What do you do at work each day?
My daily routine consists of sourcing diamonds for specific requests from clients, including other diamond traders, jewellers, individuals and manufacturing jewellers. I also purchase polished diamonds from local and international manufacturers to keep as stock-hold. My stock varies, based on the supply and demand of the international diamond market, [and] personal preference.
How did you get into the diamond industry?
My father was involved in the diamond trade many years ago, and he pushed my sister and me to be involved too. The industry can be cliquey - entrance is usually restricted to references through family or close friends. Trust is a commodity almost as rare as the diamonds themselves, considering the values at hand and the temptation that invariably accompanies the trade.
What do you love about diamonds, and what do you look for in a diamond?
I find the process - from taking the stone in its rough form to producing a shimmering, sparkling beauty - captivating. Understanding the properties of the stone and how it interacts with the light to create the sparkle and shimmer that is unique to diamonds is also captivating. The manufacturing process - knowing the patience, control and skill required to cut the facets at the precise angles to maximise the internal refraction of light in the stone, and the painstaking time involved in manufacturing a single stone - adds to the beauty and the value attached to each tiny, rare beauty. Every bit of weight lost in this process is technically money lost, and that places a huge responsibility on the people involved in the process. The amount of care and attention required to plan and produce each stone according to its natural characteristics is immense. I truly have respect for diamonds, their prices, their rarity, and the skills required. Lastly, I love the awe and wonder diamonds inspire in their admirers.
What do you find most meaningful about your job?
With any industry that involves large values and high risk, there is an attraction for individuals who are dishonest. I love ensuring that my clients are content and satisfied in knowing I have provided them with a quality service, sound advice and honesty. They leave me with their minds at ease that they have not been ripped off, or been sold anything other than what they were shown. I also love how my industry connects us around the world in this universal language of diamonds.
What is the best career advice you have ever received, and who gave it to you?
I have received sound advice from various influential people in my life. My first employer told me: "Never close the door in business. It is easy for emotions to run high, but they have no place in business and you could easily need someone tomorrow who you don't need today". My last employer, who was my mentor and taught me everything I know, said to me; "Your name and the way you conduct business is all you have in this industry. Do things the right way, always be cautious, work both hard and smart, don't be afraid to get involved, and have trust and faith in your abilities."..