The Rapaport Diamond Podcast

Craig Miller, CEO of Australian diamond wholesaler and distributor JC Jewels, gives the inside scoop on the country’s jewelry market.

Journalist and author Rachael Taylor discusses how red-carpet events and well-chosen brand ambassadors can impact revenues.

Roi Sheinfeld, managing partner of diamond manufacturer M&B Group, came on the Rapaport Diamond Podcast to review the recent Hong Kong fair, which occurred amid sluggish Chinese consumer demand.

Sharon Novak, curatorial advisor to high-jewelry houses and private collectors, talks about the King of Diamonds’ groundbreaking techniques and bold approach to stone-cutting, as well as some of the legendary figures who have bought his pieces.

Diamond consultant Robert Wake-Walker spoke with Rapaport’s Joshua Freedman about G7 sanctions on Russia diamonds, the development of Russia’s diamond sector, and how economic challenges have affected the industry at large.

Dr. Jeffrey Post, the recently retired curator for gems and minerals at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, joined us to discuss the stories behind gemstones, his favorite moments from a 40-year career, and, of course, the Hope Diamond.  

Dustin Lemick, founder and CEO of insurance technology company BriteCo, shares his insights on the recent festive shopping season in a conversation we recorded on December 20. Plus: How lab-grown pricing impacts insurance. 

Rapaport’s Leah Meirovich and Joshua Freedman pick the stories that had the biggest impact on the industry in 2023. They also reflect on selections for “People of the Year” and express their hopes and expectations for 2024.

Nicholas Moltke of Botswanamark chats with Rapaport’s Joshua Freedman about why he founded the brand, which offers US consumers diamonds from the African country. He also explains why now is a good time to launch this venture, despite market weakness. 

Rapaport’s Joshua Freedman caught up with Olivia Landau, cofounder and CEO of The Clear Cut, which famously gives away a free lab-grown stone for every purchase of a natural-diamond engagement ring. Olivia explains why she only sells the mined stuff, and reflects on uncertain consumer demand ahead of the holidays. 

To celebrate this milestone, Sonia Esther Soltani, Leah Meirovich and Joshua Freedman discuss their most memorable episodes since the Rapaport Diamond Podcast launched almost six years ago. How has the genre changed? Who would they like to invite as a future guest? Plus: How would you fare in the quiz?

Shanghai-based diamond dealer and consultant Chen Shen reflects on the recent slump in Chinese consumer spending. Is the economy to blame — or are synthetics taking over?

Jewelry journalist Rachael Taylor and Rapaport’s Sonia Esther Soltani analyze the latest developments in the bridal jewelry market, while Rapaport’s Leah Meirovich discusses James Allen’s diamond and jewelry ChatGPT plugin with Shannon Delany-Ron.

A sneak peak at Rapaport’s upcoming GIA-sponsored supplement, which features stories on traceability, social responsibility, and how to talk to consumers about values. 

Reformed jewel thief Bryan Sobolewski talks about his 22-store robbery spree, getting caught, his return to the straight and narrow, and how jewelers can prevent guys like him from making off with their merchandise.

Consumers’ changing spending habits are the real cause of weak retail sales – more so than rising inflation, says consultant David Marcotte.

Melanie Grant, executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), joins Rapaport’s Sonia Esther Soltani and Joshua Freedman to discuss the latest developments at the organization and in the wider world of ethical sourcing. Melanie also gives an update on her writing and curating projects.

Amish Shah of Altr Created Diamonds reports from the inaugural Lab-Grown Diamond Symposium in Dubai. How are prices performing, and what does the future of the sector hold?

The market is seeing a spate of green diamonds coming back from grading labs as treated or “undetermined,” says Thomas Hainschwang, cofounder of GGTL Laboratories. Plus: synthetic diamonds, trends in grading, and the science of identifying origin.

The team fires questions at Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz, who is leaving after 16 years of service. Plus: A report from the JCK Las Vegas show, the latest in the retail market, and how the New York auctions fared.

Tiffany Stevens, CEO, president and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), addresses key issues around Russian diamonds in conversation with Rapaport’s Joshua Freedman. Plus: Why the industry has a problem with the term “recycled.”

Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz chats with Ryan Perry, acting vice president of strategy and innovation at De Beers, about the company’s recent partnership with the GIA on its Tracr blockchain platform, the importance of expanding the industry’s provenance capabilities and how technology can enable better storytelling. 

The diamond market is down, but jewelers seem to be doing okay. What do you think is causing that difference in sentiment between the jewelry retail and the diamond wholesale markets?

Diamond trading may have slowed in 2023, but there are several developments that are shaping the market and creating positive energy around jewelry. The Rapaport editorial team discusses some of the high-profile events that may have raised the bar for the rest of the industry. 

Trading is slow but there’s a lot to look forward to in the diamond trade. What events or trends do you expect will raise market sentiment?