The Antwerp World Diamond Centre’s Karen Rentmeesters and Ravi Bhansali discuss the themes, conclusions and atmosphere of the recent Facets 2024 conference in the Belgian city.

On the latest episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, jeweler Eddie LeVian shares his family business’s sweet tooth for chocolate diamonds and how it’s trying to redirect customers toward higher-value stones. 

Nathan Renfro, senior manager of colored stones at the GIA, discusses treatments, synthetics, gemstone origin, and what attracts consumers to rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Plus: How the cookie monster appeared in an agate.

David Sherwood, CEO of Daniel’s Jewelers, describes the development of his family’s business into a 100-store retailer and why it offers both natural and synthetic diamonds. 

Sustainability consultant Danielle Keller talks about the circular economy, the benefits of repairing old jewelry, and the challenges of tracking a supply chain.

Scott Berg, president of US retailer Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, explains how the industry downturn has affected his company’s diamond-sourcing strategy. Plus: Changes in the Indian market and his visit to a mine in South Africa.

Podcast title: A Natural Future

Blurb: Josh Arazi, vice president and creative director at Arazi Diamonds, discusses the New York-based wholesaler’s decision to restrict the services it offers customers that promote synthetics.

William Lamb, CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp., relates how the company discovered a 2,492-carat rough at its mine in Botswana.

Antwerp trader Shashin Choksi explains why he believes the diamond industry must put more effort into promoting the product. Plus: How India’s recent celebrity wedding boosted the sector.

Aryeh Rephun, founder of New York-based Aryeh & Co., explains developments in the bespoke-jewelry market and assesses consumer demand ahead of the holiday season.