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)