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A Well-Deserved

Lesson

"Never again would I ever judge a book by its cover." Isaac Levy

Many years ago, during one of the business trips that Orna blue sapphire jewelry. ”Can I have this back please?” I ask
and I made to America, we held a trunk show in Savannah her impatiently. “How much are they?” she inquired, holding
Georgia, at one of our retailers. On the first day of the show, them tighter”. “Sorry Ma’am, I really need this set back”, I
during a quiet period, a very refined, elegant lady entered said. “But I asked you how much is it”, she persisted. Irritated
and approached our showcases. The retailer introduced her by her insistence and not wanting to keep Mrs. Billit waiting,
An International art show is an exciting place that with much respect and honor. “Isaac, I want you to meet I replied: “Well, I don’t think you can afford this set”. The
provides the opportunity to share time and space Mrs. Billit, she is one of the most respected ladies in Savannah moment that those words came out of my mouth, I knew that
with other lovers of art from all over the world. and our most valued customer”. Mrs. Billit picked up some I made a terrible mistake. She looked straight into my eyes as
It’s a place to see and be seen. A venue to discover of the most expensive pieces and said, “I like this ruby and she placed the set on the showcase, then turned and left. I
new artwork, an arena for new ideas, and a place blue sapphire necklace and earrings. I have to rush to an ran back to Mrs. Billit with the jewelry and apologized for the
where exciting new relationships are formed.
appointment now, but I’ll be back tomorrow to discuss the delay. We negotiated a price, and completed the sale.
price.
At the end of the week when the show was over, the retailer
The next morning while Orna and I set up the jewelry in called me into his office. Somehow I had already guessed
the showcases, the doors opened and we became busy what was coming. “I know I was rude to a lady at my
greeting and serving the customers. After a while, the retailer showcase. I am so sorry” I said. “Well you should be sorry”,
Yvel takes great pride in called me into his office where Mrs Billit was sitting, and said: he replied. “Not only because you were rude to her, but
“Isaac, Mrs. Billit would like to see the jewelry that she saw
because this lady won 432 million dollars in the Powerball last
partnering with the world’s yesterday”. Excitedly I went back to our showcase to get month and just spent hundreds of thousands of dollars with
leading art shows and presenting the expensive ruby and sapphire set, but it wasn’t there. each of our vendors except you”.
its ‘Art To Wear Collection’ – of Frantically I looked around and said to Orna,“Mrs. Billit is here! I had learned a well-deserved lesson on how to value
Where is the set?” She pointed to a short, heavyset, poorly
authentic wearable works of art. dressed woman standing in front of our showcase, and in customers no matter who they are or where they come from.
her sweaty hands was my beautiful and expensive ruby and And never again would I ever judge a book by its cover.

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