Responsible Luxury

What makes something truly valuable - and what happens when technology makes it possible to replicate almost anything?

In this episode of Responsible Luxury, Lauren Petrovic sits down with Paul Zimnisky, one of the diamond industry’s leading independent analysts, to explore the economics of diamonds, scarcity, desire, and the forces reshaping the future of luxury.

With a background on Wall Street and more than a decade analyzing the global diamond market, Paul brings a rare financial lens to an industry built as much on emotion and provenance as it is on supply and demand.

Together, Lauren and Paul examine whether diamonds can truly be considered an investment, the disruption caused by lab-grown diamonds, what separates an asset from something genuinely investment-grade, and why provenance and emotional value can sometimes matter as much as financial value.

They also explore how AI and customization could transform the jewelry industry, why financial freedom may be the ultimate luxury, and Paul’s belief that as our lives become increasingly digital, natural diamonds and gemstones may become even more desirable.

At a turning point for the diamond industry, this conversation asks a much bigger question: in a world where more and more can be manufactured, replicated, and experienced virtually, what will we choose to value?

X: @paulzimnisky

Paul Zimniski

Paul’s Podcast: Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics

Timestamps:

00:00 Why Natural Wins

00:24 Meet Paul Zimnisky

02:15 From Wall Street

05:00 Luxury Is Emotional

06:09 Gold Versus Diamonds

09:14 Who Sets Prices

11:59 Diamonds As Investment

16:46 What Creates Value

18:14 Lab Grown Misconceptions

20:44 Lab Diamond Price Crash

21:31 Why Diamonds Are Slowing

22:15 Human Nature Lessons

23:31 Passion Over Prestige

24:06 Global Industry Mosaic

25:09 Advocates And Resilience

25:36 Customization Future Retail

26:59 AI Opportunity And Risks

30:33 Luxury Means Freedom

31:05 Celebrities Drive Demand

32:06 Digital Life Natural Craving

33:48 Emotional Value Wins

34:31 Closing And Next Steps

For decades, a small group of editors, magazines, and cultural institutions shaped what the world paid attention to.

Today, the gatekeepers are gone.

Jacob Brown has spent his career inside some of the world's most influential cultural institutions. From Vogue, The New York Times, Style Magazine to Condé Nast. Today, as Creative Director of Maxwell Social, he is helping build a new model for luxury rooted in conversation, creativity, and human connection.

In this episode, Lauren Petrovic and Jacob explore how culture is evolving in a post-gatekeeper world, why luxury is moving beyond hype-driven marketing, and why "the product is the influence" in an age of AI and infinite content.

They discuss:

• The rise and fall of cultural gatekeepers
• Why "the product is the influence"
• The future of luxury and consumer trust
• Founder-led brands and personal branding
• Creativity as a business advantage
• AI, media, and the future of culture
• Building communities through meaningful human connection
• The vision behind Maxwell Social and Café Society

A conversation exploring what creates cultural relevance, earns trust, and shapes the future of luxury.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:46 Jacob Brown Origin Story

05:15 From Vogue to Maxwell

08:58 Who Controls Culture Now

13:33 Product Over Marketing

15:01 Founder Led Brand Debate

19:54 Maxwell as Modern Salon

25:49 What Is Creative Director

27:39 Editor In Chief Mindset

28:05 Writing Finds The Logic

29:26 Reading And Real Ideas

30:33 Why AI Writing Feels Off

33:16 Creativity Vs Business Levers

35:25 Taste As Discernment

36:16 Café Society Vision

37:06 Debate And Intellectual Freedom

40:21 Op Ed Magazine Approach

42:22 Mad Men Rewatch Culture

44:12 Growing The Hat Market

46:34 Culture Is Not Transactional

47:21 Responsible Luxury And The Future

50:47 Closing And Where To Find Them

51:26 Final Takeaways

Lauren Petrovic sits down with Olivia Landau, founder and CEO of The Clear Cut, to unpack what it really takes to build trust inside one of the most opaque industries in the world, and turn that into a multi-million dollar business.

From her early days on the bridal floor at Tiffany & Co. to launching an educational blog that evolved into a category-defining brand, Olivia shares how transparency became her competitive advantage.

This conversation goes beyond diamonds. It explores conviction in leadership, knowing the “hill you’re willing to die on,” and building a company rooted in non-negotiables. Even when the market pushes in the opposite direction.

