I really enjoyed this conversation with Howard and learned a lot about the, largely hidden, mass-production side of the diamond polishing industry.  At the end of our chat he shared his thoughts on what makes a great jeweller, I think his insights there get to the essence of what it is all about.  I hope you enjoy the conversation.  We discussed:

Howard's route into the trade

The pearl market in the UK

How Diamnet improves the approbation system for its clients

Natural and laboratory diamonds

The importance of a physical presence selling diamonds

Ethics of natural and lab grown diamonds

'Super Fancy' lab grown cuts

Why do we buy jewellery?

How large is too large? 2 - 3 cts it turns out.

Taylor Swift

Hatton Garden, national centre of the jewellery trade

How Hatton Garden used to be a global diamond trading centre

How Sarin technology changed the diamond polishing industry

What makes a beautiful diamond - beyond certificates

How AI is affecting things

The rise of bespoke jewellery

What makes a great jewellery? Empathy.