The Jewelry District

Latest Episodes:

Episode 140: LVMH Watch Week, Tiffany, Tucson, Bernie Robbins Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

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

Episode 139: Guests Richard and Billie Hughes Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

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

Episode 138: Holiday Sales, Gold Prices, 2025 Color and Design Trends Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

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

Episode 137: Guest Ian Smillie Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 136: Holiday Outlook, Botswana and De Beers, Horology’s Oscars Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 135: Guest Bliss Lau Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

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 Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 133: Guest Stephanie Gottlieb Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 132: Signet CEO Change, Independent Watchmakers Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

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 fringe creatives are having a mainstream moment, partnering with major players in the luxury sector and seeing their pieces sell at auction for over a million dollars. Sponsored by Tracr: tracr.com

Episode 131: Guest Julia Hackman Chafé Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

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)

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected