A LIFELONG INVESTMENT

During the early years, he studied at UNISA (the University of South Africa), completing these studies in 1978. Some of the subjects such as: Accounting aspects of Investments, Investment Analysis, Financing, Market Research, Strategic aspects of Investments, Marketing, and Advanced Accounting, added value to his knowledge about the commercial world, which he applies in his diamond business.

In 1978, the Rapaport Diamond Report - a weekly International wholesale price list for diamonds, was established. The Rapaport Price List gives a recommended wholesale price structure for polished diamonds. This price list establishes an international standard pricing of diamonds in US\\\\\$ per carat for different categories. This report has served as the diamond price guideline thus making diamonds, as with gold, a US\\\\\$ based commodity.

In practical terms, this means that the price for a certain category diamond will be quoted in US\\\\\$ per carat, and then calculated in the specific country's local currency according to the exchange rate.

Like all accredited professionals, Willa Schoeman applies the weekly price list which set the benchmark for prices of polished diamonds world-wide.

Willa has given talks on various facets of diamonds on radio, TV and at many breakfast meetings as well as ladies clubs. He has written numerous articles for various Afrikaans and English newspapers such as the Sunday Times.

He is a member of the following professional organizations:

• The Jewellery Council Of South Africa
• The Diamond Dealers Club Of South Africa
• Federation Of International Diamond Bourses

" In die diamantbedryf is dit die een man wat ek heelhartig en sonder enige huiwering kan aanbeveel vanwee sy eerlikheid, kennis en ook sy begeerte om waarlik n diens op hierdie terrein aan sy medemens te lewer … dit sal vir u n aangename en verrykende ervaring wees om met so n man besigheid te doen." Dr H.A. Grove, Voormalige Direkteur van Hospitaaldienste in Transvaal.

"We wanted to thank you for helping us choose beautiful diamonds. We appreciated your personal attention..." Henry Dent and Jeanne Zimmerman

"Baie dankie vir die persoonlike aandag en puik diens asook natuurlik die onverbeterlike pryse vir die diamante …" Charlene

"Elkeen wat die diamant gesien het is in ekstase …" Alet Furstenburg

"baie dankie vir die moeite en persoonlike diens..Die diamant is pragtig en iets anders …" Lochnie Robberts

"u maak ons baie gelukkig!..." Hugo en Lorraine

"We are so thankful that you, when we were on our trip overseas, on short notice got the diamonds of our choice … your excellent service and professionalism is highly appreciated …" (Translated) Hennie en Annemarie Loots

"Ingesluit die tjek vir die puik diamante … vantevore al onverbeterlike groei op diamante gehad wat ek by jou gekoop het. Dankie, dankie." Marga Diedericks (Voormalige waarnemende Staatspresident en Minister van Ekonomiese Sake uit vorige regering se eggenote)

"Baie dankie vir jou puik professionele diens en pragtige vriendskap. Dit is n eienskap wat ek baie respekteer en na streef in my eie beroep en lewe". Dr. J.A. De Kock

"Baie dankie vir al die hulp met ons pragtige diamante. Alles is so pragtig…ek kan nie ophou kyk daarna nie. ons is baie gelukkig …" Mary-Ann Oberholster en Willem Greeff

"Thank you most sincerely for your friendliness and competent service when I bought my diamond from you …"Malie Prins (Translated)

"The magnificent diamond arrived in good order. Looks even more beautiful than in your office. Even in Washington D.C. and the States diamonds proof to be one of the top commodities to invest in …" Thomas R. Getman

"We are very satisfied with Tirsa" (Mr. Schoeman's diamond company) Jaco and Anriette (Translated)

"Thank you for the most beautiful diamond I have ever seen in my life. Thank you for all your friendliness, hospitality, sincerity, council, warmth and love. What a privilege to use your outstanding service …" Marthia Wessels (Translated)

"Graag wil ons u almal by Tirsa bedank vir die puik diens en opregte belangstelling wat ons by u ontvang het. Dis werklik n plesier om met u besigheid te doen …" Johan Terblanche

"I write just to say thank you for your friendliness, assistance and outstanding service when we were searching for a quality investment diamond … Alma Visser and Corne Mulder (Translated)

"Die vreugde by die ontvangs van die puik diamante was groots en die belewing duur nogsteeds voort …" Johan en Liona

"Thank you for this great "gift" I realise I have paid much less than the normal price. The diamonds are beautiful" Carine Lombaard (Translated)

"I am very satisfied with the value for my money. Your sincere and honest endeavour to put your clients first is remarkable!…" A Lombaard (Translated)

"Just a word of sincere thanks for all your trouble with helping us as students. Janette and I are very happy with our diamond …" Jan and Janette Van Der Walt (Translated)

"Net n kort briefie om u weereens te bedank vir die pragtige diamant. Vir my was dit n wonderlike dag toe ek u vir die eerste keer kon besoek en die voorreg om n paar pragtige diamante te kon uitsoek met die hulp en kennis van mnr. Schoeman ..." Tienie en Corina Nel

"Your expertise has been much appreciated and admired … you made it possible for us to have the perfect diamond …" Sharon and Steve.

"With much sincerity we write to you expressing our deep appreciation for your kindness and obtaining the pear shaped diamond that will please our daughter very much ... thank you for making the price so right for us …" Duanne and El

"Baie dankie vir die mooi en vriendelike diens gelewer…ek adverteer julle orals …" Amor Klopper

"I hope you are well and doing ok. Maybe you remember me, we met in Table View in 2011 and 2012 and bought diamonds from you at the best price I could dream. I will travel to Cape Town in March and want to buy more diamonds. Your prices, knowledge and service are remarkable. You are my 'diamond man'." Elmar Frick