Two diamond dealers talk about the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in the industry.
MICHAL AMRAM, FOUNDER OF S.T. AMRAM
Why did you choose to work in the diamond industry?
I am a second-generation diamantaire; my father, Zvi Amram, is vice president of the Diamond Bourse of Italy. Growing up surrounded by diamonds, precious stones and pearls, and learning the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of these rare natural beauties was a gift and a passion I cherished. Since the diamond industry was the only profession I have ever been closely exposed to, my curiosity led me to study outside that world and I graduated in International Economics and Management with a major in Finance at a HL European University.
After gathering working experience in another mini trading passion of mine within the financial markets, I knew where my burning desire to grow was and that my path was within the world of diamonds. What I love about this world is that it’s unique. Everyday there are new experiences: every diamond is unique, and every person you encounter and deal with is unique. Every diamond has its own color, facets, shape and fire. Every person has a different background, culture and vision. The technology is moving forward very quickly and the whole genesis of the diamond and discovery is fascinating. The vast majority of the people outside this world are not yet in the know that diamonds do good, to the soul of the wearer as well as to the lives of the people living in the areas surrounding diamond mines. Every single diamond touches and influences so many people within the pipeline. I find it magnificent.
How did you make your mark?
Making a name for yourself as the words say is all about yourself. The person that you are, your reliability, accountability and availability.
Given my background it was easier for me to open doors since my family has a good name in the market. Once you have made it passed those doors it is entirely up to you to be able to work passionately, diligently and true to your words.
I have made my mark by building strong and trustworthy ongoing business relationships and partnerships. Since I started my own company S.T. Amram (today Mia Masterpiece) in 2012, it has been a constant growth and a daily commitment in showing both suppliers and customers that they can count on me personally and professionally. My specialization lies in rare diamonds and in making my customers’ dreams come true. This means I have a responsibility on both sides, the core market – manufacturers, business partners and suppliers and on the end with my customers within the trade and private consumers.
Have you noticed any positive changes in the industry in general and in relation to being a woman in the industry?
Yes, big positive changes. Thanks to social platforms and websites, professionals from all around the globe can come together and share their knowledge and experiences online in order to raise awareness of the beautiful human aspects behind diamond sourcing and manufacturing. Personally I am honored to be part of the Young Diamantaires group, which is an international family founded by Rami Baron, president of the Diamond Dealers Club of Australia, and a truly inspiring and wonderful person I had the luck to meet and spend time with in Hong Kong and Sydney. The group aims to address the problems we face in today’s environment across the pipeline and to promote ethical and supportive initiatives to the villages living and working within, and around, diamond mines. The initiative started in South Africa and I am sure it will expand to many continents.
Is there a specific feminine touch you add to the business in this male-dominated environment that is good for business?
I would say a softness. I am sure that by being gentle and feminine I have achieved more than I would think. At the beginning of my path I was dressing up very conservatively and acting very rigid to put boundaries given the fact that I was a girl or very young woman in an older, macho, male-dominated reality. Through the years, and by getting to know people, I was able to be my true self, which is so beautiful.
Have you ever faced discrimination or felt slighted because you’re a woman in the business?
It did indeed happen many times, with both dealers and customers.
Dealers would think given my young age that I would not be up to date with market trends and prices, until I left them surprised! One time, while I was living in Israel, brokers used to come into my family office. They would ask “Where is the buyer?” And I would smile and say “I’m the buyer.” Their surprised face was so amusing.
When it comes to customers I used to always dress very elegant, professional and strictly with stiletto high heels! The total look would add a couple of years on me. It would take me a minute or two of presentation to change their look drastically from “who is this cute girl?” to “oh, ok we have a serious professional,” which was also a very amusing experiences.
I love being a woman and I hope every woman on this planet feels the same way. I am not a feminist but I do believe we have what you call “feminine touch”, a sixth sense in perception , a charismatic essence, fine taste and a magical nature. It is all here for us to cherish and be proud of.
SIDSEL DALBY GLERUP, FOUNDER OF DALBY DIAMONDS
Why did you choose to work in the diamond industry?
I came to the business on my own, with no heritage and no connections.
It wasn’t written in the stars that I should become a well-known face at the international diamond exchanges. I grew up on a countryside farm in Denmark, and as a marketing graduate, my career was already gaining momentum at companies like Microsoft and British American Tobacco. Fate did, however, have other plans for me and I decided to follow my long-time dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
At my last job within the gold industry I evolved my already great passion for diamonds and precious stones. This passion led me to pursue an education in gemology at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). After the completion of my graduate gemologist education I founded my company Dalby Diamonds in 2013, and created a collection of classical diamond jewelry in collaboration with experienced jewelry designers.
What training did you get?
I got my GIA Graduate Gemologist degree, and hands on training by starting my own business. Alongside my studies at GIA, I got a worldwide network within the diamond industry. The right network is key to success in this business.
How difficult was it to make a name for yourself?
With my uncommon background into the industry, a proven track record by succeeding with my former gold business, and by my personal and commercial approach I was soon a trustworthy name in Denmark and Scandinavia. Today I’m used as a public spokesperson on diamonds in Denmark, Scandinavia and the UK. Especially when it comes to sharing my knowledge on rare colored diamonds, including pink diamonds.
What challenges did you have to overcome on your journey to where you are?
As [someone who is] self-employed there are always challenges to overcome – I’m trying to see them as a part of the learning process. I have learned it’s during tough times you must do what others won’t, commit and stay the course. As my mentor used to say: “If you can see it in your mind you can hold it in your hand.”
What makes you enjoy dealing with diamonds, as opposed to designing?
The technical knowledge is the primary reason for my success: As a gemologist I might have a geek’s approach towards my profession, and it is my actual great passion for diamonds and precious stones, that makes it fun to work 60 hours a week. Because of my knowledge on diamonds I sometimes assume the role of impartial adviser. Last year, for example, where I, on behalf of a large pension fund, traveled to Greenland in order to examine samples prior to a possible investment in a mining project. Based on my recommendations, the investment plan was dropped by the pension fund, as the collected samples revealed the quality of the stones was too low.
Have you noticed any positive changes in the industry in general and in relation to being a woman in the industry?
I have never met a blonde woman at the diamond exchanges. You are born into this industry, and furthermore you should be a man. Two criteria I hardly live up to. In the beginning I met with a lot of skepticism from established traders, but I have since gained their respect by showing persistence and proving my insights into the industry along with my technical knowledge of precious stones. Today I see myself as a part of the “family,” my colleagues are some of my best friends and I’m connected to their families.
Is there a specific feminine touch you add to the business in this male-dominated environment that is good for business?
I hope to inspire other women to get into the industry. I receive lots of positive feedback from people (of both genders) who find my journey very interesting. Lately I have started my own Diamond Masterclass Program where I invite private people with an interest in diamonds into an exclusive two-day event on diamonds and gemstones.
Have you ever faced discrimination or felt slighted because you’re a woman in the business?
Not really, maybe because I’m a kind of a tomboy. I used to play with cars as a child. I’ve been trained to hunt by shotgun and rifle since I was born and raised in the countryside. I also act very straight forward in my communication. Some might perceive me as rude, but I have experienced that it goes very well hand in hand with the codex in the diamond industry.
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