In This Episode

In the latest installment of “The Jewelry District,” you’ll hear JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss the gender discrimination and harassment allegations at Signet Jewelers. Victoria covers how watch retailers are embracing the secondhand market.

You’ll also hear a Weird Story of the Week about a jeweler/fan of Elon Musk who has a surprising issue with his Tesla! Rob and Victoria interview gem dealer Joe Menzie about his history in the industry, and gemstone expeditions around the globe.

Show Notes

01:10 Victoria Gomelsky talks about JCK’s history and what she’s found in the 150 years-worth of archives.

02:40 Victoria and Rob Bates talk about the bombshell report on Signet’s treatment of female employees over the years.

07:40 Rob covers the other struggles Signet is having with their retail stores and new marketing strategy.

09:20 Victoria covers watch retailers and their recent embrace of the secondhand market

12:40 Rob tells the “Weird Story of the Week”.

15:55 Victoria and Rob interview Joe Menzie, gem dealer and former president of ICA, about his career in the jewelry industry and the gemstone expeditions he leads

Episode Credits:

Hosts: Rob Bates and Victoria Gomelsky

Guest: Joe Menzie, gemstone dealer

Engineer and Editor: Levi Sharpe

Producer: Natalie Chomet

Plugs: jckonline.com, @jckmagazine, menzie.com

Show Recap:

Signet’s Alleged History of Gender Discrimination

Victoria and Rob react to the exhaustive New York Times Magazine cover story that details the many alleged incidents of gender discrimination and sexual harassment that took place in Signet Jewelers’ Sterling division over the years. Rob voices his opinion on how the company has responded since the article came out. Victoria underlines the overarching issue of when a company culture breeds this kind of behavior.

Retailers Embrace Secondhand Watch Market

Victoria interviewed Hamilton Powell, founder and CEO of Crown & Caliber about the pre-owned watch market’s increase in popularity. She sees it as a way to hedge against other issues in the marketplace. She also discusses Les Ambassadeurs’ recent partnership with WatchBox – a secondhand watch powerhouse.

Weird Story of the Week

Rob tells the story of Ben Baller who created a $400,000 diamond and ruby ring for Elon Musk. He then gets locked in his own Tesla for 40 minutes. Baller posts a video of the incident to his Instagram feed. Conflict and conspiracy theories ensue.

Interview with Gemstone Dealer Joe Menzie

Victoria and Rob discuss Joe’s storied career and how he ended up in the gemstone industry. Victoria reminisces about the first time she met Joe in Tucson, and his dependable insight into this unique niche of the jewelry world over the years. Joe talks about his trajectory, beginning in social work, to accounting, then finally finding his way to his grandfather’s gemstone dealing trade. He describes how he ended up as the president of the ICA. Joe also details some of his exciting gemstone expeditions, and Victoria recalls her experience at a tanzanite mine.