The Rapaport Diamond Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rapaport
Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz hosts this show with deep analysis and hard hitting interviews. The Rapaport Diamond Podcast is your gateway to the diamond industry.
Stuller CEO Danny Clark and president Belit Myers talk about the US diamond and jewelry supplier’s recent leadership change and why the company has seen both natural and lab-grown flourish. Plus: The importance of the company’s focus on “just-in-time” inventory.
Guy Burton, managing director of high-end UK jeweler Hancocks London, digs into vintage diamond cuts and how they compare with modern styles. Plus: The state of British retail and the Hatton Garden trade.
Mayank Jain, CEO of DiaDNA, outlines how the company is developing technology to identify diamonds and prevent stone-switching. Mayank explains the difference between optical and atomic scanning and how the industry can benefit from the extra traceability.
You can watch this episode on video at: https://youtu.be/VzDUXlmVhoI
Richa Singh, managing director for India and the Middle East at the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), explains the rise of one of the world’s fastest-growing diamond markets. Plus: What the US-India trade deal might mean, the lab-grown sector’s expansion, and how jewelers use WhatsApp to sell.
John Ford, CEO of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), and Bruce Bridges, its president, report on talks with US government officials over potential tariff relief. Plus: How colored gemstones have staved off competition from synthetics.
Randy Cole, CEO of Michigan jewelry retailer Diamond Vault of Troy, breaks down the perhaps surprising demographics of natural and synthetic diamonds. Plus: How the holiday season went.
From Trump to tariffs to diamond marketing, Rapaport Managing Editor Leah Meirovich and Senior Analyst Joshua Freedman reflect on the year that is about to end.
Pre-owned jewelry should be exempt from US tariffs, says Max Fawcett, incoming global head of jewelry at auction house Christie’s. Plus: Why the market for spectacular diamonds has slowed.
Alexandra Beth Samit, founder of New York-based Alexandra Beth Fine Jewelry, explains how developments in the metal markets have spooked consumers and pushed some to buy cheaper stones.
On his second appearance, Thomas Hainschwang of GGTL Laboratories discusses underqualified gem labs, the latest developments in synthetics, and why fluorescent diamonds have a bad name.
Conner Curran, CEO of commodity firm Dexterous DMCC, says Dubai is a fantastic place to live and work but raises concerns about tax changes. Plus: Why the company branched out into polished-diamond tenders for consumers.
Sean Dunn, vice president of Florida-based retailer J.R. Dunn Jewelers, believes diamond provenance is the key to the industry’s future. Visit www.youtube.com/@rapaportYT to watch the full video version.
Greg Katz, managing partner of South Africa-based dealer and manufacturer Trigon Adamas, digs into the market for large, fancy-color diamonds.
Adam Schulman, CEO and founder of tender house Koin International, believes his sales system has made the rough sector more transparent and competitive. Plus: Wildlife photography in the Dubai desert. Visit www.youtube.com/@rapaportYT to watch the full video version.
Small changes in consumer demand can have an amplified impact on the midstream and mining. Industry consultant Pranay Narvekar explains why.
Jewelry consultant Megan Crabtree discusses ways to improve sales and the customer experience, from data to artificial intelligence (AI).
Brian Stamey, vice president of marketing and operations at International Diamond Center (IDC), addresses the market’s current challenges and explains the importance of branded jewelry to the Florida-based retailer. This podcast was recorded on July 8, before the US’s announcement of 25% tariffs on Indian goods.
Allison Vigil, President of the Signet Jewelers-owned business, explains why the company shifted from rental services to selling pre-owned goods.
Andrew Rickard stresses the importance of getting a credit report and outlines his plans for the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) after his recent appointment as its president. Plus: Lab-grown diamonds, tariffs, and the state of the industry.
Nilesh Chhabria, chief operating officer at Finestar Diamonds & Jewellery, reflects on the recent JCK Las Vegas show, the market for fancy-shape diamonds, and why natural is regaining some of the ground it lost to lab-grown.
German jewelry designer Katharina Junkert recounts the history of Pforzheim, the country’s famed manufacturing city. She also explains why German consumers prefer diamonds with high color and clarity — perhaps because of the weather? Plus: The positive and negative impacts of US tariffs.