They also dive into the evolving definition of luxury, the rise of bespoke experiences, and how trust—not product—is becoming the true currency of modern brands.

00:00 – Opening: Trust in one of the most opaque industries

01:00 – Olivia’s founding story & early exposure to diamonds

03:00 – From Tiffany & Co. to the Diamond District

04:30 – The Clear Cut begins as an educational blog

05:30 – Turning a side project into a real business

06:30 – Inside the diamond industry: relationships, trust, and opacity

08:00 – Educating the modern consumer

10:00 – Misconceptions about natural diamonds & supply chains

11:30 – Visiting diamond cutting facilities in India

13:30 – The global diamond supply chain explained

14:30 – Building proprietary tech (GEM platform & AI layer)

17:00 – Market insights: what clients are buying today

19:00 – Natural vs. lab-grown diamonds: long-term implications

20:00 – Leadership under pressure & decision frameworks

22:00 – Standing firm on non-negotiables

23:00 – Building a company with your partner

25:00 – Parenthood and redefining “balance”

27:00 – Seasons of life and work

29:00 – The future of luxury & shifting consumer behavior

31:00 – Experience vs. product in luxury

32:00 – Trust as the foundation of modern brands

33:00 – What Olivia is most proud of (Columbia Business School case study)

35:00 – Legacy, impact, and long-term vision

36:00 – Non-negotiables: honesty & authenticity

37:00 – What luxury needs today: personalization

38:00 – Jewelry styling & closing reflections

What if the future of luxury isn’t about exclusivity—but radical inclusivity?

In this powerful episode of Responsible Luxury, host Lauren Petrovic sits down with Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director of the Watches & Jewellery Initiative 2030, for a bold and timely conversation on redefining what leadership looks like in today’s global luxury landscape.

Together, Lauren and Iris explore:

• Why trust is now the defining currency for business.
• The evolution of leadership from hierarchy to inclusivity.
• How women’s empowerment and climate action are deeply interconnected.
• The role of luxury brands in setting standards for transparency, traceability, and sustainability.
• The importance of collaboration, mentorship, and building ecosystems where creativity and accountability thrive.
• Collaboration across industries is necessary for progress.

Whether you’re a CEO, creative entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this conversation offers both practical insights on what it means to create a lasting legacy.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Watches & Jewelry Initiative 2030
• UN Women – Women’s Empowerment Principles
• UN Global Compact

Follow Iris Van der Veken on LinkedIn for updates on her work.

Connect with Responsible Luxury

• Follow Lauren Petrovic on LinkedIn
• Follow Responsible Luxury on Instagram
• Explore Laurenti New York
• Stay tuned for upcoming events during Climate Week NYC 2025

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction and Background

[03:11] Leadership Evolution and Principles

[12:03] Social Impact and Early Influences

[16:30] Transition to the Diamond Industry

[21:23] Driving Change in the Industry

[27:32] Children's Rights and Global Compact

[31:34] Collaboration with UN Women

[38:46] Watches and Jewelry Initiative 2030

[40:42] The Importance of Nature in Business Resilience

[43:38] Governance and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement

[46:39] Collaboration Over Competition

[51:54] Cultural Perspectives on Sustainability

[56:54] The Interconnection of Climate and Gender

[01:00:53] The Future of Responsible Luxury

[01:05:56] Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

[01:08:21] Legacy and Impact in the Industry

What if your Rolex could be as liquid as your stock portfolio? In this episode of Responsible Luxury, host Lauren Petrovic sits down with Jake Plonskier, founder of Watches.io, to uncover how the luxury watch market is being transformed into a dynamic asset class.

Together they discuss:

• Why trust and transparency are the missing links in luxury markets
• How blockchain and data are unlocking the $30B+ watch industry
• Rise of liquidity in the watch market
• The parallels between watches, diamonds, and fine art as alternative investments
• What it takes to build a responsible, scalable business in an industry built on legacy

