us the modern concept of a diamond engagement ring. (Take that James Bond!) The mining of diamonds at an industrial scale began in 1866 in Kimberley South Africa. Mines have been developed in many parts of the world including India, Australia, Russia, and in 2000 near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. As can happen with any item of value easily transported, diamonds for a time became embroiled with civil unrest within the mining districts and black markets. To counter abuses and help to eliminate the trade in conflict diamonds the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme was adopted. This process was designed to ensure that diamonds did not come out of the conflict zones through illegal means. It was 80% effective. Not until the adoption of laser technology to inscribe the source of stones did source tracking become truly effective.
The value of diamonds is based upon a combination of the 4C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat as graded by the GIA (Gemology Institute of America). For years grading was done by a panel of 20 individuals. Today diamonds are measured and graded dependent upon the ability of a stone to refract laser light through its 58 facets. The amount of light refracted is coded and inscribed by laser into the girdle of the stone. In 2010 it became possible to create diamonds that were of jewelry grade. The latest campaign, along with “Diamonds are Forever” is the tag line “Real is Pure”. The jury is out as to when, if ever, manufactured diamonds will capture our imagination and compete with the allure of natural stones.
Jack Seiler speaking of his vocation
Rotary Fellowship upon return to in person meeting during the time of COVID