Guest: David Kellie (4th Appearance)
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast
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 to...
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Guest: Tobias Kormind
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast
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...
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Guest: Tony Carroll
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast
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...
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Guest: Amish Shah (5th Appearance)
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast
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...
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Guest: Rob Bates (9th Appearance)
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast
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...
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Guest: David McKay
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast
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...
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Guest: Aleah Arundale
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast
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...
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Guest: Tom Moses
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast
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...
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Guest: Richa Singh
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast
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...
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Guest: Sam Indelicato
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast
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...
info_outlineU.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 little bit about living in Boise, Idaho, and his bonsai tree hobby.
Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky
Guest: Maarten de Witte
Guest plug: www.americandiamondcutter.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.