Shanghai-based diamond dealer and consultant Chen Shen reflects on the recent slump in Chinese consumer spending. Is the economy to blame — or are synthetics taking over?

Jewelry journalist Rachael Taylor and Rapaport’s Sonia Esther Soltani analyze the latest developments in the bridal jewelry market, while Rapaport’s Leah Meirovich discusses James Allen’s diamond and jewelry ChatGPT plugin with Shannon Delany-Ron.

A sneak peak at Rapaport’s upcoming GIA-sponsored supplement, which features stories on traceability, social responsibility, and how to talk to consumers about values. 

Reformed jewel thief Bryan Sobolewski talks about his 22-store robbery spree, getting caught, his return to the straight and narrow, and how jewelers can prevent guys like him from making off with their merchandise.

Consumers’ changing spending habits are the real cause of weak retail sales – more so than rising inflation, says consultant David Marcotte.

Melanie Grant, executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), joins Rapaport’s Sonia Esther Soltani and Joshua Freedman to discuss the latest developments at the organization and in the wider world of ethical sourcing. Melanie also gives an update on her writing and curating projects.

Amish Shah of Altr Created Diamonds reports from the inaugural Lab-Grown Diamond Symposium in Dubai. How are prices performing, and what does the future of the sector hold?

The market is seeing a spate of green diamonds coming back from grading labs as treated or “undetermined,” says Thomas Hainschwang, cofounder of GGTL Laboratories. Plus: synthetic diamonds, trends in grading, and the science of identifying origin.

The team fires questions at Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz, who is leaving after 16 years of service. Plus: A report from the JCK Las Vegas show, the latest in the retail market, and how the New York auctions fared.

Tiffany Stevens, CEO, president and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), addresses key issues around Russian diamonds in conversation with Rapaport’s Joshua Freedman. Plus: Why the industry has a problem with the term “recycled.”