Howard Hauben, president and CEO of the Centurion Jewelry Show, assesses the state of high-end consumer demand and the impact of US tariffs on trade fairs.
Dan Moran, president of Los Angeles-based bespoke jeweler Concierge Diamonds, explains the impact of tariffs on retail and how his business has shifted its inventory strategy. Plus: The benefits of being a licensed pilot. Visit www.youtube.com/@rapaportYT to watch the full video version.
Shreyans Dholakia, brand custodian at Indian diamond manufacturer Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK), assesses the state of the market and explains the company’s pricing and production strategies. Plus: Its response to allegations about Russian diamonds.
Roy Safit, CEO of the Fancy Color Research Foundation, delves into the colored-diamond market and what’s driving price trends. Visit www.youtube.com/@rapaportYT to watch the video.
Conflict-diamond expert Brad Brooks-Rubin discusses Trump, tariffs, the Kimberley Process, and whether the US could reverse sanctions on Russian goods. Plus: Brad’s side career as a DJ and music blogger.
Lawrence Ma, chairman of the organizing committee for the March gem and jewelry shows in Hong Kong, reflects on the fairs and the state of China’s diamond market.
Steve Feldman reveals his tricks of the trade from more than 45 years as a salesman in the diamond and jewelry sector.
David Bonaparte, president and CEO of Jewelers of America (JA), explains the trade organization’s work lobbying on Russia sanctions and other industry issues. Plus: A review of the current state of demand.
Shenil Shah of polished distributor Aspeco explains how the company has focused on selling bundles of matching diamonds to tackle competition from lab-grown.
In a special video episode, diamond consultant Eyal Axelrod discusses the state of the supply chain, the future of rough production, synthetic diamonds, and what the sector can learn from the movie industry. Visit www.youtube.com/@rapaportYT to view the video.
Anita Diamonds CEO Chirag Shah outlines how the Antwerp-based company’s credit business, diverse client list and flexible operating model have helped it grow despite difficult trading conditions.
Tobias Kormind, CEO of UK-based online retailer 77 Diamonds, explains the company’s low-inventory business model and why he believes Blue Nile’s price-focused approach was a mistake.
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre’s Karen Rentmeesters and Ravi Bhansali discuss the themes, conclusions and atmosphere of the recent Facets 2024 conference in the Belgian city.
On the latest episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, jeweler Eddie LeVian shares his family business’s sweet tooth for chocolate diamonds and how it’s trying to redirect customers toward higher-value stones.
Nathan Renfro, senior manager of colored stones at the GIA, discusses treatments, synthetics, gemstone origin, and what attracts consumers to rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Plus: How the cookie monster appeared in an agate.
David Sherwood, CEO of Daniel’s Jewelers, describes the development of his family’s business into a 100-store retailer and why it offers both natural and synthetic diamonds.
Sustainability consultant Danielle Keller talks about the circular economy, the benefits of repairing old jewelry, and the challenges of tracking a supply chain.
Scott Berg, president of US retailer Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, explains how the industry downturn has affected his company’s diamond-sourcing strategy. Plus: Changes in the Indian market and his visit to a mine in South Africa.
Podcast title: A Natural Future
Blurb: Josh Arazi, vice president and creative director at Arazi Diamonds, discusses the New York-based wholesaler’s decision to restrict the services it offers customers that promote synthetics.
William Lamb, CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp., relates how the company discovered a 2,492-carat rough at its mine in Botswana.
Antwerp trader Shashin Choksi explains why he believes the diamond industry must put more effort into promoting the product. Plus: How India’s recent celebrity wedding boosted the sector.
Aryeh Rephun, founder of New York-based Aryeh & Co., explains developments in the bespoke-jewelry market and assesses consumer demand ahead of the holiday season.
Isidore (Isi) Mörsel, director of Dali Diamond and president of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) board, gives the inside story on G7 sanctions and other issues affecting Belgium’s diamond trade.
Ari Jain, chief financial officer of New York-based manufacturer and dealer House of Diamonds, tells how he created an algorithm for pricing polished diamonds while at university. He also discusses the latest trends in the US and Indian markets.
Jeff Loots of New York-based diamond-jewelry brand Henri Daussi gives his assessment of the US wholesale market following the Las Vegas shows.