From blockchain-backed authenticity to the untapped potential of resale markets, this conversation offers a masterclass in rethinking legacy, ownership, and value in the luxury world. If you're curious about the future of luxury, alternative assets, or just love a good founder story - this one's for you.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – 02:15: Welcome and episode introduction
• 02:15 – 08:45: Jake’s journey: From traditional finance to luxury watches
• 08:45 – 14:00: The vision behind Watches.io: Liquidity, transparency, and access
• 14:00 – 20:30: How Watches.io is building trust in a skeptical market
• 20:30 – 26:00: The intersection of blockchain, data, and luxury authentication
• 26:00 – 31:00: The parallels between watches, diamonds, and art as alternative assets
• 31:00 – 36:30: Building an ecosystem of responsible luxury: Lessons from the journey
• 36:30 – 41:00: Rapid-fire round: Jake’s favorite timepiece, top leadership advice, and legacy reflections
• 41:00 – 43:00: Closing thoughts and how to connect with Watches.io

In this special episode, host Lauren Petrovic takes you behind the scenes at the 19th Annual Sustainable Business and Design Conference at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she moderated a dynamic panel on “Powering the Next Generation of Responsible Luxury.”

Joined by industry leaders Tiffany Stevens, Malyia McNaughton, and Wendy Waugh, this conversation dives into how luxury brands are redefining sustainability — not as a trend, but as a core business imperative.

Together, they explore:

• Transparency in the supply chain — from diamonds to fabric mills
• The rise of upcycling, heirloom redesign, and secondhand markets
• Consumer expectations and the future of ethical sourcing
• Private equity’s growing role in ESG accountability
• How the next generation of creatives is shaping luxury’s evolution

This episode is a call to action for leaders, students, and consumers alike to reimagine what responsible luxury can look like in 2030 and beyond.

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Featured Panelists:

Tiffany Stevens - Chief Business Officer and Global Head of Sustainability, International Gemological Institute

Malyia McNaughton - Founder and Designer, Made by Malyia

Wendy Waugh - Founder, Golden Collective

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Follow Us:

@laurendpetrovic

@tiffanycstevens

@madebymalyia

@responsibleluxurypod

On LinkedIn:

Tiffany Stevens

Wendy Waugh

Lauren Petrovic

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For comments, questions, or speaker ideas:

Follow @responsibleluxurypod on Instagram and LinkedIn Subscribe to The Responsible Luxury Podcast wherever you listen. Share this episode and join the conversation on what responsible luxury means to you.

Ep. 25: In this episode of Responsible Luxury, Lauren sits down with Kendel, a powerhouse real estate broker with the top-performing Singer Team at Brown Harris Stevens. But Kendel’s journey to the world of high-stakes real estate is anything but ordinary.

From her early days as a competitive gymnast to launching a career in high fashion, designing for renowned brands like Halston and J. Mendel, Kendel has always thrived in fast-paced, competitive environments. She later founded her own luxury fashion brand, F.WORDS, before making a bold pivot into luxury real estate, where she now helps high-net-worth clients find their dream properties in New York City and South Florida.

Lauren and Kendel discuss the parallels between fashion and real estate, the importance of building trust and authentic relationships, and Kendel’s mission to empower more women to become homeowners. Plus, Kendel shares insights on the future of luxury real estate, including the rise of wellness-certified properties, and opens up about her personal life, marathon training, and finding balance in a high-pressure career.

This conversation is filled with inspiration, strategy, and an inside look at the world of luxury—you won’t want to miss it!

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Guest Speaker: Kendel Neidermyer

Websites: Brown Harris Stevens, F.WORDS, Singer Team Real Estate

Instagram: @kendel_runs_realesate

LinkedIn: Kendel Neidermyer

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For comments, questions, or speaker ideas:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Lauren Petrovic

Instagram, X: @laurendpetrovic, @responsibleluxurypod

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Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

02:00 – Kendel’s Journey to New York

06:00 – Breaking into the Fashion Industry

10:00 – Launching Her Own Brand, F-WORD

15:30 – Transition from Fashion to Real Estate

20:00 – Navigating Luxury Real Estate in NYC & South Florida

25:00 – Empowering Women Homebuyers –

30:00 – Building Client Trust in Real Estate –

35:00 – Personal Life & Lifestyle Balance

40:00 – Coping with Loss & Finding Meaning

45:00 – Favorite NYC Spots & Safe Havens

50:00 – The Future of Luxury Real Estate

54:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect

Ep. 24: In this episode of Responsible Luxury, Lauren Petrovic sits down with Kat Weymouth, Director of Jewelry and Metals at SCS Global Services, to discuss the evolving landscape of sustainability and transparency in the fine jewelry industry. Kat shares her journey from growing up in a multi-generational jewelry family to leading auditing and certification programs that ensure ethical sourcing and responsible practices. We explore the rise of consumer demand for sustainability, the importance of third-party verification, and how new technologies like blockchain are transforming traceability in the supply chain. Whether you're a jewelry professional, a luxury lover, or a conscious consumer, this episode provides valuable insights on identifying truly responsible luxury brands and the future of ethical sourcing.

