Joseph Schlussel Dies
Last week, we lost one of the nicest men in the diamond industry, Joseph Schlussel, publisher of the Diamond Registry Bulletin.
Joe was a gentle, devout and profoundly decent man, but beneath the grandfatherly exterior was an astute businessman with firm convictions. An immigrant from Hungary, Joseph and his family survived the Holocaust by hiding in a bunker underneath his house. And while it was quite difficult – his family almost starved to death – he also knew he was one of the lucky ones. (His story of survival is here.)
Joe started as a dealer but, in his later years, made a good living servicing the "privates" who found his web site. In the trade press, he is probably best known for producing one of the first publications devoted to the diamond industry, the Diamond Registry Bulletin.
Joe started the Bulletin in 1968 and kept it going for 40 years, an amazing run for a newsletter. The Bulletin covered the 70s investment craze, the 80s crash, on through "conflict diamonds," "Supplier of Choice," and the current downturn — but always with a folksy touch that exhorted the industry to remember, and retain, what was good and unique about it. His editorials referenced everything from the New York Times to Yiddish folk tales. My favorite feature he did was "It Was the Year In Which …," where he would point out two contradictory occurrences. He said this grew out of his Talmudic training, which enables you to see both sides of an argument.
Recent issues talked about staying positive amid the current bad news – wise words from a man who had been through a lot, yet never lost his warmth and good humor. He recently wrote that we should consider ourselves fortunate we are in this business. Certainly, the business was fortunate it had Joe.
Joe has been so much a part of my diamond industry experience that it’s hard to believe he’s gone. He was a friend and a very special man and I will miss him.
Joshua commented:
much Love to the man i called Big Joe! I been away overseas for more than two years i'd just got back day before yesterday i told my brother let's call Big Joe he inform Big Joe has passed this is the saddiest day of my life i will miss Big Joe he got me in the diamond Business with a loving hand where ever you are I Love You....
RGHolmes commented:
I just saw the anouncement of Joe's passing. I was looking up the web site to make a referral as I have many times before. My deepest sympathy to his wife and family. I met Joe over the internet and came to the shop several times to visit and enjoy Joe's kindness. Best Regards, RGHolmes, Harrisburg, PA
Gregg commented:
Hello and let me offer my condolences to the Schlussel family. I am a bit behind the times but please accept my cindolences. I never met Joseph personally but he and i talked over the years. I was a diamond buyer in Sierra Leone and we would talk about the conflict diamonds now and then. He seemed like a very good man and I will miss his advice to me and him.
Gregg
Mervyn Cohn commented:
I met Joe when he brought an early Radio Shack Computer out to San Francisco for me to show the members of the ASA how the Diamond Registry worked. We have been friends since and have shared lunches upstairs at the bourse and in restaurants of San Francisco. I am deeply saddened by his passing and share his dear Rosies grief. Joe was a MENCH.
Dona Mary Dirlam commented:
Over the years, I had spoken to Joe Schlussel many times because of
his publication "The Diamond Registry." Then, he agreed to be part
of GIA's oral history project. He generously gave of his time and
wisdom as Pedro Padua, Video Producer at GIA, and I interviewed him
on two occasions. He took us to the Diamond Dealers Club so we
would better understand the amazing diamond industry that he loved
so much. Thank you, Rob, for focusing on this remarkable individual
we will greatly miss.
Jacques Voorhees commented:
When I came to New York in the late seventies to start a
computerized marketplace for diamonds, everyone told me I was
crazy. Except Joe Schlussel (and Richard Liddicoat). Joe encouraged
my dream and was always there with advice, constructive criticism,
and unfailing good humor. You could never meet with Joe without
coming way feeling your day had somehow been enriched. He was one
of those who has made this industry great. -jv
Peggy Jo Donahue commented:
Rob, this was a lovely tribute to a good and decent man. I used to
truly enjoy talking with him at industry events, and he will be
deeply missed.
Ya'akov Almor commented:
Rob, well said. I met Joseph Schlussel only a few times during the
past years. He was always genuine and open, had time not only to
listen but also to answer. I hope the New York diamond industry
will find a way to pay tribute to his work, so he may be
remembered.
Hedda Schupak commented:
Joe's loss will leave a profound hole in this industry and this
world. He was a man in a million and the kind of person that makes
one not only understand why we love this business but also how to
keep it all in perspective. I'll miss him dreadfully as I'm sure I
speak for many. Our condolences to his lovely wife Rose, whose loss
is far deeper even than ours.
