The Materialist : Sam Broekema

What does it mean to make something lasting in a world built for speed? In this episode of The Materialist, I sit down with Sam Broekema, Editor in Chief of Only Natural Diamonds, to talk about permanence, disruption, and the enduring power of jewelry.

Sam shares his journey from a small town in Wisconsin to the fashion departments of Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and InStyle, where he honed his editorial vision. Now, at Only Natural Diamonds, he’s building a platform that champions storytelling over sales — and elevates diamonds not just as luxury goods, but as cultural artifacts rich with meaning.

We talk about:

* Why the best jewelry stories aren’t about price, but about people.

* How legacy publications lost their footing — and what Sam is building instead.

* The difference between a Chanel bag and a bracelet from your grandmother.

* How Dezso by Sara Beltrán, 10,000 Things, and Nikos Koulis are redefining contemporary fine jewelry.

* The joy of imperfection — from salt-and-pepper diamonds to poky stones with soul.

We also discuss why print still matters, how Gen Z’s obsession with authenticity is reshaping luxury, and why responsibility and sustainability aren’t in opposition to indulgence — they’re part of it.

Sam’s editorial ethos? Surprise. Delight. Tell the story no one else is telling.

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