The Rapaport Diamond Podcast
Episodes
Episode 65: With Special Guests Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
GemGenève show founders Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah join Avi Krawitz to discuss trends observed at the trade fair, as well as the role such events...
Episode 64: The Forgotten Art of Detection
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Undisclosed synthetics may not be making headlines lately, but they still pose a serious threat to the diamond market. Host Avi Krawitz discusses deve...
Episode 63: Ethical Sourcing and the Buzz About Blue
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amid the challenges that the diamond industry is facing, there is still a positive outlook for retail and a growing excitement about special stones co...
Episode 62: With Special Guest Rob Bates
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Host Avi Krawitz and veteran industry journalist Rob Bates discuss the diamond trade’s Russia dilemma, Rob’s new book and the upcoming JCK show, a...
Episode 61: The RJC, Russian Supply and Hollywood Glamour
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rapaport’s editorial team reviews the recent withdrawals from the Responsible Jewellery Council and their implications for the trade, the industry’...
Episode 60: With Special Guest Eira Thomas
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Like many in the diamond industry, Lucara Diamond Corp. enjoyed a banner year in 2021, but it is now strategizing ways to continue the momentum. Rapap...
Episode 59: Questions About Russia
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rapaport’s editorial team discusses the sudden change in mood that has taken hold in the diamond industry since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war....
Episode 58: De Beers Talks Tech, Data and Innovation
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In a wide-ranging conversation, two De Beers executives share how the company is using data to boost efficiency in its operations and the diamond supp...
Episode 57: Good Sales, High Fashion and Poor Taste
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rapaport’s editorial team members assess whether the strong momentum will continue across the pipeline, reveal their plans for Valentine’s Day, an...
Episode 56: With Special Guest Iris Van Der Veken
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steering the jewelry industry’s strategy on sustainability and responsible sourcing can be a daunting task, but it’s also a necessary one to ensur...
Episode 55: Big, Small, And No Diamonds At All
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rapaport’s editorial team discusses how Covid-19 is impacting the market (again) at the start of the year, some surprising trends during the season ...
Episode 54: With Special Guest David Kellie
28 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The diamond and jewelry industry has the tools to capitalize on its 2021 growth but needs to be proactive in its approach. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz sp...
Episode 53: Holidays, the Vintage Boom and 2021 Favorites
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport editorial team reflect on the holiday season, delve into the dynamics of the antique-jewelry market and look back at their favorite “di...
Episode 52: Behind De Beers’ Strategy
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Digital is expected to continue to drive change in the diamond industry. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with Neil Ventura, vice president of strategy...
Episode 51: GemGenève, Auctions and Fancy Shapes
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport team reflects on the GemGenève show, the Magnificent Jewels auctions and the recent surge in the fancy-shape market, highlighting the tr...
Episode 50: The Future Is Sustainable
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sustainability ranks among the top three considerations for consumers buying diamond jewelry, according to the latest De Beers Diamond Insight Report....
Episode 49: Ready for the Holidays
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport team reflects on the mood in the market after the recent US trade shows and as the peak retail selling season is about to begin.
Episode 48: From Tech Mogul to Lab-Grown Advocate
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lusix, an Israel-based lab-grown diamond company, is expanding its production capabilities amid rising demand for the category, says founder Benny Lan...
Episode 47: Adding Value to the Narrative
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Diamond companies need a plan to stay ahead of the changing market. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with industry consultant Anish Aggarwal about the ...
Episode 46: A Market in Overdrive
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport team explores the factors driving the recovery in the diamond market, and draws on lessons from the major jewelers, who appear to be recl...
Episode 45: What Diamond Banks Want
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The diamond-financing landscape has changed dramatically in the past decade, but further shifts are on the horizon as fintech and sustainability drive...
Episode 44: After Pandora, Is Cartier Next?
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lab-grown diamonds are back on the agenda after Pandora announced it would no longer sell mined stones. The team discusses what’s in the store for t...
