The Jewelry District

JCK

The Jewelry District hosted by JCK

  • 26 minutes 3 seconds
    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, Victoria discusses the most-talked-about rumors and reports from the watch world, including acquisitions, major management shifts shaking up the top players, and buzz about a potential new line from Rolex.


    Sponsored by IGI: igi.org/education

    26 March 2025, 3:30 pm
  • 24 minutes 28 seconds
    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 for a sale of the company. Rob offers insights into the factors driving these headline-making stories. Finally, Victoria reports on the state of the Swiss watch industry as Audemars Piguet marks its 150th anniversary.


    Sponsored by IGI: igi.org/education

    12 March 2025, 3:32 pm
  • 27 minutes 16 seconds
    Episode 141: Guest John Green

    JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates interview John Green, 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

    26 February 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 26 minutes 17 seconds
    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 trouble at LVMH and downturns in the Swiss watch market. Finally, the pair honor a jeweler with a heart of gold, the late Harvey Rovinsky of Bernie Robbins.

    Sponsored by IGI: igi.org

    12 February 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 25 minutes 26 seconds
    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 like trying to describe the wind,” in Dick’s words.) How do experts really detect treated stones? Bonus: Find out how you can learn more from these experts in Tucson.


    Sponsored by IGI: igi.org

    29 January 2025, 3:00 pm
  • 22 minutes 57 seconds
    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 as Pantone’s Color of the Year and the Year of the Snake may—or may not—impact jewelry design.


    Sponsored by IGI: igi.org

    15 January 2025, 3:00 pm
  • 28 minutes 47 seconds
    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, the threats they face from the rise of lab-grown stones, and his new memoir on a life dedicated to combatting global poverty.


    Sponsored by Tracr: tracr.com

    18 December 2024, 4:23 pm
  • 23 minutes 37 seconds
    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 to expect this holiday sales season—and in the year ahead. Hint: buckle your seatbelt.


    Sponsored by Tracr: tracr.com

    4 December 2024, 4:00 pm
  • 36 minutes 4 seconds
    Episode 135: Guest Bliss Lau

    On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates catch up with Brooklyn-based designer Bliss Lau, who channels her Hawaiian upbringing, part Chinese heritage, and innovative artistry into her self-titled fine jewelry collections. Bliss discusses early career challenges, including a low point when an A-lister attempted to appropriate her designs and a career-changing highpoint when Beyoncé wore one of her pieces. She explains her ethics-first approach to sourcing and highlights her latest collection celebrating Mayan jade.


    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

    20 November 2024, 4:00 pm
  • 24 minutes 25 seconds
    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.


    Sponsored by Tracr: tracr.com

    6 November 2024, 4:00 pm
  • 33 minutes 23 seconds
    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 sponsored mini interview with Jewelers Mutual Information Security Offer Grant Hansen about the most common cybercrimes and provides security tips to help jewelers avoid them.


    Presenting Sponsor: Tracr

    Sponsor: Jewelers Mutual

    23 October 2024, 3:00 pm
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