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Guest Speaker: Kat Weymouth, Director of Jewelry and Metals at SCS Global Services

Website: SCS Global Services

Kat Weymouth: [email protected]

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For comments, questions, or speaker ideas:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Lauren Petrovic

Instagram, X: @laurendpetrovic, @responsibleluxurypod

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

02:00 – Kat’s Journey into the Jewelry Industry

06:30 – Transition to Sustainability & Compliance

10:00 – Understanding SCS Global Services & Its Role in Jewelry

14:30 – Consumer Preferences & The Rise of Sustainable Jewelry

19:00 – How Consumers Can Identify Ethical Jewelry Brands

24:00 – The Future of Transparency & Traceability in Jewelry

28:30 – SCS & iTraceit Partnership for Blockchain-Based Transparency

31:00 – Kat’s Personal Passion for Sustainability

33:00 – Defining Responsible Luxury

36:00 – Final Thoughts & Advice for the Next Generation

38:00 – Where to Find Kat & SCS Global Services

#23: In this episode, join Lauren and Isabelle as she shares her inspiring journey towards responsible luxury and purpose-driven business practices. From her early aspirations to her impactful work with global organizations, Isabel discusses the importance of courageous leadership in driving positive change. She delves into topics such as the shift from shareholder to stakeholder economies, the significance of purpose in business DNA, and the role of boards in sustainable governance. Through her insightful conversation with Lauren, Isabelle sheds light on the pivotal role of businesses in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future. Tune in to explore practical strategies, transformative insights, and actionable advice for companies looking to embrace sustainability and make a difference in the world.

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Timestamps:

[0:00] Introduction and Isabelle's Journey

[6:32] Shift from Shareholder to Stakeholder Mindset

[10:48] Purpose as a Compass for Business Decisions

[12:11] Aligning Purpose with Business Operations

[16:22] The Evolution of the Responsible Luxury Industry

[21:43] Challenges and Opportunities for Legacy Companies

[25:47] Reinventing Board Governance for Sustainability

[27:05] Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

[32:03] Financial Incentives for Sustainable Business Practices

[33:00] Policies and Incentives in Europe for Sustainability

[36:23] Brands as Symbols of Sustainability and Purpose

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Guest Speaker: Isabelle Grosmaitre

Website: https://goodnessandco.one/

LinkedIn: Isabelle Grosmaitre

Isabelle's Book: Business as a Force for Good

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For comments, questions, or speaker ideas:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Lauren Petrovic

Instagram, X: @laurendpetrovic, @responsibleluxurypod

#22: In this episode, Lauren Petrovic sits down with Douglas Neves, CEO of Brazil’s renowned Cruzeiro Mine. A family-run gem operation founded in 1940 is now one of the most prosperous gem operations in the world. While being the third generation leading the mine, Douglas shares his remarkable journey in the industry, highlighting the intricacies of mining one of the world’s most prosperous mines. As Douglas puts it, it’s truly a combination of local knowledge, intuition, and science. Known for producing top-quality gemstones like tourmaline, quartz, morganite, aquamarine, and rubellites, Cruzeiro Mine has become a global leader in the industry. Through their recent partnership with IGI, they aim to enhance traceability and transparency in the gemstone sector.

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Timestamps:

[0:00] Introduction

[1:57] Unique Qualities of Cruzeiro Gemstones

[5:21] The Ethical Mining Process

[8:07] Day-to-Day Operations in the Mine

[8:32] Intuition in Mining

[11:40] Transparency in Sourcing and Production

[15:15] Building Relationships with Jewelers

[16:34] Advice for the Next-Generation Leading with Responsible Luxury

[18:02] The Philosophy of Responsible Luxury

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Guest Speakers: Douglas Neves, CEO of Cruzeiro Mine

Website: https://cruzeiromine.com/

LinkedIn: Douglas Neves

Instagram: @cruzeiro.mine, @douglaswn

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For comments, questions, or speaker ideas:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Lauren Petrovic

Instagram, X: @laurendpetrovic, @responsibleluxurypod