The Jewelry District
The Jewelry District is a podcast from JCK magazine and JCKonline covering the jewelry industry. It features news, trends, and interviews with industry insiders. The show is hosted by JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and contributor Rob Bates.
Episodes
Episode 177: Guest Doug Meadows
Doug Meadows, founder of David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry is curious by nature. Many of the valuable lessons he’s learned about running a business in this industry has come from asking other store owners questions. Where some would be too timid, Doug notices the things a retailer does well and asks to do a store visit. The knowledge he’s compiled as a result has only helped his business and relati
Doug Meadows Guests on 'The Jewelry District'
Doug Meadows Guests on 'The Jewelry District'
Episode 176: The Diamond Industry's Predicament and Philippe Stern's Legacy
Hosts Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates catch up after Rob’s return from the World Diamond Congress in Singapore. He shares his impression of the event including observations about the state of the diamond industry and possible paths forward. (Get a bonus glimpse into Victoria’s experience visiting Singapore as a backpacker in her 20s.) The hosts touch on the closing of the historic Ekati mine. Afte
175: Guest Gabrielle Saunders
Hosts Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates talk to Gabrielle Saunders, founder of Ruveil, a jewelry brand that allows people to “wear what they hear.” She explains how her jewelry design is informed by her background working in jewelry houses such as Alexis Bittar and Harry Winston, studying gemology at GIA, and becoming a sound meditation facilitator. Bridging the seemingly disparate worlds of wellnes
Gabrielle Saunders Guests on 'The Jewelry District'
Gabrielle Saunders Guests on 'The Jewelry District'
Episode 174: Success Amid Turbulent Times—JCK Show Takeaways
After some time, which provided both a chance to recover and distance to digest, Rob Bates and Victoria Gomelsky talk about all their takeaways from the JCK and Luxury shows in Las Vegas. They discuss the reasons for the record-breaking success many exhibitors reported from the show in the face of turbulent times; challenges in the natural and lab-grown diamond space; and the phenomenon of premium
Episode 173: Reactions From the JCK Show Floor
Hosts Rob Bates and Victoria Gomelsky interview an array of jewelry industry professionals live from the JCK and Luxury show floors. Get the immediate reactions of the heads of trade organizations, a variety of jewelry retailers, a JCK veteran, and a gem explorer on trends they’ve noticed, how the show went, and the state of the industry at large. Despite question swirling around many factors affe
Episode 172: Guests Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Sandberg
Hosts Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates interview a pair of high jewelry designers who also happen to be sisters: Ofira Sandberg and Lorraine Schwartz. The women share their family’s history going back three generations in the jewelry industry, and tell how they ended up in the business despite their childhood vow not to. Lorraine and Ofira also talk about where they got their keen eye for design an
Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Sandberg Guest on 'The Jewelry District'
Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Sandberg Guest on 'The Jewelry District'
Episode 171: Conversations, Watches, Tariffs, QVC
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates cover a gamut of enriching industry events and jewelry business news. Victoria bounced from Jewelers Mutual’s thought-provoking Conversations at Half Moon Bay to the ultra-luxe and action-packed Watches and Wonders in Geneva. She shares takeaways drawn from Conversations and the watch trends spotted in Geneva. Rob breaks down what the tariff refunds mean for busines
Episode 170: Guest David Siminski
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates talk to David Siminski, vice president of sales at United Precious Metals, who shares how the volatility of the gold and silver market has been affecting refiners. He also explains what it means to be a primary refiner (as opposed to a smelter), and offers advice for retailers dealing with refiners so they can optimize what they’re doing, make more money, and be mor
Rebecca Foerster Guests on 'The Jewelry District'
Rebecca Foerster Guests on 'The Jewelry District'
Episode 169: 24 Karat, JIS, Signet, De Beers Sightholders
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates cover a mix of fun events and notable jewelry industry news. From the glitz and glamour of 24 Karat Weekend to the colorful, gold-bedecked showcases at JIS Spring in Miami, the hosts take us on a tour of jewelry events that kicked off the season. Victoria shares her takeaways from JIS, including an enormous gold chain with a price tag she can’t stop thinking about.