Episode 43: In Focus — The Impact of Technology
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport team examines several case studies featuring companies that have transformed their operations by embracing technology.
Episode 42: The Reinvention of Retail
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Technology is transforming the shopping experience and empowering retailers to bring many added-value and branded services to their customers.
Episode 41: The Transformation of Diamond Grading
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport Diamond Podcast looks at the impact of Artificial Intelligence on diamond grading and discusses what changes this will bring to the indus...
Episode 40: Tracing the Diamond Journey
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With consumers more than ever interested in the story behind their diamond we discuss the various technologies tracing the journey of diamonds from mi...
Episode 39: Digital or Bust?
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A roundtable discussion on the diamond trade’s embracement of technology over the decades and the current state of the industry in terms of technolo...
Episode 38: The Year That Changed the Diamond Market
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport News team looks back at a tumultuous year in our final podcast of 2020, highlighting the most significant stories and trends th...
Episode 37: Human Rights, Diamonds and Covid-19
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The diamond and jewelry industry has made some important strides in its responsible sourcing practices but cannot become complacent, especially during...
Episode 36: The Young Diamantaires
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How does the next generation of diamond professionals view the industry? We find out by interviewing two active members of the Young Diamantaires grou...
Episode 35: Plumb Club Moves with the Times
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Alliance of jewelry suppliers is helping members trade all year round, and not just at the JCK show, says president Michael Lerche.
Episode 34: Cash, Credit and Covid-19
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Erich Jacobs, president of the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT), explains how US businesses have handled this year’s liquidity crisis
Episode 33: Can the Trade Thrive on Generic Marketing?
08 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) is looking to work more closely with retailers and the trade to take its marketing activities to the next level, CEO...
Episode 32: GIA on Covid-19, Automation and Synthetics
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Susan Jacques, CEO at the Gemological Institute of America, talks about the laboratory’s response to the pandemic, its approach to lab-grown diamond...
Episode 31: Rise in Grading Activity Signals Recovery
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The number of jewelry pieces being sent to the International Gemological Institute (IGI) for grading and authentication continues to rise, indicating ...
Episode 30: Pandemic Is Pushing Industry to Embrace Tech
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the use of technology in the diamond supply chain, diminishing the fear that many in the industry had toward ...
Episode 29: Lucara Diamond Outlines its Coronavirus Response
21 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Eira Thomas, CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp. appears cautiously confident the mining company has the balance sheet, the sales platform...
Episode 28: How Covid-19 Will Transform the Jewelry Store
14 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
From online engagement ring consultations to new products and new ways of selling, the traditional jewelry stores needs to adapt and quickly. We exami...
Episode 27: Marketing Our Way Out of Crisis
07 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz spoke with the NDC’s CEO, David Kellie, about the relaunch in the second episode of the Rapaport Group’s “Th...
Episode 26: Time for Subtle, Discreet Brand Marketing
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With an eye on the fourth quarter, Sally Morrison, director of PR at De Beers’ consumer and brands division, puts into perspective some of the lesso...
Episode 25: Is the Diamond Trade Prepared for Change?
14 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, we discuss the extent to which things have fundamentally changed in the past two months and wha...
Episode 24: How the Pandemic Is Changing De Beers
27 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The diamond industry will need to tweak its messaging to emphasize the values the product and brands represent, De Beers executives stressed in episod...
Episode 23: How Alrosa Is Using Data to Drive Sales
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz spoke with Tikhonov in episode 23 of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast about how the mining company is using data to im...
Episode 22: How Big a Threat is the Coronavirus?
20 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the coronavirus dominating headlines since late January, the Rapaport Diamond Podcast looks at its potential impact on the diamond and jewelry ma...
Episode 21: Googling Billy Porter
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport Diamond Podcast ushers in the New Year with a review of the holiday season and some bold predictions for the year ahead. Is this the ye...
