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

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 Conclave, lab-grown diamonds and gold prices were hot topics, and Rob got a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of a local boutique lab-grown producer.

Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.com

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

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)

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 James Bond. He also reflects on how all those experiences are shaping what he and his son are doing at his new venture, the luxury watch brand, JC Biver.

Presenting sponsor: De Beers (institute.debeers.com)

Sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com/jdpodcast)

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

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

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

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

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

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