Shows
The Gem Lab PodcastThe Truth about FailureEveryone stumbles. It’s how we pick ourselves up that defines us. Mistakes are stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. Failure is not your enemy; it’s your secret weapon. Learn from it, grow from it. Don’t repeat mistakes, and avoid the pitfalls others have conquered. Learn from others’ errors, too, and you’ll save yourself a lot of time and trouble. Keep the faith, stay persistent, and you’ll find success. You possess the power to overcome obstacles.
2025-02-1705 minThe Gem Lab PodcastThis podcast is about giving.This podcast is about hundreds of counsellors volunteering their time free of charge to help our communities cope with day-to-day challenges through Hope House Counselling Centre in Cape Town. Online counselling is also available to anywhere in the world. The cost is a donation of only R150 and if you can't afford it then it's free. The founder Judy Strickland who founded Hope House 20 years ago wanted counselling available to everyone, rich and poor. www.hopehouse.org.za
2025-02-0803 minThe Gem Lab PodcastThe Matter of Minding MistakesThose in authority who rant and rave for hours because a mistake has been made may be ‘servicing their own frustration’, but they’re harming those on the receiving end of their tirades. Breaking someone’s spirit will never bring out the best in anyone. Some of us get lambasted in the ‘nicest possible way,’ only realizing hours later that we were being told we messed up badly.Mahatma Gandhi said it best: “Freedom isn’t worth having if it doesn’t include the freedom to make mistakes.”
2023-10-2304 minThe Gem Lab PodcastWhatever Happened to Mazal and Bracha?A hand shake in the diamond industry has been the way of sealing a deal for many years. It is known as Mazal u Bracha. Sadly some people in our industry don't keep their word, commit to taking a gemstone and then going back on their word. This is unacceptable in the gem and jewellery industry.
2023-04-2004 minThe Gem Lab PodcastGemstone Treatment and DisclosureIt is essential that all artificially treated stones are disclosed to customers. Failure to disclose a treatment can be considered a misrepresentation by law.
2023-02-0604 minThe Gem Lab PodcastTo Change or Not To Change - That is the Question.Last last couple of years have been difficult for bossiness and we need to change if what we are doing isn't working.
2023-01-3006 minThe Gem Lab PodcastAll Things Bright and BeautifulThis podcast is about grading diamonds and coloured stones.
2023-01-2904 minThe Gem Lab PodcastHelp Us Help YouHave a Heart for GemmologyThe gem testing labs in SA should be extremely busy but alas, we battle to stay afloat. Worse, we continue to see loads of gemstones sold as something they’re not.As I have mentioned before, in a survey done some years ago, 80% of gemstones passing through our lab were synthetic, artificially treated, or imitations. In other words, they had been sold fraudulently.Overseas labs charge a lot of money to have stones checked, which enables them to afford the equipment needed to do the job efficiently. Th...
2022-02-1905 min
The Gem Lab PodcastFocus is the New IQ“Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfilment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them.” - Jack CanfieldAre you seeing the truth of the above words? Many people are focused on obstacles or the past. Do you notice that they are like hamsters on a spinning wheel - busy, but going nowhere? Gett...
2021-07-2004 min
The Gem Lab PodcastHow to Take the Swindle Out of Jewellery ValuationsWithout question, your quality jewellery items are as precious to you as the Crown Jewels are to England. With so many stories out there about people being swindled and blindsided to their huge disappointment, trustworthy valuation is critical. Please know that we feel for you. There’s no question that one needs to be equipped to do jewellery valuations correctly, especially with the sheer volume of crafty criminals hoping to make a quick buck. That means locating trustworthy and reputable jewellery evaluators who use the right equipment for the most accurate results. But expensive equipment alon...
2021-07-1303 min
The Gem Lab PodcastHave a Heart for GemmologyRunning a gem testing lab is not a money-making business. Most won’t give us a passing thought till there is a need for a precious or semi-precious stone appraisal. Well put is the saying from ‘Oh, my bad… I forgot I only exist when you need me for something.’Not that we’re blaming you, but understand that just because we deal with prized gems, doesn’t bring us equal fiscal reward. Spare a ThoughtThe labs in SA should be extremely busy but alas, we battle to stay afloat. Worse, we con...
