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. Fin ..read more

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 ..read more

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 segmen ..read more

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 F ..read more

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 che ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 lea ..read more

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 diamon ..read more

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 t ..read more