Reckless and headstrong Jan Shapiro resigned himself to the fact that he would never learn the intricate skills of diamond cutting. But this was the family business and his father, a devout Jew, saw it as Jan's duty to follow in his footsteps. Depressed and frustrated, Jan rashly decided to leave his native Amsterdam and his childhood sweetheart to begin a new life. He would set sail for South Africa and find work in the diamond mines. On board the ship he teamed up with Harry Templeton, an eager young Englishman, and the two journeyed together to the diamond mines. What lay ahead was a story of passion, love, betrayal - and riches beyond measure.