Venus Jewel partner Devansh Shah reflects on developments in India’s diamond-manufacturing sector and how his company shifted toward large stones.
Hertz Hasenfeld of US-based diamond manufacturer Hasenfeld-Stein shares his experience handling market crashes.
Hans Merket, a researcher at the Antwerp-based International Peace Information Service (IPIS), critiques the Kimberley Process and provides an update on the state of conflict diamonds.
Margot Stuart and Prof. Felicitas Morhart talk about OriginalLuxury, a hub that provides events and information to help luxury companies improve their traceability and transparency.
Craig Miller, CEO of Australian diamond wholesaler and distributor JC Jewels, gives the inside scoop on the country’s jewelry market.
Journalist and author Rachael Taylor discusses how red-carpet events and well-chosen brand ambassadors can impact revenues.
Roi Sheinfeld, managing partner of diamond manufacturer M&B Group, came on the Rapaport Diamond Podcast to review the recent Hong Kong fair, which occurred amid sluggish Chinese consumer demand.
Sharon Novak, curatorial advisor to high-jewelry houses and private collectors, talks about the King of Diamonds’ groundbreaking techniques and bold approach to stone-cutting, as well as some of the legendary figures who have bought his pieces.
Diamond consultant Robert Wake-Walker spoke with Rapaport’s Joshua Freedman about G7 sanctions on Russia diamonds, the development of Russia’s diamond sector, and how economic challenges have affected the industry at large.
Dr. Jeffrey Post, the recently retired curator for gems and minerals at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, joined us to discuss the stories behind gemstones, his favorite moments from a 40-year career, and, of course, the Hope Diamond.
Dustin Lemick, founder and CEO of insurance technology company BriteCo, shares his insights on the recent festive shopping season in a conversation we recorded on December 20. Plus: How lab-grown pricing impacts insurance.
Rapaport’s Leah Meirovich and Joshua Freedman pick the stories that had the biggest impact on the industry in 2023. They also reflect on selections for “People of the Year” and express their hopes and expectations for 2024.
Nicholas Moltke of Botswanamark chats with Rapaport’s Joshua Freedman about why he founded the brand, which offers US consumers diamonds from the African country. He also explains why now is a good time to launch this venture, despite market weakness.
Rapaport’s Joshua Freedman caught up with Olivia Landau, cofounder and CEO of The Clear Cut, which famously gives away a free lab-grown stone for every purchase of a natural-diamond engagement ring. Olivia explains why she only sells the mined stuff, and reflects on uncertain consumer demand ahead of the holidays.
To celebrate this milestone, Sonia Esther Soltani, Leah Meirovich and Joshua Freedman discuss their most memorable episodes since the Rapaport Diamond Podcast launched almost six years ago. How has the genre changed? Who would they like to invite as a future guest? Plus: How would you fare in the quiz?
Shanghai-based diamond dealer and consultant Chen Shen reflects on the recent slump in Chinese consumer spending. Is the economy to blame — or are synthetics taking over?
Jewelry journalist Rachael Taylor and Rapaport’s Sonia Esther Soltani analyze the latest developments in the bridal jewelry market, while Rapaport’s Leah Meirovich discusses James Allen’s diamond and jewelry ChatGPT plugin with Shannon Delany-Ron.
A sneak peak at Rapaport’s upcoming GIA-sponsored supplement, which features stories on traceability, social responsibility, and how to talk to consumers about values.
Reformed jewel thief Bryan Sobolewski talks about his 22-store robbery spree, getting caught, his return to the straight and narrow, and how jewelers can prevent guys like him from making off with their merchandise.
Consumers’ changing spending habits are the real cause of weak retail sales – more so than rising inflation, says consultant David Marcotte.
Melanie Grant, executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), joins Rapaport’s Sonia Esther Soltani and Joshua Freedman to discuss the latest developments at the organization and in the wider world of ethical sourcing. Melanie also gives an update on her writing and curating projects.
Amish Shah of Altr Created Diamonds reports from the inaugural Lab-Grown Diamond Symposium in Dubai. How are prices performing, and what does the future of the sector hold?
The market is seeing a spate of green diamonds coming back from grading labs as treated or “undetermined,” says Thomas Hainschwang, cofounder of GGTL Laboratories. Plus: synthetic diamonds, trends in grading, and the science of identifying origin.
