Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast

George Prout joins the show to discuss an array of topics related to lab-grown diamonds. George is the President of the Independent Division of Craft Diamonds, the lab-grown diamond entity within Hari Krishna, which is a De Beers Sightholder and one of the largest diamond mid-stream companies in the world. The conversation begins with George telling the story of how he was inadvertently introduced to the jewelry business while having lunch with his father, a renowned surgeon and professor in Boston. George then describes Hari Krishna’s state-of-the-art campus in Surat (India) and explains how much of the business is now dedicated to lab-diamonds. Next, the two discuss the current penetration of lab-grown diamond jewelry in the U.S. market and how declining lab-diamond prices are impacting the industry. Next, the two speculate on what a “mature” lab-grown diamond market could look like. Finally, Paul asks George what his strategy would be if he was theoretically asked to market and distribute natural diamonds in this environment.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: George Prout

Guest plug: www.craftdiamonds.co

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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, Paul is joined by industry marketing legend Stephen Lussier. The episode begins with Paul sharing his “wish list” for the diamond industry. Next, the two discuss how the industry should reinvest profits from a record 2021. Then, Stephen explains why he sees men’s diamond jewelry as one of the next big opportunities for the industry. The conversation then moves to marketing diamonds in Japan and China, and the self-purchasing diamond consumer. The episode concludes with the two discussing diamond prices and whether the consumer goods industry will ever see another campaign the likes of “A Diamond Is Forever.”

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Stephen Lussier

Guest plug: www.debeersgroup.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Stephen Lussier

Guest plug: www.debeersgroup.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Avi Krawitz, Rapaport’s Senior Analyst and News Editor, joins Paul from Tel Aviv for a timely discussion on the diamond industry. The conversation begins with Paul and Avi discussing what was happening in diamonds 15 years ago when Avi began covering the industry. Paul then shares his view on how current economic conditions in the U.S. could impact the diamond and jewelry industry in H2 2022, and Avi shares his sense of the economic climate in Israel. The two then discuss how sanctions on Russian diamonds are impacting the midstream sector of the industry. Finally, Paul and Avi talk about the Natural Diamond Council and how retailers are positioning with lab-grown diamonds.  

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Avi Krawitz

Guest plug: www.diamonds.net

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Diamond wholesaler Mel Moss from Regal Imports in Vancouver joins the show again for a candid conversation about the current state of the diamond industry. The episode starts off with Mel giving an account of his experience going to the Soviet Union to buy diamonds in the early 1980’s. Next, Paul and Mel discuss their thoughts on the impact that U.S. sanctions on Russian diamonds will have on the industry. Then, Mel shares his opinion on how diamond industry bodies and bourses need to work together to regulate the supply of diamonds. The conversation then moves to industry sentiment, supply shortages, diamond prices and near-term demand expectations. Finally, Paul shares his opinion on the current macroeconomic situation and the two discuss the future of the Natural Diamond Counsel ex-ALROSA.

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: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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, George Hadary of high-jewelry boutique Astteria, joins the show to discuss the exceptional stone market. The conversation starts with George telling the story of how he got into the business and how he attracts clients. The two then discuss what is driving demand in the high-jewelry market and George provides an anecdote of a ~6-carat “fancy orangey-pink” diamond that he recently sold for over $1 million. Finally, Paul and George discuss jewelry design trends, the workings of the exceptional-diamond supply chain and changes in the availably of large stones.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: George Hadary

Guest plug: www.astteria.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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, Rory Moore, CEO of Arctic Canadian Diamond Company (ACDC), joins Paul to discuss an array of interesting diamond-related topics. The conversation begins with the two discussing underwater diamond mining and ACDC’s strategy to test a remote underwater mining strategy at the company’s Ekati mine to prolong its conventional life. The conversation then moves to the seasonal ice road that is used to transport operating materials to the three diamond mines in the Canadian arctic. Next, Paul and Rory discuss the impact that inflation is having on diamond mining operations and what sanctions on Russian diamonds could mean for Canadian diamond prices. Finally, the two discuss thoughts on M&A in the diamond mining industry.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Rory Moore

Guest plug: www.arcticcanadian.ca, www.canadamark.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Artist and jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia returns to the show. The conversation starts with Reena explaining how and why she recently immersed herself in the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Paul and Reena then take a step back and discuss what NFTs (and the Metaverse) are in a more general sense. The two then discuss what NFTs mean for the diamond and jewelry industry specifically, and Reena explains what she likes about Bulgari’s approach to incorporating the technology into their brand and jewelry. Next, Reena suggests how an independent retailer or jewelry designer can get started in the world of NFTs. The conversation then moves to “Web3,” what it means and the implications it will have on the future of the internet. Finally, Reena shares her thoughts on current jewelry design trends.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Reena Ahluwalia

Guest plug: www.reenaahluwalia.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Brothers, John and Ken Armstrong, both high-profile professionals in the diamond mining industry, join Paul for a special three-way conversation on an array of diamond-related topics. The conversation begins with John and Ken sharing their background stories leading up to their current roles as Vice President of Lucara Diamond and CEO of North Arrow Minerals, respectively. Next, Paul, speculates that the recently imposed sanctions on Russian diamonds could stimulate new diamond project development in places like Canada, while John and Ken share their general views on the exploration picture for diamonds. Next, the group discusses diamond prices and John specifically shares his thoughts on the market for large, “exceptional,” diamonds that Lucara is known for producing. The conversation concludes with Ken discussing North Arrow’s 2,000-tonne bulk sample at the company’s the Naujatt project in Nunavut, Canada. (Disclosure: At the time of recording, Paul Zimnisky held a long equity position in Lucara Diamond and North Arrow Minerals).

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: The Armstrong Brothers

Guest plug: www.lucaradiamond.com, www.northarrowminerals.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Diamond and jewelry industry journalist and author Rob Bates joins the show for a third time. The episode begins with a brief conversation about Rob’s new fiction novel “Murder is Not a Girl’s Best Friend” and how he manages his time between writing, his day job and family. Next, Paul and Rob exchange thoughts on Signet Jewelers’ launch of lab-grown diamond versions of two of its most popular branded-diamond-ring lines: LEO Diamond and Vera Wang Love. The two then discuss whether lab-diamonds will impact the jewelry industry the same way that quartz watches did. Talk of lab-diamonds continues with Paul and Rob analyzing how the ability to grow larger and larger sized man-made diamonds will affect marketing of the product. The conversation concludes with the two sharing thoughts on whether diamond jewelry consumers are becoming more irreverent and what this could mean for the industry.

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: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

ALROSA’s Deputy CEO and head of the company’s United Selling Organization, Evgeny Agureev, joins the show from Moscow, Russia. Paul and Evgeny begin by discussing the current state of diamond industry fundamentals and whether the “good times will last.” Next, Evgeny shares his thoughts on ALROSA’s short, medium, and longer-term supply potential. The conversation then shifts to mid-stream participant demand for rough and Evgeny talks about the industry’s shifting priority towards ESG initiatives when sourcing goods. Lastly, the two discuss innovation in rough diamond sales platforms and ALROSA’s new sales system which prioritizes allocating rough to clients that provide the greatest value-add.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Evgeny Agureev

Guest plug: www.alrosa.ru

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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, Amish Shah, of integrated man-made diamond company ALTR Created Diamonds, joins the show for a candid, high-level discussion on the lab-grown diamond business. The conversation starts with Amish providing a glimpse into the company’s production method and supply profile. Next, Paul and Amish discuss the upstream segment of the industry and address where the market is experiencing supply shortages and overages. The two then move on to discuss the mid- and downstream segments of the business, attempting to pin down current sources of demand. The conversation concludes with a talk about marketing lab-diamonds, whether man-made stones are actually “green” and how future tech applications could eventually be the greatest source of demand for lab-grown goods.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Amish Shah

Guest plug: www.altr.nyc

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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 talks with Grant Erskine and Dr. John Watling of Source Certain International, a Perth, Australia-based provenance verification technology company that is tracking diamonds using their chemical signature. The conversation begins with Paul discussing the diamond industry’s need for a reliable provenance tracing strategy –and why a chemical signature approach may be the preferable solution. Next, John gives a technical explanation of Source Certain’s “diamond fingerprinting” method. Grant then gives his thoughts on the commercial application of the technology. The conversation concludes with the group discussing how provenance verification for diamonds may play out in the future.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Grant Erskine & Dr. John Watling

Guest plug: www.sourcecertain.com

Information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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, Paul talks to well-known diamond industry veteran James AH. Campbell, currently the managing director of Botswana Diamonds, a diamond exploration and development company with assets in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The conversation starts off with James talking about the early days in his career and about his experience working directly for Nicky Oppenheimer, the famed businessman and son of Harry Oppenheimer. The two then discuss the current state of the diamond exploration business. James provides some words of wisdom to young geologists and explains how exploring for diamonds differs across regions. Paul then asks James about Botswana Diamonds’ tentative plans for the Ghaghoo mine, which the company is currently in the process of acquiring a stake in. The conversation then briefly switches to ballet as James’ describes his bout as Chairman of the Joburg Ballet, the largest ballet company in Africa. The episode concludes with James providing a poetic glimpse of his recent travels touring Tanzania, including a stop at the Serengeti National Park, home to largest annual animal migration in the world.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: James AH. Campbell

Guest plug: www.botswanadiamonds.co.uk

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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 Matthew Hart rejoins the show upon the debut of his latest thriller novel “Ice Angel.” The conversation begins with Matthew providing a glimpse into his new book (a follow up to “The Russian Pink”) which involves the murder of a diamond prospector in the Canadian North and a plot that parallels the current geopolitical climate between the U.S., Canada and China. Next, Matthew explains how he approaches writing his books, what his technical and creative process is like and why likes to write about the diamond industry. The conversation concludes with Paul and Matthew discussing thoughts on lab-created diamonds and Matthew shares his findings on the subject while researching for an article he recently wrote for digital-weekly AIRMAIL titled “The Blingless Ring.”

