Stone of Destiny

Most unusually for Ion Idriess, this is not wholly an Australian tale.

This book is an education on diamonds, from their formation and sources to their assessment, cutting and value. There is also information of industrial diamonds and general grading of diamonds, as well as the stories and histories of some of the worlds most famous diamonds.

The most unusual part of the book however, is the format. Idriess uses the family of Jules Joris (who later in the book becomes the main character) in Belgium, and describes their life as Jules, his three brothers and sister learn about the family diamond trade from their father and his three brothers. From the earliest age, the children are taught and tasked with work related to diamonds and through the reader sharing these lessons, Idriess imparts the information.

Alphons Joris (father of Jules) was well respected in the diamond trade, and over the course of the book builds up his business several times over. A major setback from from a deal where the promissory note doesn't provide the cash, result n him having to sell of many of the assets, and other setbacks in the form of the intervention of war, and German occupation of Belgium.

As the four brothers grow to adults, they undertake learnings from other jobs within the diamond trade, working for other craftsmen to find their own niche, but as war intervenes Jules' eldest brother is killed and a younger seriously injured. As his father contemplates retirement, Jules determines than a new war threat is coming and undertakes to relocate his family (wife, daughter and son) to Australia.

The last third of the book describes establishing himself in Australia, his developments in industrial diamonds for trade (and war) and how he brought Australian diamonds to the world.

I thought this book fascinating, and with a little poking about on the internet was not overly surprised to find, once again, that Idriess was not making things up, and this story was heavily based on fact - Jules Joris is credited in the introduction for his assistance in the book. Idriess' short diversions onto historical diamonds of the world was excellent, and I enjoyed reading about the Star of India, the Koh-i-noor, the Stanthorpe diamond and the Cullinan diamond, among others.

4 stars