The Jewelry District

Latest Episodes:

Episode 168: Guest Rebecca Foerster Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

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 affection for the business. She also lends her perspective on what successful retailers are doing right, as well as the place in the market for lab-grown and natural diamonds. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com) Watch here: https://youtu.be/8okt8FjLmwc

Episode 167: Tucson, Tariffs Update, Gold Volatility, De Beers Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

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 stones and the phrase “K-shaped economy,” Victoria shares the repeating refrains she heard. Rob breaks down the status of the tariffs, post-Supreme Court ruling. The hosts both weigh in on the volitility of the metals market. Finally, Rob shares his thoughts on the ongoing sale of De Beers and the many other factors affecting the diamond market. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)

Episode 166: Guest Eddie LeVian Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

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 started and where the intel behind the trends comes from. Eddie may even tease some future trends at the end, so listen closely. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com) Sponsor: Facets of Fire (facetsoffire.com/retailer-testimonials)

Episode 165: Brilliant Earth, CBG, Metal Refining, Watch Woes Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

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 consumer decisions. Rob reports on how gold and silver prices are affecting refiners in a surprising way and shares takeaways from the CBG Show in Miami. Finally, the pair discuss the watch market and takeaways from LVMH Watch Week. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com) Sponsor: Facets of Fire (facetsoffire.com/retailer-testimonials)

Episode 164: Guest Bruce Bridges Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

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 long, arduous fight for justice, he also shares his father’s legacy: the gems Campbell is famous for discovering and naming as well as his dream of creating an elephant sanctuary on the family’s mining claims. Bruce shares his insights into the current state of the tariffs and his perspective on how they are affecting the gem shows in Tucson. Finally, he teases some of the special gems he’ll be showcasing there. Title Sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com) Sponsor: Facets of Fire (facetsoffire.com/centurion)

Episode 163: 2026 Predictions Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

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 natural diamond revival. Victoria covers the colored stone and metal trends she’s tracking, and how the gold price is shaping designers’ choices in materials. The hosts also discuss how tariffs will affect the Tucson shows, what 2026 means for the watch business, and the future of the jewelry market in the Middle East. 2026 is already off to an exciting start. Title Sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com) Sponsor: Facets of Fire (facetsoffire.com/centurion)

Episode 162: Guests Olivia Landau and Kyle Simon Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

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 of their company, from Instagram DMs to a full-time tech-enabled operation; how they fill the niche between an in-store experience and an overwhelming online marketplace; their unapologetic focus on natural diamonds; trends in the engagement ring space; and their ideas about the importance of storytelling around diamonds. Title sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com) Sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)

Episode 161: CIBJO and 'Synthetic,' a Rare Watch and Gem Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

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 item, a 1943 Patek Phillippe with an intriguing story. Finally, the hosts discuss another rare item with a mysterious history: the Florentine Diamond. Title sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com) Sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)

Episode 160: Guest Susan Posnock Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

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 Susan’s other role (though not strictly industry-related) as Rob’s spouse. We learn how the pair met, and whether they talk shop at home, in a prime example of the family-oriented nature of the jewelry industry.

Episode 159: The Louvre Heist, Gold Price, and High Jewelry Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

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 touch on predictions about holiday spending (hint: it depends on who you’re talking about). Title sponsor: Jewelers Mutual (jewelersmutual.com) Sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)

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