Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast

In this 83rd episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, De Beers' iconic marketing executive Sally Morrison returns to the show. The episode begins with Paul ranting about the "word play" used by some in the industry to prop up LGD. The two then discuss whether reverting to referring to "natural diamonds" as just "diamonds" (without a qualifier) could be strategic from a marketing standpoint. Next, Sally shares the results of a recent consumer survey revealing, amongst other things, the latest customer preferences towards lab-grown versus natural diamonds –which in part led to Desert Diamonds, De Beers' newest "be...

In this 82nd episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, jewelry designer and sustainability consultant Danielle Keller Aviram joins the show from Berlin, Germany. The episode begins with Paul airing frustrations with the direction that the ESG movement has seemingly meandered. Danielle then shares her firsthand opinion on the state of sustainability as it pertains to the jewelry industry supply chain. The two then discuss how much consumers really care about sustainability and if consumer pressure or government regulation is a stronger force for change. They then opine on how the diamond industry in particular could benefit from...

In this 81st episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Paul takes questions from listeners. The episode begins with Paul discussing his thoughts on the hyperbolic move in gold. Next, he provides his view on what needs to happen for a recovery in the natural diamond market. Paul then briefly shares his views on Bitcoin/cryptocurrency and explains why he remains committed to covering the diamond industry. Finally, he analyzes the macro-economy and the potential impacts of AI.  

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: No guest

Guest plug: N/A

In this 80th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), joins for a final appearance on the eve of his retirement. The episode begins with Paul sharing a glimpse of diamond industry catalysts he is monitoring going into 2026. Next, Paul and David discuss the future of the marketing business amidst the advent of new technologies like AI and David provides advice for students aspiring to pursue a career in the field. Next, the two discuss the recent success of Ralph Lauren and how the company's business model can relate...

In this 79th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Paul is joined by Tobias Kormind of 77 Diamonds in London. The episode begins with Paul and Tobias discussing the "inventory light" business model of online diamond jewelers. Next, the two discuss the more mainstream emergence of jewelry customization and how consumers are responding to this new option. Tobais then explains why his company sells lab-grown diamonds and Paul goes on a soliloquy about the hazards of conflating LGD with natural diamonds. Finally, the two discuss the start to the 2025 holiday shopping season, the European jewelry market and why 77 Di...

In this 78th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Paul is joined by Tony Carroll, a distinguished international trade advisor, lawyer and economist based in Washington DC that has consulted for the diamond industry. The episode begins with Tony sharing his experience serving in the Peace Corps in Botswana in the 1970's. Next, Paul and Tony speculate on the future of De Beers given that the company is up for sale. The conversation then transitions to more macro topics including the global economy, the deceleration in globalization, a rise in populism and political division in the U...

In this 77th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Paul welcomes back lab-grown diamond entrepreneur Amish Shah –president of ALTR Created Diamonds and J'EVAR. The episode begins with Paul suggesting that autonomous driving technology should be stress tested in Surat, India. Next, Paul and Amish discuss when the diamond and jewelry industry will incorporate AI and robotics technologies. The two then opine on how LGD is evolving from a bridal to fashion jewelry product and Amish discusses the advantages of being a vertically integrated LGD jewelry producer. They then discuss the direct impact of U.S. tariffs on...

In this 76th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, novelist and jewelry industry journalist Rob Bates returns. The conversation begins with Rob addressing some of the feedback that his new novel "Making A Killing In Diamonds" received. Next, Paul discusses his recent keynote presentation at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Lab-grown Diamond Symposium. The two then share their views on De Beers' new Desert Diamonds "Beacon" and whether the marketing push will yield success. Paul then analyzes the hyperbolic move in gold prices. Finally, Paul and Rob debate the sale of De Beers, the impact of LGD...

In this 75th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, independent mining journalist David McKay joins the show from Johannesburg, South Africa. The conversation begins with Paul recounting a multi-week journey he took through South Africa in 2023 and David sharing his views on the current economic and political state of the nation. Next, the two discuss the surge in gold prices and how this is impacting the gold mining industry. They then analyze the recent news of CEO departures from two of the top three largest gold miners, Newmont and Barrick, and then briefly touch on the platinum...

In this 74th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, natural diamond wholesaler Aleah Arundale from Chicago-based Olympian Diamonds joins the show. The episode begins with Paul and Aleah discussing the state of the U.S. diamond market going into the holiday season amidst tariff complications. Next, Aleah enthusiastically shares her views on how the trade is underutilizing the recycled/repurposed diamond market. Next the two speculate on how Taylor Swift's old mine cut diamond engagement ring will influence the consumer. Finally, the two candidly share their views on how long the lab-grown diamond engagement ring market will...

