Mr. Stoessel is the true gem in this video. Thank you.

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 🙏.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this comment. I didn't even know there was a Gemological Institute of America!

@user-tw7nh7jj5l

Ай бұрын

All the diamonds are STOLEN FROM AFRICA.

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.

@pedinurse1

10 ай бұрын

exactly thats what I heard from friends

@untermench3502

10 ай бұрын

@@pedinurse1 It's like a close family, unless you violate the rules and get your picture on the board.

@rakeshparakhiya2186

9 ай бұрын

👍

@maureen4856

4 ай бұрын

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.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

9 ай бұрын

I felt the same way!

@petralober4057

6 ай бұрын

Totaly agree! That would be the material for a super documentary movie...

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!

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

9 ай бұрын

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.

@laceystovall8828

9 ай бұрын

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn ❤️

You can see that he is a craftsman who loves and is proud of his work...and such a happy, friendly demeanor.

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.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

9 ай бұрын

Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

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!

Fascinating! I feel like we could learn so very much from Mr Stoessel, more than diamond cutting.

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

Another fascinating video! Thanks Frieda and thanks for Mr. Stoessel's generous hospitality and letting us in his world.

I love videos like this! I cherish a window into someone else’s life. ❤️

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!

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!

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

9 ай бұрын

So far I can't figure out how to get access to B&H!

@gabyfields3235

9 ай бұрын

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn It probably is a closely held family-owned business...but what do I know?

@djacobson4597

9 ай бұрын

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn @BandH

@Bulvan123

Ай бұрын

​@@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.

Thank you Frieda! Thank you Mr. Shtessel! This video is wonderful!

I could go with you on any tour. You make these obscure and unusual places interesting. You possess the ability to make the viewer feel as if you are talking directly him or her. You exude charm, poise, and a calmness that becomes so attractive it leaves someone wanting to be a part of your world in more of your videos.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

4 күн бұрын

Thank you, having browsers like you makes it all a joyous effort!

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. 🇨🇦😊

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.

What a kind and generous man / gentleman to share his craft & worldview. Thank you much!!

@mgb5170

10 ай бұрын

This should be a stop on your tour!!

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

9 ай бұрын

Ha ha, it's in manhattan; too far away!@@mgb5170

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.

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.

This was wonderful. My Hadische relatives were very involved in the diamond industry. You did a great job presenting one angle of it.

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.

The CUTEST CUTEST man is Mr. Shtessel. May he live to 120

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

9 ай бұрын

1000%

@MichaelDunetz

Ай бұрын

Omain!

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

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.

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 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. 💙

@tamarfischer283

10 ай бұрын

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

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!

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**.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

9 ай бұрын

Lovely, lovely! Thank you for sharing ❤️

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.

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.

Thank you for this very interesting glimpse into the Diamond industry! Great job!

This was really interesting. Thank you, Mr. Shtessel for allowing us a little peek behind the curtain. I learn so much from this channel!

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

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.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

7 ай бұрын

Thanks 😊

Mr Shtessel is such a knowledgeable man. That was so interesting I hope you'll do more like this ❤

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.

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.

I like it a lot the craftsmen docuseries is good idea❤

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

9 ай бұрын

I am trying hard to get more access!

@desta4383

9 ай бұрын

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn ❤️

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!

Absolutely perfect. I've just watched a film about a Jewish diamond dealer that didn't make it to America. Perfect. Thank you.

@rhianwenj7597

10 ай бұрын

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.

Thank you so much for this video😊

Oooh, so excited to see this! Thank you so much!

Fascinating! Another great episode! Thank you!

You do a wonderful job Frieda!!! Keep up the great work!!!

Wonderful video as always!!!

Another wonderful video!!!

So good as always.

Love this video!

FASCINATING!!! Thank you!

Fascinating info & interview Freida !!

Fantastic! I loved this. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Thanks again for your videos always nice

Thanks to you both for sharing.

Amazing, fascinating interview. TY fo posting

This is fascinating, Frieda. Thank you so much for sharing!

Always love your videos. This was a fascinating insight into the diamond cutting business.

I learn so much from you, Frieda. Thank you.

Thank you both!

Frieda, you are the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you.

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!

thank you to both of you.

This was a fascinating video, Frieda. Thank you so much for sharing it and I would love to see more 😊 Take care and all the best from the UK 🇬🇧. Paula ❤

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.

Great video. Very interesting to see & hear about this skilled craft. Looking forward to learning about other professions.

Thank you Frieda, never thought of such a trade. It was so cool to see.

So very interesting! Thank you for sharing

I am thankful that he was friend's with your dad, and decided to let you do the interview.

I love that you're doing more personal videos! Shyoach

I really enjoyed this video. What a nice man. Thank you for taking us with you.

Frieda, this was so interesting. Thank you.

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!

Great video

Thank you Freda and Mr Shtessal informative Video fabulous

I love you exploring all the mom-and-pop shops and craftsmen.

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!

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.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

9 ай бұрын

Do we share a name?! :)

Thank you! This was a very interesting window into a trade that for most of us, is mysterious. Such a warm conversation too.

Oh I know him, he has a bagel store at some corner in Williamsburg. He is such a nice and sweet guy!

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn

2 ай бұрын

Yes! He’s such a character

Thank you for another lovely video. He is a lovely man.

@whitemailprivilege2830

10 ай бұрын

Thank you for the lovely comment.

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 so amazing! I’ve wanted to purchase something from David at Diamonds by Lauren for ages, who has a store in the diamond district. I’ve always been fascinated by the jewelry industry and cannot wait to see this 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 always found the Diamond District to be intimidating so this is very interesting to me. What a fascinating craft. Thank you!

great and informative video. thank you for posting.

So interesting. Thank you. Love your videos.

Wonderful video.

Thank you Mr Stoessel. This I believe is a dying art. I am so glad you should us this

Give this gentleman many thanks for showing us his fabulous skill. ❤

Another great video!!

Wonderful video. I've never seen anything like it. Thank you.

What a wonderful video to see. The average person would have never gotten to seen such a a vocation.

Nice Freida! What a nice video. Hope you might have some more of it to put up with some of the other that wasn’t shown. You did it too, you got comfortable with sharing the like and subscribe. It sounds so natural now and you are well worth peoples effort to do so. You have one of the most calming voices I have heard. Thank you for the video

@lisaherring7725

10 ай бұрын

And you have about 8,000 new subscribers since May. See your good. Keep it up. When your as famous as Peter Santanello I want to be able to say I followed you since the beginning 😂

This is fascinating, thank you Frieda for sharing. This man is from a vanishing generation…so precious to have his testimony

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.