The Jewelry District

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)

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 tariffs as well as other issues. They also talk about Susan’s other role (though not strictly industry-related) as Rob’s spouse. We learn how the pair met, and whether they talk shop at home, in a prime example of the family-oriented nature of the jewelry industry.

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 were in launching it, and—most importantly—what exciting talks and activities are in store for this year. Bella teases a few events to look out for and explains this year’s theme, Art Worn, which focuses on the artistry of jewelry. Title Sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com) Sponsor: De Beers (adiamondisforever.com)

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 ever-shifting tariff policy. Next, Victoria updates listeners on an exciting resurgence in American watchmaking. Rob and Victoria close the podcast with a report on changes at the top levels of Ben Bridge and Kendra Scott. Sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com)

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 Antoinette and Boucheron’s ghostly albino thistles, remarkable for their delicacy and the incorporation of nontraditional materials. Finally, Rob reveals the inspiration for his newest mystery novel, Making a Killing in Diamonds. Sponsor: Jewelers Mutual (jewelersmutual.com/solutions)

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 new from the education offered. Victoria covers takeaways from a panel on the preowned watch market while Rob offers insights into the diamond industry from President Boko of Botswana, the De Beers breakfast, and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses event which he attended shortly after the show. Sponsor: Jewelers Mutual (jewelersmutual.com/solutions)