The team fires questions at Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz, who is leaving after 16 years of service. Plus: A report from the JCK Las Vegas show, the latest in the retail market, and how the New York auctions fared.
Tiffany Stevens, CEO, president and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), addresses key issues around Russian diamonds in conversation with Rapaport’s Joshua Freedman. Plus: Why the industry has a problem with the term “recycled.”
Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz chats with Ryan Perry, acting vice president of strategy and innovation at De Beers, about the company’s recent partnership with the GIA on its Tracr blockchain platform, the importance of expanding the industry’s provenance capabilities and how technology can enable better storytelling.
The diamond market is down, but jewelers seem to be doing okay. What do you think is causing that difference in sentiment between the jewelry retail and the diamond wholesale markets?
Diamond trading may have slowed in 2023, but there are several developments that are shaping the market and creating positive energy around jewelry. The Rapaport editorial team discusses some of the high-profile events that may have raised the bar for the rest of the industry.
Trading is slow but there’s a lot to look forward to in the diamond trade. What events or trends do you expect will raise market sentiment?
With diamond trading currently quiet, the industry is looking ahead to various events that may lift sentiment and business activity. From where do you see the turnaround coming?
Rapaport News Editor Joshua Freedman chats with Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher Diamond Company, and Harsh Shah, director of Pasavaja Gems, about the Young Diamantaires group following their recent fact-finding trip to India.
Rapaport is the primary source for diamond pricing and information. Here's our view of the global diamond market for the week of April 21st.
Read all the stories of the week on our website Rapaport.com, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
In his presentation during International Diamond Week in Israel, Rapaport Group Chairman Martin Rapaport outlines the challenges the industry faces regarding synthetics and Russian sanctions, stressing the importance of full disclosure of supply relating to both issues.
Bruce Cleaver, cochairman of De Beers, sat with Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz to discuss the company’s ongoing negotiations for a new marketing and mining deal with the Botswana government. They also talked about traceability and how De Beers is facilitating this through its Tracr blockchain platform, the importance of branding, lab grown and De Beers positioning in that sector, and current market conditions.
The discussions and meetings that took place in Israel this week, said a lot about the diamond trade’s mindset. What do you think should be on the agenda that wasn’t?
What does the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision have to do with the diamond industry? Well, pretty much everything if we want to understand the slow market environment that we continue to experience.
Rapaport Editor in Chief Sonia Esther Soltani chats with Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz and News Editor Joshua Freedman, highlighting the major events, trends and quirky news stories that have shaped the diamond industry in the first quarter of 2023.
David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, chats with Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz about the organization’s latest projects — including a rebuttal to the lab-grown sector’s sustainability claims, a path to partnering with other sectors of the trade, and the group’s ongoing work with brand ambassador Lily James.
Iris Van der Veken, executive director of the Watch & Jewelry Initiative 2030, discusses with Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz the organization’s immediate and long-term goals, how the luxury brands are approaching sustainability challenges, and how to raise the bar when it comes to issues such as climate change, gender equality, and governance.
Frederik Degryse, CEO of iTraceiT, a new platform that aims to validate a diamond’s origin and journey, chats with Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz about the rising demand for traceability programs and the challenges providers of such services face in facilitating diamond-origin claims.
Sam Karmiel, owner of Icerock Diamonds, discusses the learning curve he experienced as his business shifted focus to selling expensive diamonds via Instagram.
Rapaport Acting Editor Rachael Taylor and Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz discuss the role technology is playing in jewelry design and marketing. They also explore the legacies of two major brands that are the subjects of books Taylor recently published.
Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz, News Editor Joshua Freedman and Senior Reporter Leah Meirovich look back on 2023, picking their favorite industry moments of the year, their personal and professional highlights, and the top stories on Rapaport.com — and outlining their expectations for 2023.
Mountain Province CEO Mark Wall expresses optimism for the diamond trade, noting that the eventual release of pent-up demand in China, coupled with supply constraints, will support the market. He also outlines the opportunity the macro environment provides Canadian producers, discusses the long-term prospects for Mountain Province, and provides an update on the Ice Road that is developed each year to supply the mines in the Northwestern Territories.
Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz and News Editor Joshua Freedman question whether sentiment in the diamond industry is aligned with that of the retail sector. They also discuss the high-end market, the growing importance of the GemGenève show, the lab-grown diamond segment, De Beers’ negotiations with Botswana, and the recent Kimberley Process (KP) plenary meeting.
Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz and News Editor Joshua Freedman question whether sentiment in the diamond industry is aligned with that of the retail sector. They also discuss the high-end market, the growing importance of the GemGenève show, the lab-grown diamond segment, De Beers’ negotiations with Botswana, and the recent Kimberley Process (KP) plenary meeting.
Rapaport Acting Editor Rachael Taylor and Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz examine the move toward gender-neutral styles by jewelers and designers, expecting unisex to be a major trend this holiday season.
The editorial team examines the slowdown in diamond trading, considering the impact of economic forces on consumer sentiment even as the US is supporting the trade while China remains sluggish. The journalists also assess some of the headlines that shaped the market in the past month, including those relating to the rough sector, De Beers Forevermark and the recent trade show in Singapore.
Kieron Hodgson, managing director at UK investment firm Panmure Gordon, discusses mistruths about lab-grown and natural diamonds, the role of research analysts in the industry, how regulatory improvements have helped the trade through Covid-19, the current market environment, and why rough prices must rise.
Matt Stuller, founder and chairman of Stuller, discusses how he got into the jewelry industry, the company’s growth, how it has navigated the Covid-19 crisis, the state of the jewelry market and its challenges, and his expectations for the holiday season.
The editorial team discusses key events and some surprising stories that dominated the headlines in the past month, including Signet’s acquisition of Blue Nile, the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) and Tiffany & Co.’s move into non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Pritesh Patel, chief operating officer at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), outlines the organization’s digital and sustainability strategy following its recent move toward paperless reports.
Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz chats with Wesley Tucker, head of digital transformation and Tracr at De Beers, about the industry’s drive to develop diamond tracking programs.
Lisa Bridge, CEO of jewelry chain Ben Bridge, discusses her recent appointment as president of the American Gem Society and the mood among US jewelry retailers heading into the second half of 2022.
Digital-marketing expert Ben Smithee, founder of The Smithee Group, joins Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz to discuss the rapidly changing media space and how it is impacting the diamond and jewelry industry.
The Las Vegas shows tend to set the tone for the industry moving into the second half of the year. The Rapaport team reveals its observations about trends and sentiment at the important jewelry week.
GemGenève show founders Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah join Avi Krawitz to discuss trends observed at the trade fair, as well as the role such events play in the industry. The trio also delves into developments in the colored-gemstone and antique-jewelry markets amid the recent market turbulence.
Undisclosed synthetics may not be making headlines lately, but they still pose a serious threat to the diamond market. Host Avi Krawitz discusses developments in the lab-grown market and detection technology with De Beers product manager Trevor Poulter.
Amid the challenges that the diamond industry is facing, there is still a positive outlook for retail and a growing excitement about special stones coming to auction. The Rapaport team discusses this dichotomy and the trends that may shape the industry in the coming weeks.
Host Avi Krawitz and veteran industry journalist Rob Bates discuss the diamond trade’s Russia dilemma, Rob’s new book and the upcoming JCK show, among other pertinent topics affecting the diamond industry.
Rapaport’s editorial team reviews the recent withdrawals from the Responsible Jewellery Council and their implications for the trade, the industry’s approach to Russian supply, along with an overview of the standout Oscars jewelry and favorite moments from the annual event.
Like many in the diamond industry, Lucara Diamond Corp. enjoyed a banner year in 2021, but it is now strategizing ways to continue the momentum. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks to Lucara CEO Eira Thomas about the company’s plans for its mining and sales operations.
Rapaport’s editorial team discusses the sudden change in mood that has taken hold in the diamond industry since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. How is the situation likely to impact the market?
In a wide-ranging conversation, two De Beers executives share how the company is using data to boost efficiency in its operations and the diamond supply chain. Gordon Taylor, head of commercial technology at De Beers Group Ignite, and Sarandos Gouvelis, its head of incubation, also discuss how the push toward sustainability was influencing its programs.
Rapaport’s editorial team members assess whether the strong momentum will continue across the pipeline, reveal their plans for Valentine’s Day, and review some important collections at Paris Fashion Week.
