Continuing north from the International Center of Photography [1], you’ll come to the Diamond District, West 47th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, where an estimated $400 million in gems are exchanged daily. Many—but far from all—of the dealers and cutters of the 2,500 companies crammed into this block are Hasidic Jews, identifiable by their long beards, earlocks, and black frock coats.
As has long been their tradition, the Hasidim often negotiate their biggest deals in back rooms or out on the sidewalks.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/manhattan/midtown/international-center-photography