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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.
159 Episodes
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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 recent rash of smash-and-grabs. He offers advice on how to protect yourself, your team, and your livelihood. Do: Get insurance. Don’t: Fight back during a robbery.
Sponsor: Jewelers Mutual (jewelersmutual.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 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 and preparation to keep Rolling Stones fans coming back.) Like Rob, Andy is a writer in his spare time. He brings listeners up to speed on his new, no-b.s. ring-buying guide for guys and share some clever insights on what the diamond market needs now.
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 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 navigating challenging times, dealing with copycats, and coping with soaring gold prices. Finally, she touches on the importance of brick-and-mortar retail and her commitment to supporting freedom of expression.
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)
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 and more.
Sponsor: IGI (igi.org/education)
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 moderating an expert panel on cybercrime and security to Victoria reporting on emerging jewelry trends from the show floor. Other highpoints on the lineup include a keynote speech from Disney’s former head of innovation and live performances by Jason Derulo and Snoop Dogg.
Sponsored by IGI: igi.org/education
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-country trip to deliver homemade cookies to Warren Buffett, and spanned decades as a problem solver for the family firm. He urges the industry to sharpen its storytelling skills in order to deepen consumers’ appreciation for gems and explains his role as matchmaker through At Present, connecting jewelry lovers who crave unique pieces with the artisans who create them.
Presenting sponsor: IGI (igi.org/education)
Sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com)
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 Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett. She even spent a day behind the counter with the billionaire investor. Susan also discusses GIA’s mission, her decision to retire, what the industry must do to avoid a crisis of consumer confidence in diamonds, and the upcoming AGS/GIA Converge conference.
Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=MGxfPtfKj_I
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 during the pandemic, and that agility will help them weather today’s volatile times, Rob and Victoria predict. They wrap up the conversation with a preview of what to expect when JCK Las Vegas kicks off in June.
Presenting sponsor: IGI (igi.org/education)
Sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com)
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 pair analyze the effect the U.S. administration’s initial tariff announcements had on the jewelry industry (confusion and worry) and offer some perspective on what may lie ahead in a time of rapid change and continuing uncertainty.
Presenting sponsor: IGI (igi.org/education)
Sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com)
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 latest looks, from creative new gold and pearl earrings to Mocha Mousse gems and Guatemalan jade. JCK’s experts also analyze what surging gold prices mean for retailers and designers and share a silver lining of tumultuous times—jewelry as an emotional support purchase.
Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=LymEiIA_QIU
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 you might think!). The hosts and J.K. also dive into the details of Signet’s new strategy, “grow brand love,” what it means for Signet’s big three brands, Jared, Kay and Zales, the importance of the shift from banners to brands, differentiating the lab-grown and natural diamond categories, and the ever-evolving future of brick-and-mortar stores.
Presenting Sponsor: IGI (igi.org/education)
Sponsor: Nivoda (nivoda.com)
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 emerging trends from the diamond market. Finally, Victoria discusses the most-talked-about rumors and reports from the watch world, including acquisitions, major management shifts shaking up the top players, and buzz about a potential new line from Rolex.
Sponsored by IGI: igi.org/education
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, one of Signet’s largest shareholders has called for a sale of the company. Rob offers insights into the factors driving these headline-making stories. Finally, Victoria reports on the state of the Swiss watch industry as Audemars Piguet marks its 150th anniversary.
Sponsored by IGI: igi.org/education
Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates interview John Greene, 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 into noteworthy trends he's seeing on the sales floor.
Sponsored by IGI: igi.org
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 share some perspective on recent reports about trouble at LVMH and downturns in the Swiss watch market. Finally, the pair honor a jeweler with a heart of gold, the late Harvey Rovinsky of Bernie Robbins.
Sponsored by IGI: igi.org
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 describing faceted color gemstones “pure hell”? (“It’s like trying to describe the wind,” in Dick’s words.) How do experts really detect treated stones? Bonus: Find out how you can learn more from these experts in Tucson.
Sponsored by IGI: igi.org
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 his Diamond District series), and how factors such as Pantone’s Color of the Year and the Year of the Snake may—or may not—impact jewelry design.
Sponsored by IGI: igi.org
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