Steering the jewelry industry’s strategy on sustainability and responsible sourcing can be a daunting task, but it’s also a necessary one to ensure its survival. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks to Iris Van der Veken, executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), about the organization’s strategy and campaigns.
Rapaport’s editorial team discusses how Covid-19 is impacting the market (again) at the start of the year, some surprising trends during the season and the mysterious world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Will they prove to be a boon for the trade or a fad?
The diamond and jewelry industry has the tools to capitalize on its 2021 growth but needs to be proactive in its approach. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks to David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, about how to ensure the positive momentum continues.
The Rapaport editorial team reflect on the holiday season, delve into the dynamics of the antique-jewelry market and look back at their favorite “diamond” moments of 2021.
Digital is expected to continue to drive change in the diamond industry. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with Neil Ventura, vice president of strategy and innovation at De Beers about the company’s approach to innovation and building new ventures.
The Rapaport team reflects on the GemGenève show, the Magnificent Jewels auctions and the recent surge in the fancy-shape market, highlighting the trends to look out for in the coming months. Sponsored by https://ignite.debeersgroup.com/ (De Beers Group Ignite): pioneering a new diamond world through innovation.
Sustainability ranks among the top three considerations for consumers buying diamond jewelry, according to the latest De Beers Diamond Insight Report. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with Esther Oberbeck, senior vice president of strategy, analytics and insights at De Beers, about the opportunities and challenges sustainability presents to the diamond industry.
The Rapaport team reflects on the mood in the market after the recent US trade shows and as the peak retail selling season is about to begin.
Lusix, an Israel-based lab-grown diamond company, is expanding its production capabilities amid rising demand for the category, says founder Benny Landa.
Diamond companies need a plan to stay ahead of the changing market. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with industry consultant Anish Aggarwal about the evolving nature of the trade.
The Rapaport team explores the factors driving the recovery in the diamond market, and draws on lessons from the major jewelers, who appear to be reclaiming market share previously lost to the independents.
The diamond-financing landscape has changed dramatically in the past decade, but further shifts are on the horizon as fintech and sustainability drive the industry forwards, explains financier Eric Jens, a former head of ABN Amro’s jewelry and gems unit.
Lab-grown diamonds are back on the agenda after Pandora announced it would no longer sell mined stones. The team discusses what’s in the store for the sector.
The Rapaport team examines several case studies featuring companies that have transformed their operations by embracing technology.
Technology is transforming the shopping experience and empowering retailers to bring many added-value and branded services to their customers.
The Rapaport Diamond Podcast looks at the impact of Artificial Intelligence on diamond grading and discusses what changes this will bring to the industry.
With consumers more than ever interested in the story behind their diamond we discuss the various technologies tracing the journey of diamonds from mine to market and how it is helping to empower the storytelling aspect behind each individual stone.
A roundtable discussion on the diamond trade’s embracement of technology over the decades and the current state of the industry in terms of technological advancement. Featuring guests: Ben Smithee, Grant Mobley and Sam Karmiel.
The Rapaport News team looks back at a tumultuous year in our final podcast of 2020, highlighting the most significant stories and trends that shaped our industry.
The diamond and jewelry industry has made some important strides in its responsible sourcing practices but cannot become complacent, especially during the pandemic, explains Juliane Kippenberg, associate director of the Children’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch.
How does the next generation of diamond professionals view the industry? We find out by interviewing two active members of the Young Diamantaires group — South Africa-based polished supplier Kealeboga Pule, and German jewelry retailer Chris Zoettl.
Alliance of jewelry suppliers is helping members trade all year round, and not just at the JCK show, says president Michael Lerche.
Erich Jacobs, president of the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT), explains how US businesses have handled this year’s liquidity crisis
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) is looking to work more closely with retailers and the trade to take its marketing activities to the next level, CEO David Kellie explained in the latest episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast. Kellie urged the trade to consider the jewelry featured in the “For Moments Like No Other” campaign and the categories outlined in the 2020 Holiday Trend Report, both of which were unveiled in September.
Susan Jacques, CEO at the Gemological Institute of America, talks about the laboratory’s response to the pandemic, its approach to lab-grown diamonds, and the future of artificial intelligence in grading.
