Best JCK Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 162: Guests Olivia Landau and Kyle Simon 28:26

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8d ago28:26

28:26

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 comp…

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Episode 161: CIBJO and 'Synthetic,' a Rare Watch and Gem 24:40

22d ago24:40

24:40

In the latest episode of The Jewelry District, JCK news director Rob Bates shares his takeaways from the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) Congress in Paris, including the question of whether CIBJO should change the terminology around lab-grown diamonds in their Blue Books. JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky talks about Philips’s record-brea…

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Episode 160: Guest Susan Posnock 28:11

1M ago28:11

28:11

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Susan Posnock in her capacity of Director of Public Affairs and Education at Jewelers of America. Susan explains the many ways that JA serves the industry. They discuss how the tariffs are impacting jewelry businesses and JA’s advocacy efforts on tar…

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Episode 159: The Louvre Heist, Gold Price, and High Jewelry 27:13

2M ago27:13

27:13

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk about the Louvre heist and the possible reasons behind it. They cover the gold price, which continues to soar, and jewelers’ and consumers’ sentiments about its enduring value. Victoria reports on the high jewelry scene in L.A., where she attended two eve…

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Episode 158: Guest Bella Neyman, NYCJW 28:48

2M ago28:48

28:48

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates chat with Bella Neyman, founder of New York City Jewelry Week (NYCJW), an action-packed set of events that take place each year in mid-November. Bella shares how the event got started back in 2018, where she found inspiration for the festival, what her goals w…

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Episode 157: Rolliefest, Tariffs, De Beers 24:12

3M ago24:12

24:12

In this latest episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates cover a highly exclusive watch collector event called Rolliefest, where guests don’t even find out where they’re meeting until just before. There, Victoria met passionate watch collectors, admired their highly unique timepieces, and even shared some of her own…

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Episode 156: Live From Converge 28:16

3M ago28:16

28:16

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share interviews they did live at Converge—a combination of AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium at GIA’s campus in Carlsbad, California. They checked in with Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, Katherine Bodoh, Elizabeth Gibson, Georgie Gleim, Sara Murphy, Elizabeth West, Pinny …

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Episode 155: Guest Scott Guginsky 25:28

4M ago25:28

25:28

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates sit down with Scott Guginsky, executive vice president of Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA), a non-profit trade association dedicated to battling jewelry crime. Scott, a decorated former NYPD detective sergeant, brings listeners up to speed on the latest high-tech robberies and a rece…

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Episode 154: Tariffs, American Watchmaking Revival, Executive Shuffle 25:48

4M ago25:48

25:48

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss the fallout from steep new tariffs imposed on India, the likely short- and long-term effects on the watch market from tariffs on Swiss exports, and the constant shuffle those in the jewelry industry face as they attempt to navigate the administration’s…

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Episode 153: Guest Andy Koehn 24:47

5M ago24:47

24:47

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Andy Koehn, owner of Wisconsin-based family jeweler Koehn & Koehn Jewelers. The veteran retailer and diehard classic rock fan shares his philosophy on how a store is like a stage, and its staff is like a band. (Even Mick Jagger relies on discipline a…

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Episode 152: Natural Diamond Council, High Jewelry Designs 24:27

5M ago24:27

24:27

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss outgoing Natural Diamond Council president David Kellie’s legacy and the challenges ahead for the NDC. Victoria reports on several exquisite new pieces from the high jewelry world, including a million-dollar Mellerio necklace inspired by Marie Antoinet…

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From Passion to Purpose: The Story Behind JCK Resources 21:39

5M ago21:39

21:39

Let's Dish with Allen Mayor Baine Brooks is all about people bringing positivity to the Allen community. The sixth episode features Melinda Kizer, the Founder and Executive Director of JCK Resources, a local Allen-based nonprofit group empowering adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to become integrated members of their commun…

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Episode 151: Guest Beth Hutchens 27:33

6M ago27:33

27:33

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Beth Hutchens, founder and creative director of FoundRae. Beth explains how growing up on the Mexican border instilled a deep appreciation for mysticism in her at an early age, and how this guides her design aesthetic. She shares her strategies for n…

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Episode 150: Trends and Takeaways From the JCK Show 24:02

6M ago24:02

24:02

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share their thoughts and observations from the 2025 JCK Show. The hosts discuss the overall mood (upbeat), style trends (bold gold!), and their favorite highlights (the people!) from this year’s annual event in Vegas. Both always come away learning something n…

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Episode 149: Live From The JCK Show 45:14

6M ago45:14

45:14

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share interviews they did live on the 2025 JCK Show floor. They checked in with Cathy Calhoun, Rebecca Foerster, Marie-Claire Daveu, Minister Bogolo Kenewendo and other industry professionals, about the state of natural diamonds, gold prices, consumer trends a…

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Episode 148: 2025 JCK Show Preview 23:12

7M ago23:12

23:12

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss Victoria’s recent trip to Paris as a guest of Japanese watchmaker Credor to celebrate the brand’s update on a classic Gérald Genta timepiece from 1979. Next, the pair gear up for JCK Las Vegas by highlighting some of the exciting events on their show agenda, from Rob moderati…

