The Hasidic Diamond Industry is Shrinking
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- Опубліковано 16 сер 2023
- Join me for a visit to a blue-collar worker - Mr. Shtessel who works at the 47th Street Diamond District. Mr. Shtessel is a skilled diamond cutter who earns a living by refining rough stones.
I got to know Mr. Shtessel as a tour guide in Hasidic Williamsburg. He is a very friendly man, and when we once talked about his work, I jumped on the opportunity to come visit him in his place of work. Little did I realize that Mr. Shtessel didn't anticipate the camera! Because Mr. Shtessel has no email or internet access, I visited him in Williamsburg to show him the video. He was satisfied with what we've put together, and in his typical style, he said "I'm pretty good for a non-professional, no?"
Here's his business card:
Michael Stoessel
Diamond Cutter
Specializing in Emerald, Princess, Radiant, Cushion, and other fancy cuts.
917 +-647-*0523
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Other videos on the Hasidic economy are:
• The Hasidic Community'...
• How do Hasidic Jews ma...
If you are a person from the Williamsburg Hasidic community and open to sharing your trade, craft, store, or whatever business with us, please write to me at mail@friedavizel.com
#diamond #bluecollarworkers #jewish
Mr. Stoessel is the true gem in this video. Thank you.
During the 1970s they had problems with antisemitism I remember hearing about this through my Father of Blessed memories.
Some 30 years ago, I was invited to visit the Diamond Exchange by a member. It was quite an eye opener. One of his jobs was to take the stones down to the vault in the evening. I asked him what would happen if he just walked through the front door with the stones. He said that everything in the exchange is built on trust, just a handshake is all you needed. The stones are like someone's children, they would be recognized riight away.
exactly thats what I heard from friends
@@pedinurse1
It's like a close family, unless you violate the rules and get your picture on the board.
👍
Diamonds are a girl's best friend! Square cut or pair shaped...
This is SO interesting! I would love to see more videos like this. It would be nice to hear Mr. Shtessel talk about what life was like when he first started out. I loved hearing about the buses that used to be filled with diamond merchants and cutters, and now there is only one. I think he is a walking historian.
I felt the same way!
Totaly agree! That would be the material for a super documentary movie...
OMG!!! Thank you so much for showing an oft misunderstood facet of Judaism as it pertains to commerce. I am a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America and have been in the jewelry business for almost thirty years. My diamond sources are ALL Hasidic and I cherish the relationship of absolute trust I have built with them over that time. It saddens me that the pernicious myths about these people still sicken humanity, and I am thankful for having your channel to spread the truth. Peace and blessings 🙏.
Thank you so much for this comment. I didn't even know there was a Gemological Institute of America!
All the diamonds are STOLEN FROM AFRICA.
I really enjoyed this! Thank you for this! In 1993, my then fiancée (now husband) and I went to the International Gem Dealers Exchange building on 47th on a Saturday morning to buy my engagement ring. It was amazing. A few months later I went back to the jeweler because the stone was loose. They took me upstairs to the little workshop where their diamond setter worked - very close to the diamond cutters. I watched while he re-set my stone. This was a matter of transparency and integrity because there is a huge risk of stone-swapping when you bring in a ring for a repair. I watched, fascinated. During the buying process and also when I watched my ring being re-set, I was stunned by the nonchalance of the professionals. I would be a nervous wreck if I did what they do for a living. When I worked on 48th street nearby, sometimes I would pass 47th on my way to the subway around 5pm. They shut the street down. Cops mounted on horseback, cops on the ground, cops in cars. They carried what looked like machine guns. They were protecting the brinks trucks that took the diamonds and cash to the vaults every night. The process repeated in the morning when they brought the inventory back. Stunning to watch and mind boggling when you consider the value of their contents.
Amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks to your dad for getting us that back stage pass! You could tell how fun it was for him to share his life work with his classmate's darling daughter. Super interesting all around!
He has been waving me down in Williamsburg whenever he sees me. He's having so much fun getting feedback from everyone. Just today he told me someone texted him "so good". He enjoyed the whole ride! He's such a spirit of a man.
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn ❤️
You can see that he is a craftsman who loves and is proud of his work...and such a happy, friendly demeanor.
