Jean Baptist IPEKDJIAN (aka JB) [1900-1974]

JB learned his diamond trade from his father, Makriné Ipekdjian past away in New York at the age of 92 (1969).  In those years, South Africa produced 90% of world's natural diamonds, JB and Gregory were focus on Indonesia, of smaller mines.  In 1927, he set up his diamond business in Singapore. then JB joined up with the Gregory and then dominated the precious stone trade in Java of Indonesia with some local traders. Based in Singapore, he also set up trade posts in Manila and Malaysia.

In 1930s, they started to expand into Shanghai and Hong Kong.  During WW2, they were interned in the San Tomas Camp, Philipine until 1945. some of their precious stones were confiscated by the Japanese.  I believe some of his wealth were kept in the USA.  After the war, JB transfered his weath to Hong Kong, during the exodus of 1949, a lot of diamonds were exchanged in Hong Kong, many tycoon from Shanghai needed cash urgently, JB had accumulated somemore wealth.

The Japanese had confiscated a total of 422,455 carets of diamond in that region. (Source: Diamonds – NEI – 2, 1946-1950. Folder 18. Subject Correspondence File, 1946-1951. CPC. OD. FPB. LPU. GHQ SCAP. NARA)

After WW2, the Hong Kong local Chinese had caught up, and obtained exclusive right from the De beers, JB's business started to declined as well as his age and health. Eventually he sold 35 Barker Road, and moved to Manila.