DIAMOND GEMS WEEKLY

Avi is joined by Wesley Tucker, CEO of Tracr, to argue the need for the diamond industry to adapt to the changing market environment. The discussion highlights the importance of value amid evolving supply and demand dynamics, and the impact of lab-grown diamonds. In trying to understand the meaning of value, they explore the role of design, personalization, and marketing strategies in attracting new consumers and enhancing the overall diamond experience. The conversation high

Transcript of the video above: Botswana’s diamond industry is at crossroad and not for the first time. 2026 is another pivotal year for Botswana diamonds, and therefore the country as a whole.   The finance ministry published its annual budget strategy paper in January revealing some crucial information we didn’t know about previously, namely the level of diamond inventory circulating in Botswana.   The treasury said that Botswana’s diamond inventory stood at 12 million cara

In this engaging debate, Avi is joined by David Block, CEO of Sarine Technologies, to examine where the diamond industry stands and where it is headed. They unpack the contraction of the natural diamond market, the rise of lab-grown alternatives, and the growing responsibility of retailers to actively stimulate demand.   The discussion moves through manufacturing realities, the shift from volume to value, and the industry’s renewed emphasis on profitability over scale. The co

The year ahead could prove to be consequential for the diamond industry. In this episode of Diamond Debates, Avi Krawitz is joined by Rob Bates, news editor of JCK Online and author, to examine the market scenarios taking shape. They assess how major players such as De Beers and Alrosa may influence direction, the evolving impact of lab-grown diamonds, mounting retail challenges, shifting marketing strategies, while also weighing consumer behavior and investment dynamics. The

2025 was a pivotal year for the diamond industry. Here are five reasons why it was such a game changer.   1.       De Beers   Number one was De Beers. The company dominated headlines and shaped the industry narrative as it tends to do. And its impact was felt immediately as the year began with the long awaited signing of the sales agreement between De Beers and the Government of Botswana, five years overdue, mind you.   That deal sees more of local Debswana production to be s

Diamond dealers are not disappearing from the rough market, but their role has narrowed as the industry has become more efficient, consolidated, and capital-intensive, according to a discussion on an episode of Diamond Debates with Avi Krawitz.   The rough diamond market today bears little resemblance to that of a decade or two ago, Krawitz and Didier Backaert, director of Bonas Group, agreed. Rough now passes through far fewer hands before reaching manufacturing, reducing op

The discussion between Avi and Matt Gabel of jewelry advisory firm MJ Gabel examined how younger consumers are reshaping the diamond market through their growing embrace of synthetics. The conversation underscored the structural and cultural shifts now redefining both product perception and the retail landscape.   These were the key themes that emerged from the debate:   Affordability   Price, accessibility, and perceived sustainability of synthetics outweigh the legacy appea

The Natural Diamond Council is rolling out its new campaign ‘Real, Rare, Responsible,’ which CEO David Kellie stresses are the core values of the natural diamonds.   He explains…   Real: Consumers are seeking authenticity, the original thing.   Rare: Reflect that diamonds are among the rarest, naturally formed minerals on the planet, the result of an amazing, geological miracle, created billions of years ago.   Responsible: “When you consider what this industry has done ov

Back in September, I visited the  Cullinan Diamond Mine where I met with management, learned about the mine both past and present, and saw the underground operation. It was an experience I’ll never forget and encourage others to go!! (The mine is open to the public for surface tours and only about an hour drive from Johannesburg). While there, I sat with  Thabo Manne , the social performance manager at Cullinan, to learn more about the work the mine and owner  Petra Diamonds

Lyndon de Meillon is a diamond entrepreneur and geologist with interests in alluvial mining projects along South Africa’s Middle Orange River as well as Pioneer Diamond Tender House. He also serves as vice chairperson of the South African Diamond Producers Organisation (SADPO). Lyndon is deeply invested in the success of South Africa’s small-scale mining sector, which faces some unique challenges spanning the heavy regulatory environment, social issues in the country, the geo

Molefi Letsiki is the founder of Molefi Letsiki Diamonds, a South Africa-based diamond manufacturing entity which made history when it became the first majority black-owned company to become a De Beers sightholder. Molefi currently serves as chairperson of the Diamond Dealers Club of South Africa and is deeply invested in bringing about transformation in this historically significant diamond center, as South Africa faces unique challenges and accordingly has a different appro

The co-founders of OC Gems, a startup manufacturing company based in Kimberley, South Africa, tell the story of their journey into the diamond industry, and discuss entrepreneurship, beneficiation and the crucial role that social media is playing as they step into the next phase of their business's development. You can find them on Instagram and Tik Tok as OC Gems, and via their website www.ocgems.co.za Listen to the podcast here: Here's a bit more about Desmond and Robin...