My grandfather learned how to cut and polish diamonds while living temporarily in Cuba during his escape from Nazi Germany. He had an office in the diamond exchange. I remember going to the “Diamond Club” to visit him and eating at the Diamond Dairy Restaurant.
When I was a kid Hassidim were very visible in the diamond district. I just assumed they must all be very wealthy men.
Thank you, Frieda!
Frieda, I am an executive with The Hanover Insurance Group, a P&C insurance company that takes its name from Hanover Square in lower Manhattan, near the NY Stock Exchange, where the company was founded over 150 years ago. For about 100 years, I think, we have insured jewelers against casualty losses, such as fire and theft, including some of the guys in NY. The diamond part of the business may not be growing, but wrist watches are huge right now, and a number of the places in Manhattan are awesome at finding, refurbishing and selling nice watches. It’s a thing! I would imagine that a video on that part of the business would receive a large number of views! Thank you for this fine video. Your father’s friend is a fine artisan and a true gentleman./Warren
Warren I’m learning so much in each of your comments about you but also the interesting comments you make.
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn I don’t know why you showed up in my feed, last weekend. The UA-cam algorithm can be mysterious. However, because Jackie (my wife) was visiting our daughter last weekend, I binge watched Frieda Vizel videos, in between doing finance work and practicing the clarinet. Although I thought that I understood Jewish philosophy and culture, to the extent possible as an outsider, you have taught me about a different world. Your work is excellent, Frieda./Warren
@@warrenbarnes9653 Oh thank you Warren! I hope you enjoyed making your clarinet music. :)
Fascinating! I feel like we could learn so very much from Mr Stoessel, more than diamond cutting.
I remember visiting New York 20 years ago and seeing the buses arriving in the morning of Hasidic men coming to work. It's fascinating the way things /life /industries change over time. Frieda thank you so much for sharing. Best wishes from Toronto. 🇨🇦😊
The first time I went to New York, on the flight there was a Hasidic Jewish lady with a little boy and girl. The little boy had the curls and the yarmulke and everything. He was so solemn. The little girl was clearly no feeling very well and she was a little fractious, in the way young children can be when not feeling well. Manchester to New York is a long flight, even for an adult. It was miserable for these children. They all spoke Yiddish to each other. Eventually, the little girl needed the restroom. Her mother was clearly conflicted about whether she should take the young girl or stay with the boy. It got to decision time, and I said to the mother to go, I would look after her son. I held her son's hand, and we exchanged names and we began to say the words for things in our respective languages. Mum and sister came back and she was so grateful. It was a thoroughly enjoyable interlude for me, and when we were leaving the plane, the lady stated her thanks again, but best of all, the little boy said thank you **in English**.
Lovely, lovely! Thank you for sharing ❤️
I love videos like this! I cherish a window into someone else’s life. ❤️
I loved this video! Thank you for putting out depictions of chassidim that are authentic. His warmth and openness to curiosity, his personality and dedication all shone through. I love that you’re also breaking the stereotype that all chassidim have no tolerance for Jews who chose a different path
Thank you Frieda! Thank you Mr. Shtessel! This video is wonderful!
Very interesting report about the diamond business, Frieda! Maybe next you could do a tour through B&H? Isn't this a Satmar-owned business? I used to purchase a LOT of my camera equipment there!
So far I can't figure out how to get access to B&H!
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn It probably is a closely held family-owned business...but what do I know?
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn @BandH
@@FriedaVizelBrooklynAs someone who worked there in corporate I highly doubt they would allow a tour of their offices. There's plenty of tours of the store online so that wouldn't be a problem.
My dad is a diamond cutter. His company was featured in a discovery documentary about 30 years ago and he’s featured on it as well. If you want to do another one maybe his company will Allow it
This was wonderful. My Hadische relatives were very involved in the diamond industry. You did a great job presenting one angle of it.
The CUTEST CUTEST man is Mr. Shtessel. May he live to 120
1000%
Omain!
One of the MOST interesting videos you have made yet -- to me. I've been intrigued by rocks, minerals, and precious stones for more than 60 years, always as a hobby not for a living. I wanted to go into the trade as a young man, but was strongly discouraged by people who (I think) were short-sighted. I went in other directions, but never lost my passion. Thank you for this brief but fascinating look into this world. And yes, a series on trades would be wonderful!