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Episode 147: Guest Marc Bridge 30:44

7M ago30:44

30:44

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Marc Bridge, CEO and founder of online jewelry platform At Present. A fifth-generation scion of the Ben Bridge family, Marc describes a life in the industry that began with cleaning jewelry cases as soon as he was tall enough to reach them, included a memorable cross-countr…

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Interview with GIA’s Susan Jacques 37:47

8M ago37:47

37:47

On The Jewelry District’s second video podcast, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates interview Susan Jacques, outgoing president and CEO of GIA. Susan recounts her fascinating journey from growing up in Africa to a life-changing GIA course to an unlikely move to Omaha, where she helmed Borsheims and reported to Berkshir…

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Episode 146: Rising Gold Prices, Tariff Questions 26:29

8M ago26:29

26:29

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates explore the ramifications of the staggering rise in gold prices and share a strategy jewelers can use to offer gold at more palatable prices. (Hint: Think vintage.) Next, the conversation turns to tariffs. What’s ahead? What’s the best way to navigate it? Jewelers learned to pivot du…

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Episode 145: Watches and Wonders, Tariffs 24:03

8M ago24:03

24:03

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates Victoria discuss highlights from Watches and Wonders, including a Bremont relaunch, new Bulgari pieces, and Rolex’s first new collection in 13 years. “Rolex has really thrown down the gauntlet,” with its new Dynapulse escapement, Victoria reports. Next, the pa…

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JCK Show Trend Preview 36:43

9M ago36:43

36:43

In The Jewelry District’s first-ever video podcast, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates sit down with JCK managing editor Melissa Rose Bernardo to discuss buzzworthy trends in categories from colored stones to diamonds. With JCK Las Vegas opening on June 6 and Luxury on June 4, it’s the ideal time to catch up on the la…

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Episode 144: Guest J.K. Symancyk 29:50

9M ago29:50

29:50

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with J.K. Symancyk, CEO of Signet Jewelers. J.K. shares his beginnings, from a theater major and aspiring lawyer to specialty retailer mogul, and what customers of sporting goods and pet supply stores have in common with jewelry store shoppers (which is actually much more than y…

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Episode 143: 24 Karat Weekend, Tariffs, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Rolex 26:03

9M ago26:03

26:03

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates recap highlights from NYC Jewelry Week, including takeaways from The Plumb Club’s Symposium ’25 that leaders everywhere can apply to help their businesses succeed. Rob brings listeners up to speed on how the ever-changing tariff news could impact the jewelry industry and shares emerg…

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Episode 142: Tucson Show, De Beers, Signet, Audemars Piguet 24:28

10M ago24:28

24:28

On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss highlights from the colored gem shows in Tucson, where designers were buzzing over Guatemalan jade. Rob updates listeners on big news from De Beers, which sealed a 10-year deal with Botswana and saw its value written down significantly. In other news, …

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Episode 141: Guest John Green 27:16

10M ago27:16

27:16

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates interview John Green, president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green, a fifth-generation family-owned jewelry store based in Connecticut. John, winner of the 2025 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement, recounts the story of a 127-year retailing tradition in his family. He also offers insights in…

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Episode 140: LVMH Watch Week, Tiffany, Tucson, Bernie Robbins 26:17

11M ago26:17

26:17

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 sha…

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Giving Animals a Voice with the Help of the Community: Kacy Hendricks 16:04

11M ago16:04

16:04

What happens when a moment of unexpected heroism leads to a lifelong mission of compassion? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kacy Hendricks from Hopes Rescue and Recovery Angels, where we uncover the journey sparked by their Dalmatian, Hope. Casey shares how a chance encounter with a dog in distress became the foundation of a nonprofit de…

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Episode 139: Guests Richard and Billie Hughes 25:26

11M ago25:26

25:26

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 describi…

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Episode 138: Holiday Sales, Gold Prices, 2025 Color and Design Trends 22:57

12M ago22:57

22:57

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 hi…

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Episode 137: Guest Ian Smillie 28:47

1y ago28:47

28:47

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 discuss…

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Episode 136: Holiday Outlook, Botswana and De Beers, Horology’s Oscars 23:37

1y ago23:37

23:37

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 …

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Episode 135: Guest Bliss Lau 36:04

1y ago36:04

36:04

On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates catch up with Brooklyn-based designer Bliss Lau, who channels her Hawaiian upbringing, part Chinese heritage, and innovative artistry into her self-titled fine jewelry collections. Bliss discusses early career challenges, including a low point when an A-lister…

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Episode 134: Patek Philippe Cubitus, De Beers-Signet Ad, Roberto Coin 24:25

1y ago24:25

24:25

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, …

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Episode 133: Guest Stephanie Gottlieb 33:23

1y ago33:23

33:23

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 h…

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Episode 132: Signet CEO Change, Independent Watchmakers 23:18

