Guest: Anthony Tsang Returns

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 a recovery could be.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Anthony Tsang Guest plug: www.thefuturerocks.com More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products   Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.   Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.

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 also discussed before the episode ends with a primer by Amish on Indian mangos.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Amish Shah Guest plug: www.altr.nyc, www.jevar.co   More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products   Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.   Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.

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 Agency pertaining to LGD producer Skydiamond and they share thoughts on news of for-profit gem-lab IGI reportedly considering a public offering. Finally, the two opine on the watch market and whether they would personally buy a Rolex.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Rob Bates Guest plug: www.robbatesauthor.com More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products   Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.   Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.

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 compete with lab-grown diamonds (LGD) on price. Finally, the two discuss how the diamond trade is chasing the more attractive profit margins of LGDs to the detriment of natural diamonds –and what the natural diamond industry can do about it.                                                                                                                     Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: David Kellie Guest plug: www.naturaldiamonds.com More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products   Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.   Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.

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 state of the Chinese economy and whether the U.S. dollar will remain the world’s reserve currency.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Amelia Bourdeau Guest plug: www.intro.co/AmeliaBourdeau More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products A special thanks to this episode’s sponsor Nivoda. To book a demo of Nivoda’s innovative online diamond marketplace and sales solution please visit: www.nivoda.com/pzpodcast   Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.   Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.

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 his views on De Beers being the industry’s steward.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Mel Moss Guest plug: www.regalimportsltd.com More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products   Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.   Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.

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 effectively tracing stones through the supply chain.     Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Guy Borenstein Guest plug: www.stuller.com More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products   Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.   Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.

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 explains why Indian jewelry is different from what you typically find in North America.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Amish Shah Guest plug: www.altr.nyc, www.jevar.co   More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products   Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.   Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.

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 he thinks Paris-based Fred Joaillier’s approach to lab-diamonds will be successful. The two then discuss what percentage of lab-diamond consumers want people to think it’s a natural and Rob’s talks about expressing emotion with a Cracker Jack ring. Finally, Paul and Rob analyze De Beers' strategy towards lab-diamonds and the resale of natural diamonds.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Rob Bates Guest plug: Amazon link to buy Rob’s third book More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products   Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.   Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.

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 Botswana and De Beers and they analyze if other diamond mining countries can use it as a framework.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Hans Merket Guest plug: www.ipisresearch.be More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products   Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.   Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.