The Jewelry District

Hosted by JCK

News ArtsInterviews guests

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Episodes

183

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

A podcast by JCK magazine and JCKonline about industry news, trends, interviews, and more. Hosted by JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 12, 202631 min

Episode 177: Guest Doug Meadows

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)

August 10, 202631 min

Doug Meadows Guests on 'The Jewelry District'

July 29, 202627 min

Episode 176: The Diamond Industry's Predicament and Philippe Stern's Legacy

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)

July 15, 202633 min

175: Guest Gabrielle Saunders

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)

July 14, 202633 min

Gabrielle Saunders Guests on 'The Jewelry District'

June 24, 202626 min

Episode 174: Success Amid Turbulent Times—JCK Show Takeaways

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)

June 10, 202636 min

Episode 173: Reactions From the JCK Show Floor

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)

May 20, 202627 min

Episode 172: Guests Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Sandberg

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)

May 20, 202627 min

Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Sandberg Guest on 'The Jewelry District'

May 6, 202627 min

Episode 171: Conversations, Watches, Tariffs, QVC

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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