2021-07-0805 min
The Gem Lab PodcastThe Right Thing and the Hard Thing are Often the Same Thing“As long as greed is stronger than compassion, there will always be suffering” Rusty Eric Greed is a global disease that continues to cost people dearly, and one that has – sadly - been around since the beginning of time. The problem is that so many people are in a desperate situation right now, many through no fault of their own. But these tough times aren’t an excuse to cheat or scam people out of their hard-earned cash. Those that can afford to buy are buying so-called great deals at the expense of desperate people and pushin...
2021-05-1803 min
The Gem Lab PodcastThe Challenge of Managing Risk and Reward“There’s no reward without work, no victory without effort, no battle won without risk.”The risk versus reward debate is familiar to us all. From dabbling in the stock market to choosing a life partner, the premise is the same. I have tried to find this balance in business, and in fact, life in general. Is the reward worth the risk? Just how risky is it? What do I need to know to mitigate the risk? Opening a business is a risk, certainly. However, the rewards – if managed correctly – can far outweigh the risk.Hard Wor...
2021-05-1103 min
The Gem Lab PodcastMisrepresentationGem Alert – Misrepresentation!We have come across several colour-changing synthetic sapphires doing the rounds that are being sold as alexandrite. These synthetics have been around since 1902 so people are being told they are alexandrite and believe they must be natural because they belonged to their grandparents. Most of the “alexandrite” we see are these synthetic sapphires which, unfortunately, make an excellent imitation. Chatham-created gems make an exceptionally good synthetic alexandrite which has the same chemical composition, optical and physical properties as the natural stones. I was also informed that there are some people marketin...
2021-05-0403 min
The Gem Lab PodcastGem AlertPlease DON’T EVER buy a diamond set in jewellery without a report from a reputable lab that has graded the stone out of the setting. Stones are graded in the setting, and the colour of the metal can affect the colour of the stone considerably. Colour is the most difficult element to grade in a setting, and that is why is it acceptable to be at least two colour grades out when graded in a piece of jewellery. Two colour grades can make a huge difference to the price though, and the amou...
2021-03-1002 min
The Gem Lab PodcastFocused Action“What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?” ~ Tony Robbins There are so many parts in a steam train and every single one of them must work together with the other parts in order for the train to function efficiently. Yet, a single damaged nut or bolt could bring these massive powerful trains to a halt.This tells me that if we all pull together, or if you and your staff pull together focused on a single outcome, there is no doubt you will achie...
2021-03-1002 min
The Gem Lab PodcastYou can't give up...I have forwarded Peter Carruthers email below. Peter has inspired me for many years and offers priceless advise on running a small business. He, like many of us has been through hard times and even lost his business many years ago. Since then he has dedicated his life to helping small business. I have attended some of his seminars when he has been in SA and I have always left inspired. Take a listen to some thoughts on not giving up in this podcast episode.To connect or for more information, articles and content visit...
2021-03-0204 min
The Gem Lab PodcastGemmology is not an opinionGemology is the science dealing with natural and artificial gemstone materials dating back to the 19th Century. It is a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy. The first qualifications were initiated when the National Association of Goldsmiths of Great Britain set up a gemological committee in 1908. The committee matured into the Gemological Association of Great Britain, also known as Gem-A. The first U.S. graduate of Gem-A’s diploma course in 1929 was Robert Shipley who later establish both the GIA and the American Gem Society. We’re so grateful for these institutions to assist us in reg...
2021-02-1604 min
The Gem Lab PodcastSo Now What?February 2021 feels a little anti-climactic don’t you think? 2020 is, thankfully, behind us. The holiday season is over, and we’ve taken the decorations down. Our collective New Year’s hangovers have abated. So many people are looking at the ravages of this tremendously difficult time and wondering where to go from here. TERS has stopped, debt holidays are over, and debit orders are bouncing all over the place. Established businesses have closed their doors after years of pouring blood, sweat, and tears into their endeavour. Many of us are battling to stay afloat and wonder if...
