Three Minute Interview – Jack Schpektor

Describe yourself in three words.

Active, inventive and positive

When you were at school, what did you want to be and why?

I wanted to be in the diamond business and I wanted to help people to deal with diamonds and after school, for three weeks I was away. and then I started in the diamond business

How did you get to be where you are today?

I liked the business. I’m 40 years in the business and diamonds are my passion, especially the fancy colour. I enjoy looking for special items, colours and also to help people for anything they need; small, big whatever it is. I’m a helpful person. It’s very special to have a good name, where they say “Mr Schpektor is 1000000% trustworthy. You can rely on him and his word is his word.”

Which aspect of your job do you enjoy and why?

When I buy diamonds I like to look for things that keep the business special. That’s what I like; to trade with diamonds and with people I trust.

What is your proudest achievement?

I once bought a fancy, vivid blue diamond. I didn’t need it but it was such a beautiful stone. I sold it maybe two years ago and I was very happy knowing I could make someone else happy. That was one of the most beautiful stones in my whole collection. What I have now as well, is a nice collection; they are all good quality and colour.

What is the best advice you’ve been given in work or in life in general?

My father always said, “It’s not chicken soup every day,” which means, it’s not always how you want it to be. One I would give is “Be correct to people, be straight, be honest – don’t do anything tricky.” It’s very important in the diamond world too, to have a good name. I can’t emphasise that enough.

What is your next goal?

My next goal is to retire for medical reasons. I’m not able to travel as much so I want to sell my stock and make people happy. I want people to enjoy the nice collection and colours. I want to be happy and enjoy life with my family, kids and grandkids.