Guest: Rob Bates (9th Appearance)

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 on Botswana and Trump tariffs.                                                                             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 A special thanks to this episode's sponsor A Diamond is Forever. This holiday A Diamond Is Forever is introducing Desert toned Diamonds, more information can be found here: www.adiamondisforever.com   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 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 market. Finally, the conversation switches to Anglo American's restructuring aim to be more copper focused and the recent news of its merger of equals with Tech Resources. Paul and David finish with a deep dive on the current ongoing sales process of De Beers.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: David McKay Guest plug: www.miningmx.com More information on PZDA's State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products A special thanks to this episode's sponsor A Diamond is Forever. This holiday A Diamond Is Forever is introducing Desert toned Diamonds, more information can be found here: www.adiamondisforever.com   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 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 remain hot in the U.S.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Aleah Arundale Guest plug: www.olympiandiamonds.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 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 estimation of what current diamond inventory in the U.S. looks like based on what the GIA has seen passing through in recent weeks. The conversation then moves to LGDs and Tom explains why he thinks that we could see LGD rough selling for as little as $5 per carat in the coming years and how fine jewelers selling LGD could be a "path to distinction" for the larger category. Tom then shares his story of spearheading the GIA decision to provide LGD reports and how this ultimately culminated in a decision to change course in June 2025 –news which generated significant industry stir. Finally, Paul shares why he thinks the diamond industry might be through the worst of the disruption caused by LGD.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Tom Moses Guest plug: www.gia.edu 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 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 for the diamond industry in the coming decades. Next, Paul and Richa talk about lab-grown diamond penetration in the Indian consumer market versus the U.S. Finally, Richa shares thoughts on the future of the NDC following the Luanda Accords and the announcement that CEO David Kellie will be retiring at the end of the year.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Richa Singh 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 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 while discussing the general direction that natural diamond marketing has taken.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Sam Indelicato Guest plug: www.rdidiamonds.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, 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 Guest plug: 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.

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 recession in luxury goods, and how Rob's upcoming 4th book, "Making a Killing in Diamonds," parallels some of the pertinent issues the diamond and jewelry industry faces.                                                                               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.

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 the current lull in the global diamond trade. Finally, Paul and Amelia talk about the economic state of China and what it means for the global economy and especially the luxury industry.   Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Amelia Bourdeau Guest plug: Amelia's LinkedIn page 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 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 and the importance of a consumer recovery in China.                                                                                                                     Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky Guest: Erez Rivlin Guest plug: www.diamondherald.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.