Episode 20: Trends Shaping the Industry
12 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 20: Trends Shaping the Industry by Rapaport
Episode 19: Why Bridal’s Not Enough
07 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport Diamond Podcast interviewed Stephen Lussier, De Beers’ vice president, consumer and brands, after the company published its annual Diam...
Episode 18: Nurturing the Next Generation
12 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Joshua Freedman, Rapaport’s Senior News Reporter, joined 25 members of the Young Diamantaires group on a visit to De Beers’ Venetia mine in South ...
Episode 17: Oversupply, Tariffs and Silver Linings
22 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 17: Oversupply, Tariffs and Silver Linings by Rapaport
Episode 16: An Industry in Crisis?
25 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The diamond sector is facing multiple challenges, from weak profitability and tight liquidity to shaky consumer demand. Our latest podcast seeks out t...
Episode 15: Key Insights from the JCK Show
13 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Fresh off the boat from Las Vegas, and battling some serious jetlag, Rapaport news editor Avi Krawitz and publisher John Costello pick out their key t...
Episode 14: Lightbox – the Synthetics King?
05 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On the first anniversary since the launch of Lightbox, Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz sat with managing director Steve Coe at the JCK show in Las Vegas. St...
Episode 13: Who’s Right — De Beers or the GIA?
02 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport Podcast team discusses provenance and – you guessed it – lab-grown diamonds, following significant moves by De Beers and the GIA in t...
Episode 12: The Nirav Modi Arrest and More
28 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport team reflects on last week’s arrest of Nirav Modi in central London, as well as other key recent stories in the industry.
Rapaport Diamond Podcast: Reuven Kaufman Interview
31 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Rapaport News caught up with Reuven Kaufman, president of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, to gauge the mood in the US trade at the start of 2019...
Rapaport Diamond Podcast: Good Holiday, Bad Holiday
22 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Rapaport News Editor Avi Krawitz and senior reporter Joshua Freedman try to make sense of the holiday season after the major jewelers published some d...
Episode 11: 2018 - A Year of Scandal, Synthetics and No-Shows
20 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The Rapaport News team gathered one last time in 2018 to look back on the biggest trends of the year. They also share their favorite stories of 2018 a...
Episode 10: A Turning Point for the Industry?
22 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The holidays are coming, and all the signs look good, but can the bankruptcy of retail giant Sears teach the industry anything? Also, Aleah Arundale j...
Episode 9: Hong Kong and the Holidays
13 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The most wonderful time of the year is soon upon us! It's holiday stocking season, but with a trade storm brewing between the US and China, will this ...
Episode 8: Synthetics, Swatch and the Summer
08 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Things are heating up in the industry. In this sweltering episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, the team discusses the Federal Trade Commission’s...
Episode 7: What Happened in Vegas
28 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The team is back from JCK Las Vegas 2018 and they have come with stories to share. This month, the Rapaport Diamond Podcast covers the atmosphere and ...
Episode 6: Making the Grade
24 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Diamonds are weighed, measured and scrutinized before they’re given a grade. But are grading labs fueling consumer confidence, or a cause for concer...
Episode 5 - The Death of the Trade Show?
18 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
With the industry gearing up for the JCK show in Las Vegas, the Rapaport Diamond Podcast examines the changing landscape of trade fairs, talks to Stan...
Episode 4 - Fraud, Corruption & the Red Carpet
22 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of the alleged $2 billion Nirav Modi fraud in India, the Rapaport Diamond Podcast takes a closer look at industry corruption. Donald Palmi...
Episode 3 - Wagging Tails and Diamond Sales
15 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Labrador-Grown Diamonds? The Year of the Dog is coming up, and we are unleashing insights about how the Chinese New Year will affect the trade in the ...
Episode 2 - All Aboard the Omnibus
25 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Blockchain, omni-channel and the power of storytelling are some of the key topics the Rapaport editorial team discusses in this new episode. It also f...
Episode 1 - Holiday Cheer
23 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In Rapaport’s first-ever podcast, we share our views on the holiday season, this year’s most exciting marketing campaigns, and what retailers are ...