Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLinden
The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
David and Ronnie have been traveling the world this summer, flying to Singapore for the World Diamond Congress in July, and to Washington, D.C., later that month to meet with government officials on tariffs.
They joined hosts Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff to share the highlights, breaking down the discussions on diamond marketing that took place in Singapore, and what U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told them about the possibility of diamonds being exempt from tariffs.
Amanda and Michelle also discussed the August birthstone debate—spinel or peridot— and noted two other big birthdays happening this year.
Both JA and National Jeweler turned 120 in 2026.
To celebrate, Amanda shared a history of JA and Michelle read aloud an article from a 1910 issue of National Jeweler about the potential effects of the “horseless vehicle craze” on jewelry sales.
The eighth episode of the “My Next Question” podcast is available to view above or on the National Jeweler YouTube channel.
You can listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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