In This EpisodeIn this edition of The Jewelry District you’ll hear JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky (https://www.jckonline.com/writer/victoria-gomelsky/) and news director Rob Bates (https://www.jckonline.com/writer/rob-bates/) interview guest David Kellie, chief executive officer of the Natural Diamond Council (previously the Diamond Producers Association). David discusses the company's rebranding, his thoughts on the lab-grown diamond industry, and diversity in the industry.

Show Notes00:52 Rob and Victoria introduce David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council05:54 David discusses the rebranding of Diamond Producers Association to the Natural Diamond Council10:27 Victoria asks about stores reopening, and Rob asks about weddings, engagements, and lab-grown diamonds14:43 Rob asks about opportunities in the diamond industry, and Victoria asks about the Jeweler Support Network18:08 Rob asks about the logistics of Natural Diamond Council’s upcoming campaigns20:58 Victoria asks about the Natural Diamond Council's new website, and Rob asks about diversity in the industry

Episode CreditsHosts: Rob Bates and Victoria GomelskyEditor: Olivia BrileyProducer and engineer: Katey Clifford and Kathy PasseroPlugs: jckonline.com (https://www.jckonline.com/), @jckmagazine (https://www.instagram.com/jckmagazine/)

Show Recap

Introducing David KellieRob and Victoria introduce their guest David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council. David was previously with Watches of Switzerland Group and helped with its marketing and communications. Before that he was with the Ralph Lauren Corp. for 15 years, which helped him transition to his career in the luxury sector. Rob asks David about the difference in how outsiders see the diamond industry versus how it is on the inside. David says he wants to downgrade the challenges in the diamond industry—and that there are great opportunities ahead.

Rebranding to Natural Diamond CouncilDavid tells Rob that the Natural Diamond Council will do its best to fill the void in marketing and advertising that has existed for the past 10 years. Victoria asks about the company name change, and David says with an audience that consists mostly of millennials who get all of their information online, more time and money needs to be invested there. David says he wants to build strong digital platforms around the world.

Engagements, Weddings, and Lab-Grown DiamondsDespite all of the store closings in the last few months due to COVID-19, David feels consumers will return to stores once they feel safe to do so. Rob asks about engagements and weddings, and David explains how he feels about the rest of this year. When Rob asks about lab-grown diamonds, David says lab-growns will have a place in the market in the future, but it will remain small compared to natural diamonds. He’s ready to promote anything that is exciting in the industry.

Millennial AudiencesRob asks David where big opportunities are, and what we are underserving as an industry. David says everyone has not been the best at digital—which effects the millennial audience. David believes that it will be all about connections, relationships, friendships, and celebration coming out of this pandemic, as well as reminding consumers about diamonds in the context of all of those occasions.