The number of jewelry pieces being sent to the International Gemological Institute (IGI) for grading and authentication continues to rise, indicating a faster-than-expected revival among jewelers, according to CEO Roland Lorie. Lorie spoke with Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz about market conditions as well as hot-button issues affecting the industry and the grading labs, including lab-grown diamonds, traceability and automation in diamond grading.
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the use of technology in the diamond supply chain, diminishing the fear that many in the industry had toward embracing innovation, according to David Block, CEO of Sarine Technologies. Block spoke with Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz about various ways in which technology is driving efficiencies in the diamond industry, outlining some of Sarine’s projects.
Eira Thomas, CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp. appears cautiously confident the mining company has the balance sheet, the sales platform and the right product mix at its high-value Karowe mine in Botswana, to manage through the crisis.
From online engagement ring consultations to new products and new ways of selling, the traditional jewelry stores needs to adapt and quickly. We examine the various elements jewelers should consider when making changes in the time of corona.
Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz spoke with the NDC’s CEO, David Kellie, about the relaunch in the second episode of the Rapaport Group’s “The Recovery” webinar series.
With an eye on the fourth quarter, Sally Morrison, director of PR at De Beers’ consumer and brands division, puts into perspective some of the lessons learned during the crisis. Morrison provides particular insight into how brands are changing their marketing as consumers gravitate toward more discreet, understated and restrained messaging. That should favor the diamond industry, she said in the first episode of the Rapaport Group’s “The Recovery” webinar series with Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz.
In the latest episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, we discuss the extent to which things have fundamentally changed in the past two months and what that means for the trade’s future. We assess whether the industry will maintain its sense of community in the new virtual reality, how its pivot to digital will look, and some positives that the trade can take away from the coronavirus experience.
The diamond industry will need to tweak its messaging to emphasize the values the product and brands represent, De Beers executives stressed in episode 24 of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast.
Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz spoke with Stephen Lussier, executive vice president, consumer and brands, at De Beers, and David Prager, the company’s executive vice president of corporate affairs, about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the diamond market, the company’s response, and that of the industry.
Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz spoke with Tikhonov in episode 23 of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast about how the mining company is using data to improve efficiency in the rough-sales process. Capturing data about the diamond at the mining level is enabling Alrosa to provide value-added services, including source verification with an Alrosa-issued certificate of origin to its clients.
With the coronavirus dominating headlines since late January, the Rapaport Diamond Podcast looks at its potential impact on the diamond and jewelry market — spanning the retail sector, manufacturers and miners.
In addition, Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz sums up the mood at the recent International Diamond Week in Israel and outlines the panel on traceability that he moderated at the event – along with other positive sustainability trends taking shape in the industry. Plus, Senior Reporter Joshua Freedman gives his observations on the India market, having just returned from the IIJS Signature show in Mumbai.
The Rapaport Diamond Podcast ushers in the New Year with a review of the holiday season and some bold predictions for the year ahead.
Is this the year of retail refurbishment? Will rough buying become more demand driven? How is De Beers relating to sightholders going into lab-grown? Will John stick to his fitness regime and Sonia to her goal of being more mindful? And will Billy Porter steal the show again at this years’ Academy Awards?
The Rapaport team explores these and many other pressing issues affecting the diamond trade in Episode 21 of the podcast.
The Rapaport Diamond Podcast interviewed Stephen Lussier, De Beers’ vice president, consumer and brands, after the company published its annual Diamond Insight Report.
Lussier outlines the key takeaways from the report, titled Diamonds and Love in the Modern World, stressing how the industry can capitalize on the trends in modern relationships. While the bridal segment has struggled to stimulate growth in recent years, that category may now be broader, presenting real opportunities for the trade.
Joshua Freedman, Rapaport’s Senior News Reporter, joined 25 members of the Young Diamantaires group on a visit to De Beers’ Venetia mine in South Africa. Joshua interviews Rami Baron, who led the trip and is working to secure the future of the diamond industry.
The diamond sector is facing multiple challenges, from weak profitability and tight liquidity to shaky consumer demand. Our latest podcast seeks out the positives, and discusses what companies can do to improve their situation.
Fresh off the boat from Las Vegas, and battling some serious jetlag, Rapaport news editor Avi Krawitz and publisher John Costello pick out their key takeaways and favorite moments from the JCK show.
