Get To Know Stanley Zale: Our Newest Principal Consultant
As we venture through 2023 and beyond, the Hill & Co. team is proud to serve an ever expanding number of diamond clients.
Our mission remains steadfast – to create and execute growth plans for diamond, gemstone and jewelry businesses.
To further this aim and provide ever-stronger support of our clients, we are excited to introduce Stanley Zale as Principal Consultant.
With Stanley’s wealth of experience, insight and knowledge, especially in the diamond industry, we are more equipped than ever to deliver unparalleled excellence to every one of our valued clients.
Introducing Stanley Zale
Stanley joins us with over 40 years of experience in the diamond industry, beginning his career as a sawyer and working nearly ten years for renowned Diamantaire Louis Glick.
He then moved on to become Vice President at Graff USA, and most recently spent 17 years in the role of Vice President for Diamond and Gemstones Procurement at Stuller.
Today, Stanley serves on the Jewelers Security Alliance and the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association’s boards and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York and the 24 Karat Club Southeast US. He recently completed his 6-year term on the Executive Board of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
Alongside his deep industry knowledge, Stanley brings a dedication and unwavering commitment to drive long term growth and sustainability in the diamond, gemstone, and jewelry industry – a value at the core of Hill & Co.
Eager to understand what motivates him, especially his love for diamonds, we invited Stanley to sit down with us and share his thoughts.
Sitting down with Stanley
So, Stanley what is it about diamonds that makes them so interesting?
‘The diamond business exists on so many different levels and each diamond needs to find its home, the right piece of jewelry that will maximise its beauty and value. It’s meeting that challenge that is so much fun.’
What led you to become a diamond expert? Do you remember when and how your passion was ignited?
‘The first step of my diamond education was as a sawyer of rough diamonds; an initial stage of the manufacturing process. It was the working with rough diamonds, then moving on to rough planning and working with the cutters and polishers that truly triggered my passion. I was amazed by the transformation of rough diamond to polished gem.’
Was there someone in your family who was more instrumental in getting you into the diamond industry?
‘My Grandfather, MB Zale. He opened the first Zale’s jewellers store nearly 100 years ago.’
Who in our industry today do you most admire?
‘The jewelers standing at the retail counter making the sale! Without them we are nowhere.’
What are the biggest opportunities and hurdles facing companies in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry?
‘Like it or not, Lab Grown Diamonds (LGDs) are here to stay. Navigating these rocky waters is a challenge. That includes the critical work of screening and detection for undisclosed LGDs in the natural supply chain, and undisclosed natural diamonds in the LGD supply chain.
As an industry we have a collective responsibility to one another to do the necessary due diligence work and verify the origin of the product we are selling. After all this is our industry. If one of us misrepresents the product it damages the collective jewelry industry that we all love.
On the other hand, we have a great opportunity to continue connecting with the customers of jewelry by establishing criteria for the known provenance of diamonds and gemstones.’
Thank you for sharing your industry insight, we’d love to know a little more about you.
Can you share some of the most memorable moments of your career?
‘Selling an $8.5m diamond! But also selecting a diamond that was part of a rough production, I then planned and managed to use as Claudia’s (my now wife) engagement ring.’
Can you tell us a fact about yourself that people may not know?
‘My favorite forms of music are Italian Opera and the Grateful Dead.’
Favorite drink?
‘Before 5pm then it’s Espresso. After 5pm, a nice glass of whiskey.’
Favorite place to visit?
‘I’m fortunate to have traveled a lot and been to many places all over the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe. But my favorite place of all has got to be the US state of Maine.’
And finally, what excites you about joining Hill & Co.?
‘The privilege of working with a very smart and savvy team. The breadth and depth of the team’s knowledge and expertise of what it takes to be successful, is very impressive.’
It all starts with a conversation
We are are thrilled that Stanley has joined the Hill & Co. team. In welcoming Stanley, not only do we add to our deep industry expertise but also gain a team member who shares our passion and values: good work for good people and an unwavering commitment to the long-term sustainability of our industry.
If you would like to explore working with us, it all starts with a conversation.
Reach out to us today at inquiry@hillandco.co.