In this 73rd episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Tom Moses, Executive Vice President of The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), joins the show to discuss an array of timely industry topics. The episode begins with Tom giving his perspective on the current downturn in the diamond market and how it stacks up against others that he has seen over his almost 50-year career. Paul then explains why he thinks the 50% Indian tariff on natural diamonds could actually be digestible by consumers while the tariff on lab-grown diamonds is maybe not even consequential. Next, Tom gives an...

In this 72nd episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Richa Singh, the Natural Diamond Council's (NDC) Managing Director for India, joins the show for the first time. The episode begins with Paul recollecting his experience of being in India last year, especially as it pertains to the size of the gems and jewelry industry in Mumbai and Surat. Richa then discusses the cultural relationship for jewelry between India and the Middle East as Titan Company just acquired Damas Jewellery. The two then analyze why the Indian consumer economy may be the be dominant source of new growth...

In this 71st episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Sam Indelicato from U.S. wholesaler RDI Diamonds joins the show. The episode begins with Paul and Sam talking about how retailers are viewing the proposition of selling lab-grown diamonds as of mid-2025. Next, the two discuss why certain larger, fancy-shaped natural diamond categories are outperforming the rest of the market. The two then discuss the impact that the Trump administration's tariff campaign has had on the domestic diamond and jewelry market. Finally, Paul and Sam have a spirited debate around the Natural Diamond Council's latest "guerrilla" campaign...

In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, well respected Canadian diamond industry veteran Jon Phillips returns. The conversation begins with Paul and Jon analyzing the current state of the natural diamond market. They then discuss the "elephant in the room," i.e. lab-grown diamonds, and the impact that the product is having on natural diamonds. Finally, the two talk about De Beers' DIamondProof machine, Botswana marketing its diamonds and the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on the diamond and jewelry industry.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Jon Phillips

Author and industry expert Rob Bates joins Paul for the 8th time in episode #69 of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast. The episode begins with Paul airing his frustration over how some retailers are selling lab-grown diamonds. The two then discuss the current state of the larger diamond industry and the evolution of natural and LGD coexisting. Next, Rob shares what he sees as an analog between the debut of online diamond retailers in the 2000's, such as Blue Nile, and the more recent mainstream introduction of LGD. The two go on to discuss treated natural diamonds, the global...

In this 68th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Amelia Bourdeau returns for a macro-themed episode. The conversation begins with Paul and Amelia discussing the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the impact that it can have on the economy, financial markets and diamond demand. Next the two discuss the Federal Reserve's latest move to cut interest rates and how it relates to inflation and employment in the U.S. Amelia then shares her views on the residential real estate market, especially as it pertains to her home state of Florida. Next, Paul analyzes the root of...

In this 67th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, long-time industry expert Erez Rivlin returns to the show. The conversation begins with Paul and Erez analyzing the severity of the current industry downturn. Next, the two share thoughts on the longer-term implications of lab-grown diamonds on the legacy diamond industry. Then, they talk about Western sanctions on Russian diamonds and Erez shares a story of when he was in Moscow in the midst of the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990's. Finally, Paul and Erez talk about the future of diamond mining in Angola...

In this 66th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, now-retired, long-time De Beers executive Charles Stanley joins the show. The episode begins with Charles recounting his earlier days at De Beers in the 1990's, especially as it pertains to the marketing side of the business and the "A Diamond Is Forever" campaign. Next, Paul shares his view on De Beers' execution of the company's Lightbox lab-grown diamond strategy. The two then share thoughts on the impact that LGDs have had on the natural diamond business while envisioning what the future could look like. Finally, Paul asks Charles...

U.S.-based "master diamond cutter" Maarten de Witte joins Paul to discuss an array of industry topics. The episode begins with Maarten explaining what it's like being an independent diamond manufacturer in American given that the large majority of this work is now done in India and China. Next, the two discuss the process of creating a proprietary diamond cut and Maarten tells the story of Hearts on Fire's success. They then analyze the state of the lab-grown diamond market and share thoughts on how the larger diamond industry should approach marketing and branding. Finally, Maarten talks a...

In this 64th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Andrew Rickard from RDI Diamonds, a large diamond and jewelry wholesaler in Upstate New York, joins the show. The episode begins with Paul and Andrew talking about Oak Hill Country Club of which Andrew is a member. Next, the two analyze the state of diamond inventory in the supply chain and how currently volatile diamond prices are impacting the trade. Then they share their intermediate and longer-term views on lab-grown diamonds and the impact on natural diamonds. Next, they discuss falling consumer engagement ring budgets, diamond grading from...