1y ago23:18

23:18

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 i…

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Episode 131: Guest Julia Hackman Chafé 34:12

1+ y ago34:12

34:12

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 Sponsor: Jewelers Mutual…

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Episode 130: Montana Sapphire Mine Visit; Lab-Grown Diamond Market Consolidates 24:37

1+ y ago24:37

24:37

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk Victoria’s tour of a Montana sapphire mine and some consolidation occurring in the lab-grown diamond industry. Sponsored by Tracr: tracr.comBy JCK

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Episode 129: Guest Greg Verras 28:45

1+ y ago28:45

28:45

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Greg Verras, watch design director for Shinola, a Motor City icon beloved for its “built in Detroit” timepieces. Greg shares his unlikely journey from a skateboard startup in his garage to high-end watch designer. He touches on what inspires new Shinola timepieces and colle…

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Episode 128: LVMH at Olympics, Tiffany's Travails, Travel Retail, Hodinkee 25:10

1+ y ago25:10

25:10

On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates question whether the Paris Olympics suffered from overbranding and ponder what it means for future games, before discussing recent missteps at Tiffany & Co. and a flurry of C-suite changes at luxury watch brands. Next, Victoria explains how and why jewelry bra…

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Episode 127: Guest Constance Polamalu 32:04

1+ y ago32:04

32:04

Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates speak with Constance Polamalu, Chief Operating Officer of Zachary’s Jewelers, as well as the owner and founder of both Bloomstone Jewelers and Birthright Foundry. Constance shares her unique entrance into the jewelry industry, as well as the facets of each of her different businesses, from lab-grown diamonds to piece…

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Episode 126: John Mayer, Russian Sanctions, Richemont, Saks and Neiman, JVC 26:45

1+ y ago26:45

26:45

On this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk about celebrity watch collectors and investors, such as John Mayer and Jay-Z, and discuss the new Russian sanctions on diamonds that the G7 council is looking to put in place. As well, there are big changes happening at Richemont, with many of the top exe…

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Episode 125: Guest Pippa Small 26:31

1+ y ago26:31

26:31

This week, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Pippa Small, ethical jewelry designer and founder of Pippa Small Jewellery, based in London. Pippa has traveled extensively and worked to make sure that both her materials and partnerships are sourced with good intentions. Helping people tell stories through jewe…

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Episode 124: Show Takeaways 25:53

1+ y ago25:53

25:53

You’ll hear JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share their reactions to the 2024 JCK show, including their impressions of the states of the diamond and lab-grown diamond sectors, takeaways from the De Beers breakfast, their experiences interviewing Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and how important it is for prod…

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Episode 123: Interviews From the JCK Show Floor 26:23

1+ y ago26:23

26:23

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share interviews they captured live from the JCK 2024 show floor, including Jan Patrick Smith, CEO of John Hardy; David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council; Gina Fahnestock, Senior Associate of Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability at Brilliant Earth; Wesley Tucker, CEO of T…

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Episode 122: Watches of Switzerland's Roberto Coin Acquisition, JCK Show Highlights 27:09

1+ y ago27:09

27:09

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates react to Watches of Switzerland’s recent acquisition of Roberto Coin Inc. As the hosts discuss the slow growth of brands in the jewelry space, Victoria gives the fascinating backstory on Shinola’s Gomelsky watch as an illustration of the challenges of launching a new brand. Victoria …

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Episode 121: Guest Al Cook 33:06

1+ y ago33:06

33:06

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates welcome one of the most influential guests ever to join the podcast—Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group. Al shares his back story, comments on the current state of the diamond industry, and sheds light on the future of the diamond business in Botswana as well as what lies ahead for the la…

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Episode 120: Watches & Wonders, AGS Conclave, a Lab-Grown Factory Visit 22:10

1+ y ago22:10

22:10

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share news from their recent trips to Geneva and Austin to attend key industry conferences. At Watches & Wonders, Victoria noted a trend toward red and burgundy watch accents, along with a preponderance of derivative designs rather than radical innovations. She and Rob theorize on th…

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Episode 119: Guest Nancy Leach 26:05

1+ y ago26:05

26:05

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with forecasting expert Nancy Leach, co-founder of the consulting firm Gemedge Studio, which helps companies develop strategy and initiatives to drive business growth. Sponsored by De Beers: institute.debeers.comBy JCK

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Episode 118: 24 Karat Weekend, Diamond Sanctions, John Kennedy 22:16

2y ago22:16

22:16

The hosts discuss a Ukrainian designer's account of war in her country, the issues with Russian diamond sanctions, and salute retiring Jewelers' Security Alliance president John Kennedy. Presenting sponsor: De Beers (institute.debeers.com) Sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com/jdpodcast)By JCK

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Episode 117: Guest Jean-Claude Biver 24:07

2y ago24:07

24:07

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates speak with Jean-Claude Biver, president of JC Biver and a living legend of the watch world. He regales the hosts on his introduction to the industry 50 years ago; his time at Audemars Piguet; how he revived the historic brand Blancpain; his time running Hublot; and how he brought piz…