Episode 168: Guest Rebecca Foerster
Appearing in a new video format, JCK’s Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates interview Rebecca Foerster, the CEO and president of Hearts on Fire North America. Rebecca, who recently won JVC’s Stanley Schecter Award, shares how her experiences growing up in New York City, working in cosmetics and fragrances, and her introduction to the manufacturing side of the jewelry industry shaped her view of and aff
Episode 167: Tucson, Tariffs Update, Gold Volatility, De Beers
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates talk about takeaways and trends from the time capsule that was the Tucson gem shows. Victoria comments on the unique timing of the events, which occurred right before the tariffs were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court and right after the gold price hit a soaring high of over $5,500. Despite this, the mood was positive and the trends were clear. From reddish pink
Episode 166: Guest Eddie LeVian
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates interview Eddie LeVian, CEO of Le Vian, who regales them with his family’s history with jewelry that dates back to the 1500s. They discuss the pivotal moments that shaped Le Vian’s identity as a brand including the story behind chocolate diamonds (hint: a well-known JCKer plays a part!). They delve into how Le Vian’s trend forecasts
Episode 165: Brilliant Earth, CBG, Metal Refining, Watch Woes
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk about Brilliant Earth's new showroom in Beverly Hills, which Victoria had just visited, and what she learned about what the 2026 bridal customer is looking for and how retailers are meeting that moment. They highlight the brand’s shift toward experiential, hospitality-driven retail and the shifting role of sustainability in con
Episode 164: Guest Bruce Bridges
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates interview Bruce Bridges, president and CEO of Bridges Tsavorite and president of AGTA. Their deep, sprawling conversation covers Bruce’s upbringing in Kenya, his family’s deep ties to mining in Africa, and the complex, devastating story of his father Campbell Bridges’ murder. Beyond the details of what happened that day and Bruce’s
Episode 163: 2026 Predictions
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk about their 2026 predictions—however murky the future may be. They share their observations on how the bifurcation of demand and the strain on the middle class have affected luxury categories. Rob wonders if the year bring more stability to the diamond market, enabling the industry to roll out marketing campaigns to usher in a
Episode 162: Guests Olivia Landau and Kyle Simon
In the latest episode of The Jewelry District, JCK news director Rob Bates and JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky talk to a husband and wife team: Olivia Landau (co-founder and CEO) and Kyle Simon (co-founder and COO) of The Clear Cut—a New York City-based brand that creates custom engagement rings and other jewelry with the option to do so completely virtually. They talk about the origin story
Episode 161: CIBJO and 'Synthetic,' a Rare Watch and Gem
In the latest episode of The Jewelry District, JCK news director Rob Bates shares his takeaways from the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) Congress in Paris, including the question of whether CIBJO should change the terminology around lab-grown diamonds in their Blue Books. JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky talks about Philips’s record-breaking Decade One watch auction and its star lot ite
Episode 160: Guest Susan Posnock
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Susan Posnock in her capacity of Director of Public Affairs and Education at Jewelers of America. Susan explains the many ways that JA serves the industry. They discuss how the tariffs are impacting jewelry businesses and JA’s advocacy efforts on tariffs as well as other issues. They also talk about
Episode 159: The Louvre Heist, Gold Price, and High Jewelry
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk about the Louvre heist and the possible reasons behind it. They cover the gold price, which continues to soar, and jewelers’ and consumers’ sentiments about its enduring value. Victoria reports on the high jewelry scene in L.A., where she attended two events held by Bulgari and Boucheron. Finally, the to
Episode 158: Guest Bella Neyman, NYCJW
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates chat with Bella Neyman, founder of New York City Jewelry Week (NYCJW), an action-packed set of events that take place each year in mid-November. Bella shares how the event got started back in 2018, where she found inspiration for the festival, what her goals were in launching it, and—most importantly—what exc
Episode 157: Rolliefest, Tariffs, De Beers
In this latest episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates cover a highly exclusive watch collector event called Rolliefest, where guests don’t even find out where they’re meeting until just before. There, Victoria met passionate watch collectors, admired their highly unique timepieces, and even shared some of her own. Rob is watching the tariff space as he reports o
Episode 156: Live From Converge
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share interviews they did live at Converge—a combination of AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium at GIA’s campus in Carlsbad, California. They checked in with Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, Katherine Bodoh, Elizabeth Gibson, Georgie Gleim, Sara Murphy, Elizabeth West, Pinny Gniwisch, and Terry Chandler.
