It was a D quality flawless diamond, almost two carats. I asked the customer if I could loupe it. He handed the tiffany-set solitaire to me. I placed the loupe close to my right eye and looked first at the table of the stone, I turned it slowly – even slower. I was enveloped in the clarity and colorless,  brilliant-cut diamond. I looked at each side (the pavilion) and from the bottom (through the culet).  Flawless – clearer than pure distilled water.

 I handed the platinum ring back. “It’s spectacular. Thank you. I felt a sense of peace as I looked at it.” “Yes,” he said, I know, there is always peace in beauty.” This was spoken to me over twenty years ago, when I managed a fine jewelry store. 

 I was in Galveston this weekend. The gulf water was a teal blue. The foam was frothy white. There was the lightest of breeze, and the sun was warming the sand, and our faces, as we walked to the pier.  The ocean was beautiful. There was great peace.

That’s when I remembered the encounter with the diamond man.  There is always peace in beauty.  We are fortunate right now in the Texas Gulf; the oil spill is not affecting us. However, those in the other Gulf States are not so blessed. The waters are not beautiful. The waves are not white.  The faces are not happy.

We have friends in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida.  They spend most of their waking hours trying to help, or worrying about what can be done, and if nothing is done – where will it all end…will it end? 

 Stress is high, anger comes easily, and suicides are increasing. 

I’m sorry to report, there is no beauty in the Gulf, right now.  There is no peace.