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Matthew Hart

Guest plug: www.matthew-hart.net

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Created-gem pioneer Tom Chatham joins the show to tell the history behind his eponymously-named company and to discuss an array of topics related to lab-created diamonds and other gems. The conversation starts off with Tom telling the very interesting story of his father, Carroll, who at a very young age successfully grew commercial-quality emeralds in the 1930’s. Tom details the challenges and successes of being a first-mover in the created-gem business mid-last century including the science, the handling of intellectual property and commercial distribution. Paul and Tom then discuss the differences between growing diamond and other gems, why it took so long for lab-created diamonds to go mainstream, consumer’s willingness to adopt man-made gems and thoughts on the future of the natural diamond business. The conversation concludes with a brief discussion on synthetic diamond use in high-tech applications.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Tom Chatham

Guest plug: www.chatham.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Veteran mining executive Mark Brennan joins the show to discuss an array of topics related to commodities and economics. The conversation begins with Paul and Mark discussing the performance of gold during the pandemic and what current fundamentals could mean for future prices. The two then discuss the current debate around inflation and the impact it is having on mining companies. Mark then explains why he has spent most of his career working on projects in Latin America. The conversation concludes with Mark sharing advice about the mining industry that he would give to his younger self.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Mark Brennan

Guest plug: www.cerradogold.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Stanley Mathuram of SCS Global Services joins the show to discuss the company’s foray into diamond sustainability certification. The episode begins with Stanley explaining why SCS is just now getting into diamonds even though the company has provided sustainability certification (more broadly) for jewelry for years. The conversation then moves to how the social versus environmental impact of companies in the diamond industry are considered and weighted in SCS’s framework. Stanley then discusses how the progression of sustainability in the lumber and fishery industries could provide a glimpse of what we see may with diamonds. The conversation concludes with Stanley detailing the diamond companies that are currently participating in SCS’s sustainability certification program.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Stanley Mathuram

Guest plug: www.scsglobalservices.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) expert and activist Cristina Villegas joins the show from Washington, DC. The conversation starts with a discussion on how the world of ASM employs 40 million people globally, a third of which are women; as Cristina describes “in most cases they are rural villagers trying to make a living.” Cristina then provides the story of Moyo Gemstones, a successful colored gem mine-to-market collaboration that she spearheaded in Tanzania. Through Moyo, the miners, of which 60% are women, receive 95% of the export value of their stones, which compares to a range of 10-20% or less for typical ASM miners. Next, Paul and Cristina discuss the ASM Supply chain, how jewelers can properly source ethical gems and examples of large industry players, including De Beers and Swarovski, getting involved with ASM initiatives. Next, Christina passionately expresses her disappointment with Pandora’s recent move (and posturing) to only carry man-made diamonds. The episode concludes with Christina explaining why “sourcing small is beautiful” and how backing ASM initiatives can strengthen the diamond and gem industry and its reputation longer-term.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Cristina Villegas

Guest plug: www.pactworld.org, www.moyogems.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Mel Moss, a Canadian diamond wholesaler with over four decades of experience, joins the show to share his thoughts on an array of relevant and timely topics impacting the diamond industry today. The conversation starts with Mel recounting his memory of when Canadian diamonds first hit the market in the 1990’s. The two then discuss the concept of “diamonds with an origin” and what that means (or doesn’t mean) for diamond prices. The conversation then moves to the current state of diamond industry fundamentals, expectations for the rest of 2021 and the notion of preserving the “luxury” that is diamonds. Mel also passionately shares his views on the inconsistency in diamond grading, selling diamonds at a discount online, competition within the industry and the “commoditization of diamonds.” The episode concludes with Mel sharing his thoughts on lab-created diamonds.

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: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.

Jewelry designer and entrepreneur Catherine Sarr joins the show to discuss her journey of building ALMASIKA into a successful brand which is sold around the world and worn by celebrities including: Reese Witherspoon, Alicia Keys, Oliva Munn, Zoë Kravitz and Lizzo. The discussion starts with Catherine telling the story of how she transitioned from working in corporate positions within the diamond, gold and jewelry industry to becoming an independent designer. Paul and Catherine then discuss jewelry marketing, distribution, pricing and the process of procuring of raw materials. Next, the conversation shifts to how to get celebrities to wear your jewelry, Catherine shares what inspires her creatively and the two discuss using man-made versus natural gem-stones. The conversation concludes with a Catherine providing some tips for young and aspiring jewelry designers.

Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky

Guest: Catherine Sarr

Guest plug: www.almasika.com

More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products

Show contact: paul@paulzimnisky.com 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.