They get these ex
Episode 155: Guest Scott Guginsky
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates sit down with Scott Guginsky, executive vice president of Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA), a non-profit trade association dedicated to battling jewelry crime. Scott, a decorated former NYPD detective sergeant, brings listeners up to speed on the latest high-tech robberies and a recent rash of smash-and-grabs. He offers advice on ho
Episode 154: Tariffs, American Watchmaking Revival, Executive Shuffle
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss the fallout from steep new tariffs imposed on India, the likely short- and long-term effects on the watch market from tariffs on Swiss exports, and the constant shuffle those in the jewelry industry face as they attempt to navigate the administration’s ever-shifting tariff policy. Next, Victoria updat
Episode 153: Guest Andy Koehn
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Andy Koehn, owner of Wisconsin-based family jeweler Koehn & Koehn Jewelers. The veteran retailer and diehard classic rock fan shares his philosophy on how a store is like a stage, and its staff is like a band. (Even Mick Jagger relies on discipline and preparation to keep Rolling Stones fans coming
Episode 152: Natural Diamond Council, High Jewelry Designs
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss outgoing Natural Diamond Council president David Kellie’s legacy and the challenges ahead for the NDC. Victoria reports on several exquisite new pieces from the high jewelry world, including a million-dollar Mellerio necklace inspired by Marie Antoinette and Boucheron’s ghostly albino thistles, remark
Episode 151: Guest Beth Hutchens
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Beth Hutchens, founder and creative director of FoundRae. Beth explains how growing up on the Mexican border instilled a deep appreciation for mysticism in her at an early age, and how this guides her design aesthetic. She shares her strategies for navigating challenging times, dealing with copycats
Episode 150: Trends and Takeaways From the JCK Show
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share their thoughts and observations from the 2025 JCK Show. The hosts discuss the overall mood (upbeat), style trends (bold gold!), and their favorite highlights (the people!) from this year’s annual event in Vegas. Both always come away learning something new from the education offered. Victoria covers tak
Episode 149: Live From The JCK Show
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share interviews they did live on the 2025 JCK Show floor. They checked in with Cathy Calhoun, Rebecca Foerster, Marie-Claire Daveu, Minister Bogolo Kenewendo and other industry professionals, about the state of natural diamonds, gold prices, consumer trends and more.
Sponsor: IGI (igi.org/education)
Episode 148: 2025 JCK Show Preview
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss Victoria’s recent trip to Paris as a guest of Japanese watchmaker Credor to celebrate the brand’s update on a classic Gérald Genta timepiece from 1979. Next, the pair gear up for JCK Las Vegas by highlighting some of the exciting events on their show agenda, from Rob moderating an expert panel on cybercrime and security to V
Episode 147: Guest Marc Bridge
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Marc Bridge, CEO and founder of online jewelry platform At Present. A fifth-generation scion of the Ben Bridge family, Marc describes a life in the industry that began with cleaning jewelry cases as soon as he was tall enough to reach them, included a memorable cross-country trip to deliver homemade cookies to Warren Buffe
Interview with GIA’s Susan Jacques
On The Jewelry District’s second video podcast, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates interview Susan Jacques, outgoing president and CEO of GIA. Susan recounts her fascinating journey from growing up in Africa to a life-changing GIA course to an unlikely move to Omaha, where she helmed Borsheims and reported to Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett. She even spent a da
Episode 146: Rising Gold Prices, Tariff Questions
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates explore the ramifications of the staggering rise in gold prices and share a strategy jewelers can use to offer gold at more palatable prices. (Hint: Think vintage.) Next, the conversation turns to tariffs. What’s ahead? What’s the best way to navigate it? Jewelers learned to pivot during the pandemic, and that agility will help them
Episode 145: Watches and Wonders, Tariffs
In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates Victoria discuss highlights from Watches and Wonders, including a Bremont relaunch, new Bulgari pieces, and Rolex’s first new collection in 13 years. “Rolex has really thrown down the gauntlet,” with its new Dynapulse escapement, Victoria reports. Next, the pair analyze the effect the U.S. administration’s in
JCK Show Trend Preview
In The Jewelry District’s first-ever video podcast, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates sit down with JCK managing editor Melissa Rose Bernardo to discuss buzzworthy trends in categories from colored stones to diamonds. With JCK Las Vegas opening on June 6 and Luxury on June 4, it’s the ideal time to catch up on the latest looks, from creative new gold and pearl earri
Episode 144: Guest J.K. Symancyk
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with J.K. Symancyk, CEO of Signet Jewelers. J.K. shares his beginnings, from a theater major and aspiring lawyer to specialty retailer mogul, and what customers of sporting goods and pet supply stores have in common with jewelry store shoppers (which is actually much more than you might think!). The hosts and J.K. also dive int
Episode 143: 24 Karat Weekend, Tariffs, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Rolex
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates recap highlights from NYC Jewelry Week, including takeaways from The Plumb Club’s Symposium ’25 that leaders everywhere can apply to help their businesses succeed. Rob brings listeners up to speed on how the ever-changing tariff news could impact the jewelry industry and shares emerging trends from the diamond market. Finally, Victo
Episode 142: Tucson Show, De Beers, Signet, Audemars Piguet
On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss highlights from the colored gem shows in Tucson, where designers were buzzing over Guatemalan jade. Rob updates listeners on big news from De Beers, which sealed a 10-year deal with Botswana and saw its value written down significantly. In other news, one of Signet’s largest shareholders has called fo
Episode 141: Guest John Green
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates interview John Greene, president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green, a fifth-generation family-owned jewelry store based in Connecticut. John, winner of the 2025 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement, recounts the story of a 127-year retailing tradition in his family. He also offers insights into noteworthy trends he's seeing on the sales floor.
Sponsored by IGI: igi.org
Episode 140: LVMH Watch Week, Tiffany, Tucson, Bernie Robbins
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss LVMH’s recent annual Watch Week in New York City. Highlights include Tiffany’s dazzling 13-foot Bird on a Rock sculpture, cutting-edge clocks in the shape of cars and grenades from L’Epée, and a mini miracle—a tiny mechanical Bulgari Serpenti watch. Next, Victoria and Rob share some perspective on recent reports about troubl
Episode 139: Guests Richard and Billie Hughes
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates interview our first-ever father-daughter guest duo, Richard “Dick” Hughes and Billie Hughes, co-founders of Lotus Gemology, a full-service colored gemstone testing lab based in Bangkok. The pair give listeners an insider’s guide to the complex world of colored stones. Why is describing faceted color gemstones “pure hell”? (“It’s lik
Episode 138: Holiday Sales, Gold Prices, 2025 Color and Design Trends
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates discuss recent holiday sales results and weigh in on what 2025 may bring for jewelers as a new administration takes office, tariffs loom on the horizon, and gold prices remain high. Also discussed is the latest news from De Beers after a less-than-banner year, Rob’s upcoming mystery novel (the final installment of his Diamond District series), and how factors such a
Episode 137: Guest Ian Smillie
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates talk with veteran human rights activist and author Ian Smillie, one of the architects of the Kimberley Process. Ian’s unlikely career began when he volunteered to teach high school in Sierra Leone more than 50 years ago and led him to become one of the leading advocates for ending the blood diamond trade. Ian discusses his quest to improve life for artisanal miners,
Episode 136: Holiday Outlook, Botswana and De Beers, Horology’s Oscars
On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss potential ramifications of Botswana’s regime change for De Beers and American jewelers. Next, Victoria recounts her adventures in Geneva, where she was a juror for the Grand Prix de Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), the world’s most prestigious watchmaking competition. Finally, the pair shed light on what
Episode 135: Guest Bliss Lau
On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates sit down with Bliss Lau, founder and designer of her eponymous brand.
BONUS: Hear a special sponsored mini interview with Howard Stone from Jewelers Mutual, who covers ways to protect your staff and store during the holiday buying season.
Presenting sponsor: Tracr
Sponsor: Jewelers Mutual
Episode 134: Patek Philippe Cubitus, De Beers-Signet Ad, Roberto Coin
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates delve into the launch of Patek Philippe’s Cubitus Collection. Victoria shares insight into the revered brand’s vision for its new timepieces. Next, Rob explains the philosophy behind a moving new ad campaign by De Beers and Signet for natural diamonds. Finally, Victoria reports on a visit to Roberto Coin in Vicenza, replete with kilos of gold and a masquerade ball.