In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Anthony Tsang, CEO of The Future Rocks, returns. The conversation begins with Anthony giving an update on the company and the two discuss Chinese consumers' acceptance of lab-grown diamonds. Paul and Anthony then discuss the background of the company's proprietary "The Ring II," a lab-grown diamond solitaire ring with a created sapphire shank. Then, the two talk about how falling LGD prices are impacting the retail business and what the downstream can do to maintain margins. Finally, Paul and Anthony discuss the macroeconomic situation in China and how imminent...

In this 62nd episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, good friend of the show Amish Shah returns. The conversation begins with Paul and Amish analyzing the current "tornado" of factors impacting the global diamond industry: supply hangover, Russian sanctions, LGDs and a possible sale of De Beers. Next, Amish explains the sentiment of diamond manufactures in India and whether they will "give up" on natural diamonds. The two then discuss the future of the lab-diamond business and the macroeconomic effect of China and India on diamond demand. The recent Lightbox price cut and LGD profit margins are...

Mystery novelist and JCK News Director Rob Bates returns to the show for a seventh time. The show begins with Paul analyzing whether the current diamond market softness is more cyclical or secular in nature. Next, Paul and Rob talk about how the retail segment of the trade is currently viewing lab-grown diamonds and whether a "pivot" back to natural diamonds is in the cards. The two then discuss what they got right and wrong about the evolution of LGD jewelry over the last decade. Next, Paul and Rob dissect a ruling by the U.K.'s Advertising Standards...

David Kellie, the CEO of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), returns to the show for a third time. The conversation begins with David discussing the NDC's recent marketing shoot in Canada's Northwest Territories with actress Lily James. David then shares his cold-water plunge experience in minus 30-degree temperatures. Paul and David then go on to talk about the NDC's process for selecting celebrity representatives. The two then discuss De Beers' seeming return to a more generic focused diamond marketing strategy. Next, Paul shares his views on the pitfalls of price discounting of natural diamonds and why natural diamonds can't...

In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, economic and financial market strategist Amelia Bourdeau joins the show to discuss an array of macro fundamental factors likely to impact the diamond trade. The conversation begins with Paul and Amelia discussing the Federal Reserve's impact on the U.S. economy and what this means for consumers. The discussion then moves to how de-globalization and technology, specifically the advent of AI, will impact the trajectory of inflation. The two then talk about how natural diamonds could provide allure in an increasing digital world. Finally, Paul and Amelia discuss the...

In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Canadian polished diamond wholesaler Mel Moss returns. Paul and Mel begin by discussing whether the current market downturn is more cyclical or secular in nature. The two then talk about the latest developments in man-made diamonds and Mel shares why he thinks LGDs will end up being sold out of gumball machines. The conversation then switches to the pending G7 (Western) sanctions on Russian diamonds and what it means for the larger industry. Paul and Mel then discuss expectations for the 2023 holiday shopping season, and finally, Mel candidly shares...

In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, world-renowned gemologist Guy Borenstein joins the show. The episode kicks off with Paul and Guy talking about how many undisclosed lab-diamonds are making their way through the natural diamond supply chain. The conversation then transitions to a discussion on future consumer demand for lab-diamonds relative to natural and how retailers will adapt their businesses. The two then discuss the nuances between HPHT and CVD lab-diamond production and the geographic source of most goods. Finally, Paul and Guy discuss the pending G7 sanctions on Russian diamonds and possible solutions for...

In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Amish Shah of ALTR Created Diamonds and J'evar returns to the show. The conversation begins with Amish explaining how he is marketing and distributing his new lab-diamond jewelry brand. Next, Paul and Amish discuss U.S. jewelers' relative hesitancy to stock inventory for the upcoming holiday season. Then the two discuss what declining lab-diamond prices, and thus margins, could mean for the downstream segment of the trade longer-term. Paul and Amish then have a more quantitative discussion on the economics of the mid-stream segment of the industry. Finally, Amish...

Paul welcomes Rob Bates back to the show to discuss the release of his third book in the Diamond District Mystery Series, "Slay it With a Diamond." The conversation begins with Paul asking Rob if he gets a "serotonin boost" upon the completion of a book. Next, the two delve into the question of whether there will be a specific cataclysmic moment that changes the trajectory of the lab-diamond industry as supply feverishly grows and prices fall. Next, Paul and Rob explain why they think natural diamonds will persevere in the midst of current challenges and Paul shares why...

In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Hans Merket joins from Antwerp, Belgium. The conversation begins Paul and Hans discussing the Russian mercenary group Wagner and its link to diamond production, notably in the Central African Republic (CAR). The conversation then moves to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the two talk about the work that Hans has done monitoring humans rights related to gold mining in the country. Paul and Hans then discuss Marange diamonds and Zimbabwe's position as Kimberly Process Chair. Finally, the two talk about the recent agreement between the government of...