2021-02-0902 min
The Gem Lab PodcastStop Treading Water and Take Back Your Life “Isn't it wonderful to be alive? You know, you can forget all about it. Then suddenly you remember and think of all the things you can do. I am alive. How wonderful!” ~ Sophia Loren. Are you living or merely existing? The C-word certainly has done a number on us and many people have come into the new year still feeling lost, aimless, and perhaps looking for some higher purpose. The fact is, though, that time will pass – your life will pass - whether you have a plan or not. So, the question is...
2021-01-2503 min
The Gem Lab PodcastNothing Has Changed Except YouAs I turned the calendar over from December 2020 to January 2021, I did so with a sense of relief. I’m sure many of you feel the same. But really, what has changed?Yes, there is the symbolic distance between the old year and the new year, but our lives remain exactly as they were 24 short hours ago. Chances are, many of us feel uncertain and anxious about the future. It’s only natural after the year we’ve endured. But I feel strongly that the only way to move forward is by harnessing the incredible (and lar...
2021-01-0604 min
2020-12-2101 min
The Gem Lab PodcastSimple, Symbiotic Relationships Equal SuccessColoured gemstones are can be incredibly complex to evaluate and understand. It’s with this in mind that Gübelin chose to launch their own gemstone grading system known as Gübelin Points. This rating service takes into account a stone’s beauty, rarity, and attractiveness and refers to the three domains as quality, rarity, and salience. They feel that this system provides a better orientation for collectors when they are looking for new pieces and helps to simplify the buying process. Until the end of 2021, this service will cost you CHF100 (R2,520.00) irrespective of species.Certa...
2020-12-1803 min
The Gem Lab PodcastHere's How Untrained Staff Are Costing You MoneyAvoiding sales blunders can be tricky, especially when your staff are not equipped with the knowledge they need to sell well. Simply that we need to be trained at our job, and we need to constantly work on our skills and knowledge to be effective.To connect or for more information, articles and content visit www.gemlab.co.za, you can connect with Jeremy on social media as well:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn
2020-12-1702 min
The Gem Lab PodcastThe Customer is (Not) Always RightI don’t believe that the “customer is always right” – and certainly not in today’s world where we all need to be careful that we’re not getting manipulated by self-serving opportunists. I also believe that there are a growing number of customers who are simply impossible to please. However, I do believe that if we use our discretion and treat the customer as if they are right, then we have found a powerful tool to diffuse a potentially bad situation while retaining genuine clients.To connect or for more info...
2020-12-0103 min
The Gem Lab PodcastBrilliant Business is in the MinutiaIt’s been such a pleasure interacting with you recently; not only regarding the complexities and definitions of gemstones but also about business wisdom which keeps the cogs turning. In many ways, it’s the minutia of your day to day operation which can make or break your business in the long term. Let me give you a couple of examples.To connect or for more information, articles and content visit www.gemlab.co.za, you can connect with Jeremy on social media as well:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn
2020-11-2504 min
The Gem Lab PodcastNever Judge A Book By Its Cover"The moral of the story is, respect everyone, you never know who you are attending to and they could just help pay your salary." In this podcast episode Jeremy shares two life lessons when it comes to how you treat people, and especially your customers. Listen on your favourite podcast channel and connect on social media or email jeremy@gemlab.co.za. FacebookInstagramLinkedInVisit www.gemlab.co.za for more resources, information and content.
2020-11-2403 min
The Gem Lab PodcastBusiness As Usual Is A Thing Of The PastYears ago, when I was doing basic military training, I found myself on kitchen duty and in front of me was a massive barrel of potatoes that needed to be peeled. As you can imagine, my first thought was extremely negative! But then I thought, well, I am on army time and not my own, so it doesn’t actually matter how long it takes to peel this mountain of potatoes. So, I took my time and started peeling one at a time, and before I knew it, they were all done. (It was really quite therapeutic!)