What a kind and generous man / gentleman to share his craft & worldview. Thank you much!!
This should be a stop on your tour!!
Ha ha, it's in manhattan; too far away!@@mgb5170
Another fascinating video! Thanks Frieda and thanks for Mr. Stoessel's generous hospitality and letting us in his world.
What an incredible talent Mr. Stessel has to cut diamonds by eye. There are so many precise angles. Especially, with Asscher cut and radiant cut diamonds. The geometry of making them perfect is so complex. The simplest looking cuts are the ones that have to be the most precise. I love an emerald cut! Thanks for a great video. I always wondered about diamond cutters in New York.
Very interesting video! I have jewelry and diamonds that my husband bought for me from the diamond district and I always wondered about the background and history of that area. Dealing with some of the jewelers who were Jewish men was very interesting and a little intimidating to me as a young woman. They only spoke to my husband. I still cherish the beautiful diamonds I have from those craftsmen. I truly enjoy when you go behind the scenes of a small business and we get to see and learn about the different trades and businesses that make the area so special.
If I had the money I would buy something great he made!!!
Thank you sir for what you do!!!!!
This is so interesting. I remember spending time in The diamond district as a child. How things have changed! I love your interaction with Mr S. I hope diamond cutters do not become extinct. What a fascinating trade.
Love your special look into a unique trade, and a tradesman who is as devout yet humble in his love of what he does as any professional of such vast experience could be! Thank you!
If I lived in or around that area, I wouldn’t mind shopping with them. I like to purchase from places that help actual Americans regardless of race or religion. If I ever go out there, I’d love to get a tour. I’m fascinated by Jewish history and the people. I watch the Shoah foundation a lot. I like to listen to each additional experience of what each individual person went through, in their own words. No Hollywood drama added. So many of their stories are so similar but so different at the same time. I’m so grateful that they interviewed each individual person that was mentally able to go back and speak of all the horrors they experienced. As a younger person in school I couldn’t have cared less about any of the history of anything but as a adult in my very early 40’s I feel like I can’t learn enough. I constantly watch videos of the past and all the horrors that went on not only in Europe but in America as well. I think the thing the makes me gravitate forwards Jewish people is I find it very nice that so many Jewish people cherish their families. That is one of the most important things in life to me. It makes me sad that most people I know once the mother passes all the kids kinda go their own ways and aren’t quite as close as when their parents were alive. I hear that same thing where people say they’ve experienced the same thing so often it’s sad and see people discuss it on Facebook as well. When I was a chid, we grew up with very little money and for some reason my parents never got/ wanted government benefits so when we grew up, when a meal was cooked if you don’t eat, you would’ve been extremely hungry but we also had a very close, tight knit family. In the area everyone was seriously like family. I think back to them days with admiration because even with little to nothing we were all so happy. We’d make toys out of everything, country living with us 5 kids was amazing. I think that when I see how close the Jewish people are it reminds me of my fond childhood memories. I made what I feel was the worst choice to build my home in a subdivision where no one talks, you could literally scream as if someone were killing you and they wouldn’t pay attention what so ever. I felt that my kids would make lots of friends because it’s a very nice neighborhood, and theres so many houses but in reality that wasn’t the case. To make it even worse, even the safety is unbelievable. It seems like we’re a magnet for weirdo’s who tend to be middle aged men that drive back in our area that make the hair on the back of your neck Stand up, I’ve probably watched a few too many terrifying documentaries about abductions😩 anyway, I love your channel, keep up the good work. You seem to be a warm, friendly, amazing person. You will do amazing on here showing all the cool Jewish traditions, etc.
This was really interesting. Thank you, Mr. Shtessel for allowing us a little peek behind the curtain. I learn so much from this channel!
Fascinating subject! Many thanks to Mr. Stossel for demonstrating his work and being so a gracious! I would love to see you do a video detailing the work and people of the Hasidic publishing industry.
I'm so happy that lab grown diamonds are the new best option! It is so much easier for me to be able to imagine having something beautiful. I couldn't stomach the idea of the blood on so many of the mined diamonds, I would much rather have a grown one that no one had to suffer for, and I get to pay less for.
