Podcast: With Special Guest Rob Bates

Host Avi Krawitz and veteran industry journalist Rob Bates discuss the diamond trade's Russia dilemma, among other topics affecting the market. RAPAPORT... Seasoned industry journalist Rob Bates, the new director at JCK Online, joins Rapaport's Avi Krawitz to discuss his new book, Murder Is Not a Girl's Best Friend, as well as the industry themes that are central to his writing. In this episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, the two also delve into the challenges the trade faces today, including the Russia crisis and its potential lasting impact on the diamond and jewelry sector.Listen to the podcast here:Discussion points:0:40 - Introduction and how Rob got his start in the industry.4:00 - What led Rob to write a mystery novel centered on the diamond industry.7:00 - Rob outlines the trade themes that feature in the first two books. 11:10 - Avi and Rob discuss how the Russia-Ukraine war may lead consumers to ask questions about diamond origin.16:00 - The two theorize how the trade will handle Alrosa supply. 18:00 - They note the potential long-term impact of Alrosa losing its brand goodwill.20:50 - Is the Russia crisis a greater challenge for the trade than the conflict-diamond crisis?25:30 - Avi and Rob question whether the sanctions on Alrosa will motivate the trade to adopt traceability and source-verification programs,30:20 - The two journalists discuss the gradual ratcheting up of sanctions. 33:30 - They give their forecasts for the upcoming JCK show in Las Vegas.This episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast is sponsored by De Beers Group Ignite: Pioneering a new diamond world through innovation.