The Rapaport Diamond Podcast

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.

Isidore (Isi) Mörsel, director of Dali Diamond and president of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) board, gives the inside story on G7 sanctions and other issues affecting Belgium’s diamond trade.

Ari Jain, chief financial officer of New York-based manufacturer and dealer House of Diamonds, tells how he created an algorithm for pricing polished diamonds while at university. He also discusses the latest trends in the US and Indian markets.