Frieda, I found that very interesting. He is a wealth of knowledge. I went into the diamond district in 1980 to get my engagement ring, and it was very busy. I didn’t end up getting one there, but it was very interesting.
OMYGOODNESS this is so great. I had friends that were in the diamond business as I grew up in NYC. Thank you so much for this, I often wondered what happened to this business. My first diamond was bought in this area and it was gorgeous. You do such a wonderful job Frieda. The man is trly a gem, God bless him.
Thank you for this very interesting glimpse into the Diamond industry! Great job!
Thank you to you both. This was, as usual, very interesting. It is nice to see people who enjoy the work they do but sad to know that someone who would be interested in pursuing in this field could not earn enough for a family. Love your channel. 💙
Having grown up in another diamond capital in the world in the golden age of diamonds I know how many people started out after the holocaust as diamond cutters and polishers and ended up as multi millionaire diamond traders. You can succeed anywhere
This was so interesting. Thank you Mr. Stoessel for giving a wonderful lesson about something I knew nothing about. Diamond cutting, part art, part science. Its very special to see such a craftsman at work. Thank you Frieda for your incredible videos about the amazing Hassidic Community in NY.
Mr Shtessel is such a knowledgeable man. That was so interesting I hope you'll do more like this ❤
Frieda, i have a request, i would really love if you did the same kind of interview with a baker! how they made the bread. thank you
Absolutely perfect. I've just watched a film about a Jewish diamond dealer that didn't make it to America. Perfect. Thank you.
What a lovely lovely man. I'm in the UK but it's almost worth travelling to NYC to meet him. You are fortunate that he's friends with your Father. He's made me smile after a really hard day. Bless him. Go and visit him again. I need to see more. I had a piece of jewellery custom made for my 18th birthday (lots of stuff legal then in the UK), reminded me of that. Huge huge huge thank you both. I needed that tonight.
This was so interesting. Thank you both so much for sharing this. I really like that Mr. Shtessel loves what he does for a living.
What an interesting video & what a nice man your, Fathers friend is to be videoed! I never heard of these new kind of diamonds but it’s sad that yet another trade is dying off. Thanks, Frieda!
Frieda, Thanks so much for taking us on this wonderful journey! I loved watching and learning about the making of the diamonds. It reminded me of my Father who would make us jewelry on a lathe and also made beautiful items from our black walnut trees in the yard.
Frieda, you are the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you.
Thank you Frieda for this tour. My father of blessed memory spent most of his career as a Shleifer from Boro Park up until about 2008. Watching this brought back my child hood memories of spending the day with my father in this environment in the diamond district. Thank G-d my father realized the tides were shifting and about the time I was finishing middle school he encouraged me to go to college to pursue a career either as a financial analyst or a lawyer.
Thank you for sharing. I love reading people's personal memories related to such real life things.
I actually worked in a diamond exchange in miami..I would see lots of Hasidic men coming and going. Many chabadnik rabbis seeking donations lol..everyone treated me nicely and it was an enjoyable experience..I never told anyone that I went to the GIA In NewYork..I listened and observed and appreciated the experience.
im a 37 year old male diamond setter from boston been doing it since i was 13 14 thank you for posting the video. ive been to manhattan jewelry buildings many times but never got to see the diamond cutting rooms. frieda your very pretty i have to say that also.
Thanks 😊
This insight was great. Walked through the Diamond District every day for three years to get to the Sixth Avenue subway. Was always in awe of the glittering windows. Got my engagement ring there. What a place.
This is fascinating, thank you Frieda for sharing. This man is from a vanishing generation…so precious to have his testimony
You do a wonderful job Frieda!!! Keep up the great work!!!
💐THANK YOU VERY NTERESTING
Oh I know him, he has a bagel store at some corner in Williamsburg. He is such a nice and sweet guy!
Yes! He’s such a character
What a wonderful video to see. The average person would have never gotten to seen such a a vocation.
I like it a lot the craftsmen docuseries is good idea❤
I am trying hard to get more access!
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn ❤️
I learn so much from you, Frieda. Thank you.
