Watch: A Q&A With Stephen Lussier
The soon-to-retire De Beers executive discusses diamond advertising then vs. now, what he’ll miss most about going to work every day, and more.
Lussier got into the diamond business in the early 1980s. Just out of grad school at Columbia University, he got put on the De Beers account at New York-based advertising agency N.W. Ayer, making the leap to De Beers—and the move to London—a few years later.
He’s been marketing diamonds for the company ever since.
On the latest episode of “My Next Question,” Lussier joined Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff for a look back, and a look ahead.
He discussed the differences between advertising when he started in the ‘80s vs. now, the biggest missteps of his career, what he’ll miss most about De Beers, and why consumers always come back to diamonds.
Watch the full session above, and please join us for another episode of “My Next Question” on Tuesday, March 15 at 2 p.m.
Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator will interview Angie Ash, executive vice president of Fruchtman Marketing, and Jimmy DeGroot, owner of JewelryStoreTraining.com, about how retailers can get their stores ready for Mother’s Day.
Read more about it and sign up here.
The Latest

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.


Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.




















