The Plumb Club’s Podcast

Building Trust Through Responsible Sourcing

There’s growing consumer interest today in responsibly sourced jewelry. Telling the story of the ethical sourcing of the gems and jewelry a retailer carries in store can build consumer trust, increase sales and attract a new generation of consumers.  This podcast covers what the latest consumer research data reveals and how The Plumb Club is working to make it easier for retailers to ensure their own supply chain is more responsible and transparent. The podcast also takes a look at the efforts of the Responsible Jewelry Council to set standards for an audited ethical supply chain from mine to market and what this means to a jewelry customer.

What's Driving Men's Bands in 2026

Wedding bands are a staple in a retail jewelers merchandise selection, but there’s been a change in the way they are perceived and acquired. The men’s band has become a considered purchase and not merely a last minute “grab and go”. Liliana Estrella and Tom Schwartz of Frederick Goldman, Inc. discuss what’s driving men’s bands. They provide insights into the shifting shopping dynamic behind the category, including the man’s desire to have a hand in both the selection and often the design. They talk about how modern metals and metal pricing are significantly shaping the category and give expert tips on selling men’s bands from the perspectives of the in-store experience, by material, by design, and by price.

Natural Diamonds & Lab Grown Diamonds: A Customer for Both

One of the most continual conversations in the jewelry industry today revolves around diamonds – both natural and lab grown. Joel Hakimi an executive at CH Hakimi helps the listener understand how these two categories are not competing in the marketplace, in fact they are coexisting with a distinct customer for each. Hakimi talks about the journey of natural diamonds and the rise of lab grown diamonds in the marketplace. He describes how today’s customer wants to understand a diamond’s origin, as well as its impact and sustainability, and  provides insights into the pricing and benefits of both. Further he underscores that retailers who can offer a balanced and educational experience on both categories, enable consumers to make an informed choice that builds trust and repeat business.

Optimize Your Diamond Assortment

Diamond fashion jewelry is a key product classification for jewelry retailers. It’s also a merchandise category with the most important potential growth opportunity. Recent in-depth research reveals how this all-important product sector is affected by changing consumer attitudes and demographics. In this podcast, sponsored by S. Kashi Jewelry, a leading manufacturer of bridal and fashion jewelry, Cheryl Kremkow takes a look at top diamond fashion jewelry trends and discusses how a new generation of consumers can be attracted by maximizing the assortment.

Sell With Confidence: How Traceability Builds Trust in Platinum & Diamonds

From mine to market, provenance has become the new luxury! In this podcast, presented by Tracr, Josh Helmich of Helmich Luxury Group speaks to Wesley Tucker and Emanuela Morando of Tracr, and Fahmida Smith of Valterra Platinum Ltd., about how traceability and digital-product passports are reshaping diamonds and platinum in the retail space. Listeners will learn how giving their customers proof, not promises, elevates product value and provides trust, and therefore, a higher purchase potential.

Telling The Natural Diamond Story

Every natural diamond is the culmination of a billion years of brilliance. In this podcast, narrated by Cheryl Kremkow on behalf of Envisions, retailers will learn how they can inspire customers with the romance, rarity and excitement of a natural diamond’s journey. Listeners will discover fun facts and gain insights to help educate consumers on a natural diamond’s unique attributes, emotional and financial value, and the benefits that natural diamonds contribute to the communities where they are discovered, thereby creating a compelling diamond story to build value and aid sales.

Passing the Torch Without Blowing Up the Family Business

Succession planning is key to the long-term health of many businesses, especially for the family-owned independent jeweler. There are many delicate factors to consider including timing, method, as well as assuming leadership while maintaining a positive relationship with family and staff. In this podcast, Michael Burpoe on behalf of Ostbye, speaks to retailers, Monteca Confer Beisel (Confers Jewelers), Samantha Tupper (Wink’s Fine Jewelers) and Craig MacBean (Ostbye) about the process, pitfalls and positives of their succession into family businesses and how they are planning to pass the torch to the next generation.

Jewelry Trends & Innovations: Enhancing Retail Success

Understanding the newest trends and innovations that are shaping the industry can help propel a retailer’s success. In this podcast narrated by Ethan Akhavan of Ryan Gems provides key take aways such as insights into current trends, the importance of responsible sourcing, and leveraging technology in jewelry retail. He provides listeners with key tips on staying ahead and discusses the concept of jewelry curation, which is a strategic approach to creating cohesive and appealing collections that resonate with customers. 

Promoting Your Brand with Influencers & Celebrities

Many of today’s consumers get their jewelry buying advice from social media influencers and celebrities. How can retailers use influencers to promote their brand? To find out, Cheryl Kremkow talks to Jordan and Allison Peck of Brevani, a popular brand from Color Merchants. Brevani's jewelry is often seen on the red carpet and shows like The Bachelorette. Learn how a retailer can partner with influencers or celebrities and how to take advantage of the times when celebrities wear the brands you carry. Brevani is a brand offered by Color Merchants Inc., which has garnered a reputation for unmatched quality and customer service. The Brevani brand is often seen on television programs and red carpets.

Consumer Engagement Despite Fluctuating Costs

As product material costs fluctuate, retailers face numerous challenges to profitability and pricing stability. However, these challenges can also create retail opportunities for innovation and growth. In this podcast Aashish Javeri of Uni-Design outlines opportunities that are spurred by this environment and provides strategies that retailers can employ to navigate the shifting costs while fostering long-term loyalty to spur sales. Uni-Design USA caters to clients around the world with dedicated diamond manufacturing facilities. The company enjoys access to a consistent diamond supply at the most competitive prices and has the advantage of making jewelry for different markets within the shortest time frames.