My husband worked for a year in the same district, 47th Street. It is a mind-blowing block. Btw, I like your hair like this.
Do we share a name?! :)
!More more more! My husband is 74. His childhood friends father was a baker in San Francisco, able to support a family of 6 on his salary.
Your father’s friend is really nice and generous to share his work with us. Thanks for the beautiful video of New York. That’s how I remember it when I last visited. Applied geology is really fascinating, especially to find that diamonds, the hardest mineral, can only be ground with diamond dust.
FASCINATING!!! Thank you!
Awesomeness
“You have to schmear the diamond powder” is probably the best sentence I’ve heard on this channel. I know you posted this a bit ago but I’m just seeing it now and I wanted to say thank you for this gem of a video. 🖤
Thanks for watching!!
סתם פאר די נייגעריגקייט, ווי אזוי ביסטי געווארן אנגעשאטכענט צו דעם שטעסל? זיין ברידער און קרית יואל איז א נישט אזא נאנטע קאזען מיינס. במילה האב איך גלייך דערקענט זיין פנים.
P.S. I started watching your videos a lot after subscribing to your channel, and I must say how much I appreciate them. Thank you for everything.
Thank you Freda and Mr Shtessal informative Video fabulous
I really enjoyed this video thank you! Mr. Stoessel seems like a lovely gentleman and had a very calming presence. It's nice hearing him speak of his trade that he loves so much!
Amazed at how the diamonds,🔷 one of the hardest materials are cut. Mr. Shtessel is very much dedicated to his work. What would happen in the future if not many apprentices take up this vocation, maybe they will get robots to do it automaticaly.🌹
Excellent interview as always! I wanted to suggest interviewing the music artists Victoria Hanna (her stage name). She is a mizrahi orthodox Jewish music artist that lives in Israel.
Did you mention her before? Someone mentioned her and I looked into her more and have been hooked on her music and her very unique persona. Every time I open UA-cam I am shown one of her videos and I watch it. I am thinking if she’d be a fit for my channel and what I might discuss with her.
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn I'm not sure but she seems like an interesting person to interview.
I am thankful that he was friend's with your dad, and decided to let you do the interview.
Thank you for this video. Eye opening
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a fascinating video. Many thanks to the Diamond cutter ( not sure how to spell his name) for the tour and the explanations. Waiting for more!
Thank you so much for this interesting video.
Thanks for watching!!
Very interesting video! 🩵
Thank you Mr S for allowing us into your world. Thank you Frieda for another video showing us the life of the Hassidim.
Very interesting video. I really enjoyed it. So nice of your dad’s friend to let you and Steve observe. Very kind man. I was sorry to hear that what he does , does not pay much!
Looking forward to your next video!
Give this gentleman many thanks for showing us his fabulous skill. ❤
I love that you're doing more personal videos! Shyoach
Thank you so much for this video😊
Amazing, fascinating interview. TY fo posting
Oooh, so excited to see this! Thank you so much!
Love jewelers row
WONDERFUL VIDEO, THANK YOU FRIEDA!!!
❤️
Great video
Thank you both!
Another wonderful video!!!
Wow, Frieda, that was so very interesting! I could have listened longer to Mr. Shtessel talk about his work. Thank you for bringing us this video - I am a big fan, although fairly new to your channel, but I have to admit I am addicted!
Thank you so much!
He seems like a great guy. What an interesting trade. My question is what are the young Hasidic men doing for work now? What is a popular Industry? I know they study Torah but everyone can’t be doing that. Some Hasidic men have to work and make money.
Beutifull insight into a industry im passionate abt
Fascinating!
Thanks for this video, so interesting for this former New Yorker. My dad was not Hasidic, but he was trained by the Gemological Institute and was a diamond appraiser in Brooklyn.
thank you to both of you.
I hope that work remove is well venting and cleaning out the filters monthly or more. Since the diamonds, dust, oil, etc. would be in·hale, get in his blood stream, system cause health problems, etc.
Wonderful video as always!!!
Love this video!
Thanks to you both for sharing.
So interesting! Thank you!
Wonderful video.
Thanks!
Thank you so much Lisa! Really appreciate ALL your support!
He seems like such a nice man. I like him😊
Thanks 😊