On the latest Rapaport Diamond Podcast, bespoke retailer Alexandra Beth Samit of New York-based Alexandra Beth Fine Jewelry explained that the significant rise in gold prices has drastically increased jewelry costs. Samit concluded that the combination of high gold and natural diamond prices is making jewelry unaffordable for many, which is fueling a rising demand for lab-grown diamonds as a way for consumers to offset the cost pressure. Must listen.
Gemologist Thomas Hainschwang, of GGTL Laboratories, appeared on the Rapaport Diamond Podcast to discuss why fluorescent diamonds are now avoided by the market (as the fluorescence can mask a lower color) even though they were once desirable. He also warned that too many inexperienced labs are operating because regulations for opening a gem-testing facility are weak.
Conner Curran, the CEO of the commodity sales company Dexterous DMCC, was a guest on Episode 150 of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast. Curran, who moved to Dubai from London, spoke highly of the city, calling it a great place to live and a great place to do business thanks to its safety, ease of doing business, and existing tax laws. Must listen.
The latest episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, featuring Sean Dunn, vice president of J.R. Dunn Jewelers, discusses whether consumers care about a diamond's origin and how traceability could shape the industry's future.
Greg Katz, managing partner of South Africa-based diamond company Trigon Adamas, joined the Rapaport Diamond Podcast to share his experiences working with exceptional diamonds. Must-listen.
Jewelry consultant Megan Crabtree explains how jewelers can use data and AI to boost sales, create customized client mailouts, and plan better marketing strategies on the Rapaport Diamond Podcast.
On the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, jewelry consultant Megan Crabtree shared practical tips for growing sales and enhancing the customer experience.
She explained how jewelers like you can utilize data and AI tools to plan more effective marketing strategies.
Send customized mailouts based on what clients have bought before.
Example: A client who purchased an engagement ring may be interested in anniversary jewelry.
Use your purchase data and business information to guide AI tools.
These tools can help you create plans to increase sales.
Focus on timing in marketing.
“Marketing is as successful as the time that it takes for you to plan it,” Crabtree said.
Do you use your client's purchase history to guide your marketing?
How much time do you spend planning each campaign?
Are you exploring AI tools to improve your jewelry sales strategy?
Crabtree also discussed the current market.
She shared her views on whether the natural-diamond industry should respond with negative marketing against lab-grown diamonds.
This is a question many jewelers face today.
What stance do you take for your business?
Rapaport Diamond Podcast. Episode 144. Buying diamonds in the tariff era. Must-listen.
Insights from International Diamond Center (IDC), Florida.
US tariffs are changing how diamonds are priced and sourced. But buyers are still active—and determined.
How Tariffs Are Affecting Diamond Prices
Suppliers and designers are passing extra costs to retailers.
Sometimes, the price hikes are hidden within gold-price increases.
At the time of recording (July 8), import duties were 10%.
The US has since raised tariffs to 25% on goods from India.
India cuts and polishes 90% of the world’s diamonds.
IDC Keeps Buying Despite Price Pressures
IDC runs 11 retail stores across Florida.
“There’s a 50-pound bag of flour, make a big biscuit,” said Brian Stamey, VP of marketing and operations.
Translation: IDC continues buying loose diamonds aggressively.
Founder Keith Leclerc buys diamonds like Joey Chestnut eats hot dogs—nonstop.
From Supplier to Retail Powerhouse
IDC started as a supplier to other retailers.
Over time, they shifted to a direct-to-consumer retail model.
They once considered buying a diamond mine.
The 2008 financial crash shaped their buying strategies.
What You Can Learn from IDC’s Strategy
Keep buying smart even when prices rise.
Track the true cost of goods—don’t just look at the sticker price.
Watch out for cost shifts masked as gold increases.
Branded diamonds and jewelry now drive much of IDC’s growth.
Strong product memory matters—Leclerc remembers past stones with near photographic clarity.
Ask Yourself Before Your Next Purchase
Are you checking where your diamond was cut?
Do you understand how tariffs may affect price?
Is the markup fair—or padded with hidden import costs?
Are you buying from someone who knows diamonds like IDC?
Rapaport Diamond Podcast. Episode 143. Rockbox's revamp. Must-listen.
Rapaport Diamond Podcast. Episode 142. How to avoid credit losses with Andrew Rickard. Must-listen.
Episode 141. Fancies, Lab-Grown, and the JCK Show. Rapaport Diamond Podcast is a must-listen.
The Rapaport Diamond Podcast is on Europe's diamond market in the latest episode, which features German jewelry designer Katharina Junkert. Must listen.
Howard Hauben, Centurion Jewelry Show CEO, discusses consumer demand and US tariff impact on jewelry trade fairs in the latest Rapaport Diamond Podcast.
Battling the sythetic threat. Must listen.
Useful link: https://rapaport.com/podcasts/podcast-battling-the-synthetic-diamonds-threat