On the first anniversary since the launch of Lightbox, Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz sat with managing director Steve Coe at the JCK show in Las Vegas.
Steve gives his perspective of the industry’s response to Lightbox, some insight into the brand’s approach to the lab-grown diamond debate, and its plans moving forward.
The Rapaport Podcast team discusses provenance and – you guessed it – lab-grown diamonds, following significant moves by De Beers and the GIA in the last few months.
The Rapaport team reflects on last week’s arrest of Nirav Modi in central London, as well as other key recent stories in the industry.
Rapaport News caught up with Reuven Kaufman, president of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, to gauge the mood in the US trade at the start of 2019.
Rapaport News Editor Avi Krawitz and senior reporter Joshua Freedman try to make sense of the holiday season after the major jewelers published some disappointing results. Amid the negatives, there were some bright spots and notable trends worth looking out for in 2019.
The Rapaport News team gathered one last time in 2018 to look back on the biggest trends of the year. They also share their favorite stories of 2018 and look ahead to a 2019 that holds both promise and challenge for the diamond and jewelry industry.
The holidays are coming, and all the signs look good, but can the bankruptcy of retail giant Sears teach the industry anything? Also, Aleah Arundale joins us to talk about the US market and her experience running the largest jewelers' Facebook group in America. Plus, the team tells you their names for a new mineral.
The most wonderful time of the year is soon upon us! It's holiday stocking season, but with a trade storm brewing between the US and China, will this holiday season be as rewarding as it once seemed to promise? Also, the rosy results of retail giants Signet and Tiffany are up for debate. Plus, what is the Rapaport crew up to for the holidays?
Things are heating up in the industry. In this sweltering episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, the team discusses the Federal Trade Commission’s decision to remove the word “natural” from its definition of “diamond,” and what it means for marketers. Swatch Group’s shock withdrawal from Baselworld is also on the agenda. Plus, what’s everyone’s favorite thing about the summer?
The team is back from JCK Las Vegas 2018 and they have come with stories to share. This month, the Rapaport Diamond Podcast covers the atmosphere and some of the show's major events. Sonia gives her update about the hot new trends at the Couture Show. And the team talks about Martin Rapaport's challenge of De Beers and the diamond industry.
Diamonds are weighed, measured and scrutinized before they’re given a grade. But are grading labs fueling consumer confidence, or a cause for concern? This month, the Rapaport Diamond Podcast explores the state of diamond grading, with our editorial team offering its views on the issue. We also interview Martin Rapaport, who gives a taste of what to expect at the upcoming Rapaport Breakfast at JCK Las Vegas.
With the industry gearing up for the JCK show in Las Vegas, the Rapaport Diamond Podcast examines the changing landscape of trade fairs, talks to Stanley Zale of Stuller about how synthetic diamonds are performing, and reviews the results of Sotheby’s latest auction in Hong Kong.
In the wake of the alleged $2 billion Nirav Modi fraud in India, the Rapaport Diamond Podcast takes a closer look at industry corruption. Donald Palmieri of the Gem Certification Assurance Lab (GCAL) shares his insights on the subject, and Rapaport Editor in Chief Sonia Esther Soltani fills us in on the glittery, glamorous 90th Academy Awards.
Labrador-Grown Diamonds? The Year of the Dog is coming up, and we are unleashing insights about how the Chinese New Year will affect the trade in the Far East. Also, an interview with noted jewelry journalist Jennifer Heebner, who shares her experiences from the most recent US colored-gemstone shows.
Blockchain, omni-channel and the power of storytelling are some of the key topics the Rapaport editorial team discusses in this new episode. It also features insights into synthetics – including advice from DPA CEO Jean-Marc Lieberherr – our favorite news stories of 2017, and Avi Krawitz’s heartfelt take on the Kimberley Process.
In Rapaport’s first-ever podcast, we share our views on the holiday season, this year’s most exciting marketing campaigns, and what retailers are — or should be — doing to meet consumers’ needs. Also, hear our exclusive interview with Sally Morrison — former De Beers and DPA marketing exec and millennial-in-training — for her take on today’s consumer landscape, and our lively discussion on the most groundbreaking news in the industry. Hint: It has a royal twist.