Podcast: Lessons from Vegas

RAPAPORT... The Las Vegas shows set the tone for the industry moving into the second half of the year. But how was the mood considering the economic and geopolitical headwinds facing the trade, and what does this signal for the market? In this episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, News Editor Joshua Freedman and Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz discuss sentiment at the shows, along with the big news that will have a lasting impact on the diamond and jewelry market. Listen to the podcast here:Discussion points:00:40 - Introduction01:05 - Joshua shares his initial thoughts about the shows and the indications for the US market.07:10 - The two discuss the two big news stories that came out of the shows, the first being the shift to digital reports by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). 12:00 - The journalists talk about LVMH's investment in lab-grown, the second major piece of news. 16:40 - Avi outlines Blue Nile's return to public markets. 19:20 - Joshua reveals his personal highlights and how his gambling habit held up in Vegas. This episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast is sponsored by De Beers Group Ignite: Pioneering a new diamond world through innovation.