Money Metals Exchange's Mike Gleason sat down with Helen Viljoen, CEO of Nebü, to discuss gold hitting all-time highs, the state of the global economy, and how corruption is shaping markets—including the luxury goods sector. Helen shares insights from her experience in the jewelry industry and how Nebü is navigating these challenges while leveraging gold’s growing appeal. Tune in as she unpacks the key drivers behind market momentum and what it all means for long-term wealth preservation.
Watch the full episode below to hear the conversation.
📘 Chapters
1. Introduction & Market Update (0:00 - ~5:00)
Host Mike Gleason opens the Money Metals Podcast, highlighting its focus on gold and silver investors.
Market performance update:
- Gold hits an all-time high, rising $40 for the week to $2,822/oz.
- Silver gains nearly $0.90, trading at $31.65/oz.
- Gold up 1.4%; silver up 2.8%.
Reasons for market movement:
- Institutional scramble to bring gold and silver into the U.S. due to Trump’s proposed import tariffs.
- Analyst warning about underpriced upside risk in silver.
- Trump’s policy actions:
- Threatened 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods.
- Criticized the Federal Reserve for inflation and focus on social and environmental policies.
- Fed recently paused interest rate cuts.
2. Money Metals Services & Promotions (5:00 - ~7:00)
- Mention of special deals on coins, bars, and rounds (lowest premiums in five years).
- Services include precious metals storage, retirement accounts, loans, and sound money advocacy.
3. Interview with Helen Fulian (CEO of Nebu) - Part 1 (7:00 - ~20:00)
Topic: Wearable Investment Jewellery
- Nebu produces 24k gold and platinum jewellery designed as wearable investments.
- Contrast with typical jewellery:
- Mainstream U.S. jewellery often 10-14k gold (low purity, low resale value).
- Investment jewellery focuses on high purity (24k & 22k).
Key benefits:
- Transparent pricing based on gold weight + small manufacturing fee.
- Retains ~80% of purchase value (versus 10–20% for traditional fine jewellery).
- Serves as a hedge and long-term value store.
Cultural Perspective:
- Eastern vs. Western view of gold:
- East sees gold as a trusted store of value and wealth.
- West treats gold as luxury rather than an investment.
- Inspiration from Eastern practices where gold is part of dowries and personal savings.
- Historical use of gold for financial independence (example: Indian women using gold to build community savings).
4. Interview with Helen Viljoen (CEO of Nebu) - Part 2 (20:00 - ~28:00)
Design & Product Quality
Nebu’s design philosophy:
- Focus on timeless, wearable pieces.
- Built for durability despite being 24k gold (soft but manageable with good design).
- Aesthetic differences: richer color of pure gold compared to 14k.
- Customer-driven designs; functionality and intrinsic value prioritized over artisanal complexity.
Founder Background
- Helen’s background: degrees in genetics and law, inspired by economics and precious metals markets.
- Sparked by business trips to the East and interest in gold as a tool for wealth preservation.
- As a South African, strong familiarity with gold culture (Krugerrands, mining heritage).
5. Global Perspective & De-dollarization (28:00 - ~33:00)
Discussion on central bank gold buying and de-dollarization.
Helen’s view:
- Monopolies (like U.S. dollar dominance) are not ideal.
- Challenge and competition (BRICS, Russia, Middle East influence) are healthy for global finance.
- U.S. dollar likely to remain dominant due to momentum, but must evolve to remain relevant.