S04 E01: Mona Akhavi, Chief Executive Officer of VRAI

07/01/21 • 43 min

Scott Kerr talks to Mona Akhavi, Chief Executive Officer of Vrai, the lab-grown jewelry line backed by Leonardo DiCaprio and other high-profile Silicon Valley investors. Akhavi discusses how lab-grown sustainable diamonds made, how they're identical to their mined counterparts, and why its foundry's proprietary plasma reactor technology is so unique. Akhavi also talks about how DiCaprio got involved with the company, its recent $200 million investment from Fidelity, how Chinese consumers have been early adopters of lab-grown diamonds, and their battle with the Natural Diamond Council. Plus: Will luxury consumers ever ditch their natural diamond jewelry for lab-grown counterparts? Featuring: Mona Akhavi, Chief Executive Officer of VRAI Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Support our sponsor SaneBox and see how it can magically remove distractions from your inbox with a free two-week trial. Visit https://www.sanebox.com/luxury today to start your free trial and get a $25 credit just for being a listener of The Luxury Item podcast.

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Season 4 Trailer

We just wrapped up the third season of The Luxury Item podcast. Thanks to my listeners and guests for making it the #1 luxury business podcast. Season 4 debuts on July 1. You’ll hear from more top decision-makers from across the luxury sector who will share crucial knowledge on exactly how they’re sharpening operations to meet a changed sales picture and strengthening customer experiences in the new luxury landscape. They’ll also offer the brightest ideas and insights to help inform your own business strategies. Subscribe and listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

Next Episode

S04 E02: Neda Whitney, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing for Christie's Americas

Neda Whitney, SVP, Head of Marketing for Christie's Americas talks to Scott Kerr about how NFTs are shaking up the artworld, and why the luxury auction house was early to embrace the NFT market. Whitney also discusses how Christie's is attracting young collectors, the record-breaking $69 million Beeple NFT sale, the NFT opportunity in the luxury and fashion industry, and what brands should be thinking about when creating an NFT. Plus: As luxury auctions move online, how will Christie's court high end consumers who are used to white glove, in-person service? Featuring: Neda Whitney, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing, Christie's Americas Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Support our sponsor SaneBox and see how it can magically remove distractions from your inbox with a free two-week trial. Visit https://www.sanebox.com/luxury today to start your free trial and get a $25 credit just for being a listener of The Luxury Item podcast.