In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, De Beers' Sightholder Molefi Letsiki joins from Johannesburg. The conversation begins with Molefi briefly sharing his story of being a second generation diamantaire in South Africa. Paul and Molefi then discuss the current state of the rough and polished diamond market and speculate on how the remainder of the year will play out. The two then delve a little bit deeper and discuss price performance of rough diamonds by size category. They then discuss the various impacts of the move towards more supply chain transparency in the industry and...

In this more technical episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, globally respected gemologist Branko Deljanin joins the show to discuss the detection of lab-diamonds and the chemical traceability of natural diamonds. The conversation begins with Branko telling the story of the first time he saw a gem-quality CVD lab-diamond. Paul and Branko then discuss whether man-made diamond producers will ever get good enough that labs will not be able to distinguish them from natural diamonds. Next, the two discuss the technical ability to trace a diamond back to its source based on the chemical makeup. Finally, Branko...

In this 51st episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Rob Bates, a favorite guest of the show, returns. The episode begins with Paul explaining why he is bullish on the Mexican economy. The conversation then moves to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence as Paul and Rob share thoughts on what AI means for the diamond and jewelry industry –and on a more existential level. The two then discuss how the technological progression of humanity could be supportive of natural diamond demand. Next, Rob passionately shares his view on greenwashing by some participants in the lab-diamond industry. Th...

Israeli-Belgian diamond industry consultant Erez Rivlin joins Paul to candidly discuss an array of topics including sanctions on Russian diamonds, rough diamond prices and the impact that lab-diamonds will have on the natural diamond industry. The episode begins will Erez giving his first-hand account of the evolution of the rough diamond trade over the last three-plus decades including what it was like in Russia before and during the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the 1990's. Next, Erez tells a story of when he was in a sorting room with 500,000 carats of exceptional Russian stones worth over $3 billion. Paul...

In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Paul welcomes Chinese diamond influencer and consultant Michael Zhu, aka "Diamond Spectator," to the show. The two begin by discussing the history of diamonds in China and Michael explains why a diamond engagement ring remains a "solid need" for a marriage in China. Paul and Michael then talk about the emergence of lab-grown diamonds in China and what it means for natural diamond demand. They then discuss China's contribution to global man-made diamond supply and speculate as to whether China will remain the world's production leader. Next, they talk...

In this episode, Paul welcomes back David Kellie, the CEO of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC). The conversation starts out with a discussion about the secondhand, or recycled, diamond market and how that could portray value retention for natural diamonds. Next, Paul and David talk about the NDC's recent "mystery shopper" program and how that work has shed light on consumers' as well as jewelers' understanding of lab versus natural diamonds. The two then talk about how lab-diamonds are covered by the media and how jewelers in Asia clearly segregate the way that they sell lab and natural diamonds...

In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, well-respected London-based Gemologist Eric Emms joins the show. The conversation begins with Eric explaining why he does not think there will ever be a point in time when the industry cannot distinguish between man-made and natural diamonds. Next, Paul and Eric discuss how the gem-grading industry has evolved over the years. Then, the two theorize why the diamond industry has been so resilient for so long and Eric recounts memories of some of the famous diamonds that he has personally inspected, including the Cullinan Diamond and the Koh-i-Noor. Finally...

Toronto-based author Tim Falconer joins Paul to discuss an array of topics including a recent magazine article he wrote on the future of diamond mining in Canada's north. The conversation begins with the two discussing the state of the diamond industry in the Northwest Territories, especially as the world-class Diavik and Ekati mines approach of end of their conventional life. Next, the discussion transitions to the origins of the sport of ice hockey as Tim covered in his recently published book Klondikers. Tim then poetically tells the story of the 1905 Stanley Cup in which an underdog from the Yukon...

Well respected South African geologist and geochemist, Dr. John Bristow, joins the show from his home in Hermanus. The conversation begins with Paul and John reviewing the trend of declining global natural diamond supply and discussing what will keep natural diamonds relevant going into the future. The two then have a discussion on each of the primary diamond producing nations in southern Africa including: Angola, Botswana, the DRC and Namibia. Next, John gives his general view on the current state of South Africa as a mining jurisdiction. The conversation then transitions to Paul and John talking about Anglo American...

In this episode, Paul is joined by Deborah Aroshas and Talchaim Damri to discuss how their company Capsoul is "presenting the new era of diamond." The conversation begins with Deborah discussing Capsoul's collaboration with TAG Heuer to produce the Carrera Plasma watch –a first of its kind timepiece that includes over 10-carats of single-crystal and polycrystalline lab diamond. The group then discusses if novel diamond jewelry is driven more by artistic vision or engineering capability. Next, Talchaim explains the technical difference between single-crystal and polycrystalline diamond and how both materials can be used in jewelry. Paul and Talchaim then ta...