The Rapaport Diamond Podcast

The Las Vegas shows tend to set the tone for the industry moving into the second half of the year. The Rapaport team reveals its observations about trends and sentiment at the important jewelry week. 

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 play in the industry. The trio also delves into developments in the colored-gemstone and antique-jewelry markets amid the recent market turbulence.

Undisclosed synthetics may not be making headlines lately, but they still pose a serious threat to the diamond market. Host Avi Krawitz discusses developments in the lab-grown market and detection technology with De Beers product manager Trevor Poulter.  

Amid the challenges that the diamond industry is facing, there is still a positive outlook for retail and a growing excitement about special stones coming to auction. The Rapaport team discusses this dichotomy and the trends that may shape the industry in the coming weeks.

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, among other pertinent topics affecting the diamond industry.

Rapaport’s editorial team reviews the recent withdrawals from the Responsible Jewellery Council and their implications for the trade, the industry’s approach to Russian supply, along with an overview of the standout Oscars jewelry and favorite moments from the annual event.

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. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks to Lucara CEO Eira Thomas about the company’s plans for its mining and sales operations. 

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. How is the situation likely to impact the market?

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 supply chain. Gordon Taylor, head of commercial technology at De Beers Group Ignite, and Sarandos Gouvelis, its head of incubation, also discuss how the push toward sustainability was influencing its programs.

Rapaport’s editorial team members assess whether the strong momentum will continue across the pipeline, reveal their plans for Valentine’s Day, and review some important collections at Paris Fashion Week.

Steering the jewelry industry’s strategy on sustainability and responsible sourcing can be a daunting task, but it’s also a necessary one to ensure its survival. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks to Iris Van der Veken, executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), about the organization’s strategy and campaigns.

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 and the mysterious world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Will they prove to be a boon for the trade or a fad?

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 speaks to David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, about how to ensure the positive momentum continues.

The Rapaport editorial team reflect on the holiday season, delve into the dynamics of the antique-jewelry market and look back at their favorite “diamond” moments of 2021.

Digital is expected to continue to drive change in the diamond industry. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with Neil Ventura, vice president of strategy and innovation at De Beers about the company’s approach to innovation and building new ventures.

The Rapaport team reflects on the GemGenève show, the Magnificent Jewels auctions and the recent surge in the fancy-shape market, highlighting the trends to look out for in the coming months. Sponsored by De Beers Group Ignite : pioneering a new diamond world through innovation.

Sustainability ranks among the top three considerations for consumers buying diamond jewelry, according to the latest De Beers Diamond Insight Report. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with Esther Oberbeck, senior vice president of strategy, analytics and insights at De Beers, about the opportunities and challenges sustainability presents to the diamond industry.

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. 

Lusix, an Israel-based lab-grown diamond company, is expanding its production capabilities amid rising demand for the category, says founder Benny Landa.

Diamond companies need a plan to stay ahead of the changing market. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with industry consultant Anish Aggarwal about the evolving nature of the trade.

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 reclaiming market share previously lost to the independents.

The diamond-financing landscape has changed dramatically in the past decade, but further shifts are on the horizon as fintech and sustainability drive the industry forwards, explains financier Eric Jens, a former head of ABN Amro’s jewelry and gems unit. 

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 the sector.

The Rapaport team examines several case studies featuring companies that have transformed their operations by embracing technology.

Technology is transforming the shopping experience and empowering retailers to bring many added-value and branded services to their customers.