The Jewelry District

Epizodes

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  Episode 177: Guest Doug Meadows 12.08.2026 31min

  Doug Meadows, founder of David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry is curious by nature. Many of the valuable lessons he’s learned about running a business in this industry has come from asking other store owners questions. Where some would be too timid, Doug notices the things a retailer does well and asks to do a store visit. The knowledge he’s compiled as a result has only helped his business and relationships. The tables have turned, because now podcast hosts Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates are the ones asking the questions! Doug generously shares his experiences, travels, and lessons he’s learned along the way. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)
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  Doug Meadows Guests on 'The Jewelry District' 10.08.2026 31min

  Doug Meadows Guests on 'The Jewelry District'
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  Episode 176: The Diamond Industry's Predicament and Philippe Stern's Legacy 29.07.2026 27min

  Hosts Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates catch up after Rob’s return from the World Diamond Congress in Singapore. He shares his impression of the event including observations about the state of the diamond industry and possible paths forward. (Get a bonus glimpse into Victoria’s experience visiting Singapore as a backpacker in her 20s.) The hosts touch on the closing of the historic Ekati mine. After speaking to many who knew him, Victoria reflects on the legacy of the late Philippe Stern, the patriarch of the family that has helmed Patek Philippe for nearly 100 years. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)
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  175: Guest Gabrielle Saunders 15.07.2026 33min

  Hosts Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates talk to Gabrielle Saunders, founder of Ruveil, a jewelry brand that allows people to “wear what they hear.” She explains how her jewelry design is informed by her background working in jewelry houses such as Alexis Bittar and Harry Winston, studying gemology at GIA, and becoming a sound meditation facilitator. Bridging the seemingly disparate worlds of wellness and fine jewelry, Gabrielle’s brand taps into a growing market and creates a personal connection between each piece and its wearer. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)
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  Gabrielle Saunders Guests on 'The Jewelry District' 14.07.2026 33min

  Gabrielle Saunders Guests on 'The Jewelry District'
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  Episode 174: Success Amid Turbulent Times—JCK Show Takeaways 24.06.2026 26min

  After some time, which provided both a chance to recover and distance to digest, Rob Bates and Victoria Gomelsky talk about all their takeaways from the JCK and Luxury shows in Las Vegas. They discuss the reasons for the record-breaking success many exhibitors reported from the show in the face of turbulent times; challenges in the natural and lab-grown diamond space; and the phenomenon of premiumization in the watch industry and luxury market at large. They also talk about a well-attended Collective Horology event as well as the economic strain on the middle-class customer. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)
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  Episode 173: Reactions From the JCK Show Floor 10.06.2026 36min

  Hosts Rob Bates and Victoria Gomelsky interview an array of jewelry industry professionals live from the JCK and Luxury show floors. Get the immediate reactions of the heads of trade organizations, a variety of jewelry retailers, a JCK veteran, and a gem explorer on trends they’ve noticed, how the show went, and the state of the industry at large. Despite question swirling around many factors affecting the industry including the price of gold, natural and lab-grown diamonds, and the sale of De Beers, the overall mood was one of positivity and resilience. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)
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  Episode 172: Guests Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Sandberg 20.05.2026 27min

  Hosts Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates interview a pair of high jewelry designers who also happen to be sisters: Ofira Sandberg and Lorraine Schwartz. The women share their family’s history going back three generations in the jewelry industry, and tell how they ended up in the business despite their childhood vow not to. Lorraine and Ofira also talk about where they got their keen eye for design and how it helped their star rise as jewelers and led to relationships with several entertainment icons—including Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Beyoncé, and David Bowie. Finally, Ofira reveals what we can look forward to seeing on view during the pair’s first time exhibiting at JCK Luxury. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)
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  Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Sandberg Guest on 'The Jewelry District' 20.05.2026 27min

  Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Sandberg Guest on 'The Jewelry District'
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  Episode 171: Conversations, Watches, Tariffs, QVC 06.05.2026 27min

  Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates cover a gamut of enriching industry events and jewelry business news. Victoria bounced from Jewelers Mutual’s thought-provoking Conversations at Half Moon Bay to the ultra-luxe and action-packed Watches and Wonders in Geneva. She shares takeaways drawn from Conversations and the watch trends spotted in Geneva. Rob breaks down what the tariff refunds mean for businesses and which importers qualify. Finally, he shares his thoughts on QVC’s bankruptcy filing, the company’s possible future, and its influence on the jewelry industry. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)
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  Episode 170: Guest David Siminski 22.04.2026 28min

  Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates talk to David Siminski, vice president of sales at United Precious Metals, who shares how the volatility of the gold and silver market has been affecting refiners. He also explains what it means to be a primary refiner (as opposed to a smelter), and offers advice for retailers dealing with refiners so they can optimize what they’re doing, make more money, and be more efficient customers. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)
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  Rebecca Foerster Guests on 'The Jewelry District' 13.04.2026 29min

  Rebecca Foerster Guests on 'The Jewelry District'
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  Episode 169: 24 Karat, JIS, Signet, De Beers Sightholders 08.04.2026 27min

  Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates cover a mix of fun events and notable jewelry industry news. From the glitz and glamour of 24 Karat Weekend to the colorful, gold-bedecked showcases at JIS Spring in Miami, the hosts take us on a tour of jewelry events that kicked off the season. Victoria shares her takeaways from JIS, including an enormous gold chain with a price tag she can’t stop thinking about. Rob covers the latest changes coming from Signet as well as drastic cuts—and one newcomer—to De Beers’ sightholder list. Title sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)
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  Episode 168: Guest Rebecca Foerster 25.03.2026 29min

  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
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  Episode 167: Tucson, Tariffs Update, Gold Volatility, De Beers 11.03.2026 32min

  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)
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  Episode 166: Guest Eddie LeVian 25.02.2026 26min

  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)
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  Episode 165: Brilliant Earth, CBG, Metal Refining, Watch Woes 11.02.2026 24min

  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)
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  Episode 164: Guest Bruce Bridges 28.01.2026 30min

  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)
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  Episode 163: 2026 Predictions 14.01.2026 29min

  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)
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  Episode 162: Guests Olivia Landau and Kyle Simon 17.12.2025 28min

  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)