Episode 133: Guest Stephanie Gottlieb
On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates sit down with Stephanie Gottlieb, founder and creator of Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry, to hear how she built her business by tapping into the power of social media, what’s ahead for the brand, why she’s passionate about natural diamonds, and her picks for holiday bestsellers.
BONUS: Hear a special sponsor
Episode 132: Signet CEO Change, Independent Watchmakers
On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss Signet CEO Gina Drosos’ impending retirement, reflect on her successes over the past seven years, and speculate on what’s ahead for new CEO J.C. Symancyk. Next, the conversation turns to Victoria’s recent New York Times report on the coming-of-age of independent watchmakers. These once-struggling frin
Episode 131: Guest Julia Hackman Chafé
On this week's episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Julia Hackman Chafé, social media manager at Intercolor USA.
And hear a special sponsored mini interview with Howard Stone from Jewelers Mutual, who talks store security and loss prevention.
Presenting Sponsor: Tracr (tracr.com)
Sponsor: Jewelers Mutual (jewelersmutual.com)
Episode 130: Montana Sapphire Mine Visit; Lab-Grown Diamond Market Consolidates
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk Victoria’s tour of a Montana sapphire mine and some consolidation occurring in the lab-grown diamond industry.
Sponsored by Tracr: tracr.com
Episode 129: Guest Greg Verras
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Greg Verras, watch design director for Shinola, a Motor City icon beloved for its “built in Detroit” timepieces. Greg shares his unlikely journey from a skateboard startup in his garage to high-end watch designer. He touches on what inspires new Shinola timepieces and collections, the hallmarks that make them uniquely Amer
Episode 128: LVMH at Olympics, Tiffany's Travails, Travel Retail, Hodinkee
On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates question whether the Paris Olympics suffered from overbranding and ponder what it means for future games, before discussing recent missteps at Tiffany & Co. and a flurry of C-suite changes at luxury watch brands. Next, Victoria explains how and why jewelry brands are tapping into the travel boom with shops in
Episode 127: Guest Constance Polamalu
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates speak with Constance Polamalu, Chief Operating Officer of Zachary’s Jewelers, as well as the owner and founder of both Bloomstone Jewelers and Birthright Foundry. Constance shares her unique entrance into the jewelry industry, as well as the facets of each of her different businesses, from lab-grown diamonds to pieces that represent her American Samoa culture. She a
Episode 126: John Mayer, Russian Sanctions, Richemont, Saks and Neiman, JVC
On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk about celebrity watch collectors and investors, such as John Mayer and Jay-Z, and discuss the new Russian sanctions on diamonds that the G7 council is looking to put in place. As well, there are big changes happening at Richemont, with many of the top executives playing musical chairs, and the Saks-Neima
Episode 125: Guest Pippa Small
This week, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Pippa Small, ethical jewelry designer and founder of Pippa Small Jewellery, based in London. Pippa has traveled extensively and worked to make sure that both her materials and partnerships are sourced with good intentions. Helping people tell stories through jewelry has always been her passion, and she shares he
Episode 124: Show Takeaways
You’ll hear JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share their reactions to the 2024 JCK show, including their impressions of the states of the diamond and lab-grown diamond sectors, takeaways from the De Beers breakfast, their experiences interviewing Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and how important it is for producer countries to have a presence at the show. Vic
Episode 123: Interviews From the JCK Show Floor
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share interviews they captured live from the JCK 2024 show floor, including Jan Patrick Smith, CEO of John Hardy; David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council; Gina Fahnestock, Senior Associate of Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability at Brilliant Earth; Wesley Tucker, CEO of Tracr; Marie Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability Off
Episode 122: Watches of Switzerland's Roberto Coin Acquisition, JCK Show Highlights
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates react to Watches of Switzerland’s recent acquisition of Roberto Coin Inc. As the hosts discuss the slow growth of brands in the jewelry space, Victoria gives the fascinating backstory on Shinola’s Gomelsky watch as an illustration of the challenges of launching a new brand. Victoria covers the exciting activations to look out for on
Episode 121: Guest Al Cook
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates welcome one of the most influential guests ever to join the podcast—Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group. Al shares his back story, comments on the current state of the diamond industry, and sheds light on the future of the diamond business in Botswana as well as what lies ahead for the lab grown market.
Sponsored by Tracr: Tracr.com
S
Episode 120: Watches & Wonders, AGS Conclave, a Lab-Grown Factory Visit
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share news from their recent trips to Geneva and Austin to attend key industry conferences. At Watches & Wonders, Victoria noted a trend toward red and burgundy watch accents, along with a preponderance of derivative designs rather than radical innovations. She and Rob theorize on the reason for the trend. At a well-attended AGS Con
Episode 119: Guest Nancy Leach
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with forecasting expert Nancy Leach, co-founder of the consulting firm Gemedge Studio, which helps companies develop strategy and initiatives to drive business growth.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 118: 24 Karat Weekend, Diamond Sanctions, John Kennedy
The hosts discuss a Ukrainian designer's account of war in her country, the issues with Russian diamond sanctions, and salute retiring Jewelers' Security Alliance president John Kennedy.
Presenting sponsor: De Beers (institute.debeers.com)
Sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com/jdpodcast)
Episode 117: Guest Jean-Claude Biver
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates speak with Jean-Claude Biver, president of JC Biver and a living legend of the watch world. He regales the hosts on his introduction to the industry 50 years ago; his time at Audemars Piguet; how he revived the historic brand Blancpain; his time running Hublot; and how he brought pizazz to Omega with help from Cindy Crawford and Jam
Episode 116: Russian Diamond Sanctions, Tucson News, and an Instagram Suspension
Rob Bates and Victoria Gomelsky talk about Russian diamond sanctions, news from Tucson, and a blogger’s mysterious Instagram suspension.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 115: Guest Vanessa Fernández
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Vanessa Fernández, designer, bench jeweler, and owner of Vanessa Fernández Studio.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 114: Platinum Guild Press Trip, Lab-Grown Diamond Detection, Tucson Preview
Rob Bates and Victoria Gomelsky talk about a Platinum Guild press trip to Miami, the increasing need for lab-grown diamond detection tools and protocol, and what’s in store at the Tucson gem shows.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 113: Guest Stanley Zale
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Stanley Zale, Principal Consultant at Hill & Company and grandson of Zale Corporation founder M.B. Zale.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 112: Predictions for 2024
Today, Rob Bates and Victoria Gomelsky talk about 2024 predictions, Russian diamond sanctions, and the year in the watch world.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 111: Guest Tom Chatham
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Tom Chatham, chairman of the board of Chatham Created Gems.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 110: NYC Jewelry Week Highlights, Traceability, Holiday Predictions
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates discuss highlights from an event-packed NYC Jewelry Week. These include a jewelry collective working with artisanal gold miners in Peru, a panel of Indigenous designers channeling cultural traditions into their work, and a Stephanie Gottlieb partnership with De Beers spotlighting diamond provenance. Rob weighs in on whether the Black Friday boom will prove a bellwet
Episode 109: Guest Olga Oleksenko
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates speak with Olga Oleksenko, founder of the Strong&Precious Art Foundation, which showcases Ukrainian jewelry art and design.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 108: Istanbul Jewelry, WD Diamonds, and Sustainability in the Watch Industry
Today, Rob Bates and Victoria Gomelsky talk about Victoria’s trip to Istanbul, WD Diamonds, and the history of sustainability in the watch industry.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 107: Guest Edahn Golan
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates welcome Edahn Golan, diamond industry analyst as well as owner and manager of Edahn Golan Diamond Research and Data and managing partner of Tenoris.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 106: Hedda Schupak, Russian Diamond Sanctions, and Grand Seiko
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates pay tribute to former JCK editor Hedda Schupak, who passed away this month. An industry icon as well as a mentor to Victoria and Rob, Hedda steered the magazine successfully through major changes in the early 2000s and played a key role in the early days of its annual Las Vegas trade show. Rob updates listeners on the latest news in
Episode 105: Guest Monica Stephenson
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates interview Monica Stephenson, founder and president of ANZA Gems.
Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com
Episode 104: Rolex & Bucherer, Audemars Piguet, Rob’s New Book
JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates delve into hot topics from the world of luxury watches, starting with Rolex’s recent acquisition of Bucherer and its potential implications for retailers. Next the conversation turns to Audemars Piguet’s latest AP House. Finally, Rob shares some encouraging news about a flurry of brick-and-mortar retail openings this year and dishes
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