2020-11-1104 min
The Gem Lab PodcastWhy Not Synthetics [Part 3]: Synthetic Moissanite vs. DiamondSo, what's the real difference between a synthetic moissanite and a diamond? Take a listen at the podcast episode today to find out!For more information visit The Gem Lab and subscribe to our weekly mail to receive more insights into the jewellery industry today. You can also connect on social media:InstagramFacebookLinkedIn
2020-10-2603 min
The Gem Lab PodcastWhy Not Synthetics [Part 2]: Increase Turnover Selling SyntheticsShould I sell synthetics?Obviously, the choice is yours. However, in my opinion, there is no reason not to include synthetics in your jewellery range. I feel that in the present climate, we should certainly open our minds to ways of selling an affordable range of products which serve to increase turnover. Since COVID-19, those forward-thinking people who branched out and started online sales are very glad that they did.It doesn’t mean, though, that you can’t still offer clients your special brand of jewellery, after all, Christmas is appr...
2020-10-2103 min
The Gem Lab PodcastWhy Not Synthetics? [Part 1]: Does it really take millions of years for gemstones to grow?Synthetic gemstones aren't something we need to avoid in the trade but rather they can be something we leverage and use to benefit customers (as long as we are honest and know our facts.)In this podcast episode we take a look at how a ruby the size of a thumb can grow in a lab in hours, so why not underground as well? Conditions in a lab need to duplicate those in nature otherwise the stone wouldn't form. For more information visit The Gem Lab and subscribe to our weekly mail to receive more...
2020-10-1202 min
The Gem Lab PodcastEngagement Ring - Coloured StonesWhy use a diamond for an engagement ring? There are so many different coloured stones one could use for an engagement ring.
2020-08-2804 min
The Gem Lab PodcastGrading SystemsAll gemstones can be graded accurately by using the ICSL gemstone grading system except diamonds. The International standard for grading diamonds is the GIA diamond grading system. For more information on the ICSL grading system go to our website www.gemlab.co.za
2020-08-1504 min
The Gem Lab PodcastBuying an Engagement Ring - MetalsThere is quite a bit of confusion when it comes to the metals used in jewellery. This podcast will explain the metals used.To connect or for more information, articles and content visit www.gemlab.co.za, you can connect with Jeremy on social media as well:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn
2020-08-0502 min
The Gem Lab PodcastBuying an engagement ring - DiamondsThis podcast will help you decide on what diamond to purchase for your engagement ring. It will illustrate how each of the 4C's can affect the price. To connect or for more information, articles and content visit www.gemlab.co.za, you can connect with Jeremy on social media as well:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn
2020-08-0306 min
The Gem Lab PodcastBuying a diamond for an engagement ring. Colour and Clarity.This podcast is to help you make up your mind on what diamond to buy and how the grading of the diamond can affect the price. It will also show you how to save money on not paying for something that you can't see or that will affect the appearance of the diamond.
2020-08-0204 min
The Gem Lab PodcastBuying a diamond for an engagement ring. Carat weight and CutThis podcast is to help you make up your mind on what diamond to buy and how the grading of the diamond can affect the price. It will also show you how to save money on not paying for something that you can't see or that will affect the appearance of the diamond. To connect or for more information, articles and content visit www.gemlab.co.za, you can connect with Jeremy on social media as well:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn
2020-08-0203 min
The Gem Lab PodcastGemstone InvestmentsA gemstone can be a very good investment provided you get the right advice from a qualified gemmologist that is familiar specifically in investment gemstones. A question we get asked often is, "Is a diamond a good investment"? the answer is not if you purchase the diamond from a retailer. The key to investing in gemstones is getting the right advise, price and the finest quality gemstones. It must be THE GEM LAB Approved.To connect or for more information, articles and content visit www.gemlab.co.za, you can connect with Jeremy on social media as w...
2020-07-1803 min