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Isaac gave her a flashlight and a leather-bound notebook containing his notes about gemology. She had talent in discerning jade, but now she needed a solid understanding and practical knowledge of gemstones, which was vital for pricing and designing.

Lessons on the conventions of labeling a piece of jewelry: name, year, type of jewelry, size, metal, gemstones, and techniques used.

Then trips to the jewelry shops of Shanghai: renowned French jewelry shops, Italian boutiques, and American jewelry companies in the Concession and the Settlement—Cartier, Tiffany then, one day, she was away from the counter, and when she returned, the pendant was not inside.

“The new flower pendant Father made? It’s sold,” Esther said.

That was her first piece of jewelry. Sold in a week!

Anyu burst into the workshop. “My pendant!”

The clack of the tools ceased. Uncle David and Samuel raised their heads, and Isaac rubbed his face. “What is it?”

“It sold in a week!”

Isaac sat up, and the placid visage that had been etched in her mind and visited her in her dreams countless times changed. His lips curved and the skin at the corners of his eyes crinkled to form a breathtaking smile, a smile of pride, a smile of deep affection. “That was quick.”

“Will you introduce me to Mrs. Brown?”

Isaac leaned over the lamp and picked up a black envelope from a stack of papers. “Her soiree is next Friday. By invitation only.”