Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
Le Vian Corp. Chairman Larry LeVian, a Man of Faith and Family, Dies at 73
LeVian is remembered for his leadership in the jewelry industry and for being a selfless and compassionate person.

He was 73.
Born in 1951, he was the eldest son of Pary and the late Abdulrahim Ephraim LeVian, who founded the U.S. division of Le Vian after immigrating to the United States in 1950.
Lawrence, better known as Larry, started working at the family jewelry business in 1971 when he was 20 years old.
In a statement from the LeVian family shared with National Jeweler, Larry was described as a “visionary leader in the jewelry industry” who worked tirelessly to build a legacy of excellence and integrity while uplifting others.
Outside of work, his family said he was a pillar of the Mashadi and broader Jewish communities.
“Larry’s life was a testament to his values: selflessness, unity, and compassion,” the family statement reads.
“Everyone who knew him and met him was deeply touched by the amazing person he was.”
Larry is survived by his wife, Angela LeVian; children, Emilia Bassalian, Pamela Livian, Vanessa Livi, and Aaron LeVian; brothers Eddie LeVian and Moossa LeVian; and his sisters, Liza Etessami and Suzy Liviem.
He was flown to Israel Saturday night, accompanied by family, and his funeral took place in Har HaZeitim (The Mount of Olives) in Jerusalem, in keeping with his wishes to be buried in Israel.
The family will begin sitting shiva in New York on Monday, with details to be announced shortly.
Those wishing to honor Larry’s memory can donate to the Great Neck Kosher Food Pantry via check, Venmo, or credit card.
Checks should be made out to the United Mashadi Jewish Community of America (UMJCA) with “Great Neck Kosher Food Pantry” in the memo line and can be mailed to the Le Vian offices, 235 Great Neck Road, Great Neck NY, 11021.
Those wishing to pay via credit card can call 516-487-3636 and ask to donate to the Great Neck Kosher Food Pantry.
The family’s statement noted that Le Vian’s offices will be closed Monday, though trunk shows scheduled to take place across the country will continue as planned to “honor the dedication to excellence that Larry exemplified.”
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