In episode 2 of The Diamond Dudes podcast we consider the impact that @debeersgroup 's past might have on its future, and its identity.
Full episode with @robbatesauthor and @edahngolandiamond on my YouTube channel. (Link in bio).
Here’s a question for you: Is the diamond industry’s biggest challenge today simply a matter of demand, is it disruption from lab-grown, or is the entire pipeline still adjusting to a fundamentally different market structure than the one it operated under for decades?
In the latest episode of The Diamond Dudes podcast, which dropped yesterday, @robbatesauthor , @edahngolandiamond and I explore the challenges surrounding lab-grown, while also delving into the deeper strategic shifts across mining, retail and branding.
We dig into the forces reshaping the lab-grown market itself, from the ongoing price squeeze and disconnect between retail and the rest of the pipeline, to the question of whether the segment can build real brand value beyond simply being the cheaper option. The discussion examined consolidation among growers, the push toward tech applications, and why the industry still seems to lack a clear, unified strategy.
We also addressed the mounting pressure facing miners as lower-value goods become increasingly difficult to move, why campaigns like De Beers’ Desert Diamonds may be more important than many realize, and how the industry is adjusting from a push pipeline to a more demand-driven market.
And we debated the future role of De Beers, whether diamond branding has ever truly worked beyond jewelry branding, the growing premiumization of the US jewelry market, whether the K-shaped economy is becoming too top heavy, and what retailers and suppliers should expect heading into JCK Las Vegas.
Pretty action-packed episode, with mentions of @brilliantearth , @theofficialpandora , @debeersgroup , @bluenilediamond , @thomashchatham , @penny.gareth .
Catch the full discussion on my YouTube channel: AviKrawitz, or search The Diamond Dudes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
@angloamericanplc ’s planned exit from @debeersgroup is not only about a corporate restructuring. It signals the end of a defining chapter in the modern diamond industry, and raises serious questions about what comes next for the trade’s most influential company.
In my introductory analysis from the inaugural Diamond Executive Report, The Value of De Beers, I explore how Anglo’s ownership reshaped De Beers’ culture, pricing strategy, branding ambitions and market influence, why the company struggled to balance its identity as both miner and luxury brand, and how years of declining profitability ultimately led to its dramatic collapse in value.
The article also examines the deeper implications for the diamond market as De Beers enters a new and uncertain phase.
Full analysis on The Diamond Press (link in bio)
The Week Ahead:
The focus of the diamond and jewelry trade remains on Geneva with the respective jewelry auctions taking place featuring The Ocean Dream at @christiesjewels and what is said to be the largest fancy vivid blue-green diamond ever graded by the @giagrams at @sothebysjewels .
Here's what I have my eye on:
- @kimberleyprocess Intersessional Meeting (Mumbai): May 11 to 14
- @koin_international Rough Tender (Dubai): May 11 to 14
- Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale (Geneva): May 12
- @bonasgroup / @lucaradiamond Tender (Antwerp): May 12
- Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Auction (Geneva): May 13
- Bonas / Mountain Province Diamonds Tender (Antwerp): May 13
- Sotheby’s Fine Jewelry Auction (Geneva): May 14
- @transatlanticgemsales Rough Tender (Dubai): May 14 to 18
What's on your radar?
All the news on The Diamond Press
Images:
- Cushion-shaped, 6.03-carat, fancy vivid blue, internally flawless type IIb diamond (Sotheby's)
- The Ocean Dream. (Christie's)
How does one value @debeersgroup ?
There’s been a lot of noise surrounding @angloamericanplc ’s planned sale of its majority stake in De Beers. Much of the discussion has focused on who might buy the company and what it may be worth. The more important task, however, is understanding De Beers itself and the role it continues to play in today’s complicated and volatile diamond market.
It is my pleasure to present the inaugural Diamond Executive Report, which explores ‘The Value of De Beers,’ not simply in terms of valuation, but through its influence, structure, strategy and performance across the diamond pipeline.
The report examines how the business is positioned today, where pressure is building, which parts of the group are creating value, and what its future direction may reveal about the wider market.
Chapters of the report include:
▪ Anglo’s Diamond Decline
▪ Ownership & Operational Framework
▪ Production Strategy
▪ Sales Channels
▪ Rough Route to Market
▪ Earnings Analysis
▪ Market Influence
▪ Botswana’s Strategic Leverage
▪ The Synthetics Mistake
▪ Origins Strategy
▪ Executive Summary: The Way Forward
Catch the full report on The Diamond Press (link in bio) ➡Diamond Executive Club
I’m excited to share the next phase of The Diamond Press.
Today, I’m introducing three offerings designed to provide a clearer view of how the diamond market is performing.
◆ The Diamond Executive Report
A quarterly publication delivering in-depth research and analysis on the issues shaping the trade, including leading companies across luxury and mainstream jewelry retail, the midstream and mining sectors, along with detailed breakdowns of the rough, polished and retail markets.
The inaugural edition, The Value of De Beers, examines the company ahead of Anglo American’s planned sale and provides a deeper understanding of its position in the market.
◆ The Global Diamond & Jewelry Tracker
A new benchmark incorporated into the report, tracking 15 publicly listed companies across the pipeline, from luxury houses and retail jewelers to midstream and miners. The tracker follows revenue, operating profit and margins to show where value is being created and where pressure is building.
◆ The Diamond Executive Club
A private membership bringing together those seeking a more focused, strategic view of the market through ongoing insight, exclusive data and discussion.
On a personal level, my goal is to bring greater clarity to how the market is functioning and deeper insight into the trends shaping the industry.
I truly believe these initiatives bring a new dimension to coverage of the diamond and jewelry industry, through which we can all gain a better understanding of our wonderful and complicated industry.
Watch the explainer reel, visit The Diamond Press, or message me directly to find out more.
Thank you @sallymorrison21 , natural diamonds market lead at @debeersgroup , for a fun and informative conversation in the latest session of Diamond Debates exploring the approach to marketing natural diamonds in today's complex consumer environment.
Provenance is an assumption, but its not the main selling point... do you agree with Sally?
Full episode on youtube.com/@AviKrawitz
Diamond Debates is back after a short hiatus. And what better way to resume the conversation than with @sallymorrison21 , natural diamonds market lead at @debeersgroup . Join us on Wednesday, April 29 as we debate how best to reenergize the diamond story.
Registration on my LinkedIn.
For generations, diamonds occupied a powerful place in the consumer psyche, shaped by iconic campaigns that embedded rarity, romance and permanence into the cultural fabric. That emotional charge has been diluted by price-led lab-grown messaging, digital buying behavior and a generation that defines value on its own terms.
In this debate, we’ll examine how the industry can restore the desire and distinction that once made diamonds aspirational, and whether that requires sharper marketing, tighter supply discipline, stronger storytelling, or a more fundamental rethink of what a diamond represents in today’s shifting luxury landscape.
Diamond Debates is supported by @sarine_tech .
The Diamond Dudes, a monthly podcast featuring three of the sector’s most respected analysts, released its first episode on Thursday, April 16, 2026, offering listeners timely insights, candid discussion, and expert perspective on the industry’s most pressing topics.
The podcast brings together Avi Krawitz (formerly of Rapaport, now with TheDiamondPress.com), Rob Bates (former news director of JCK, who just started TheJewelryWire.com), and Edahn Golan (diamond industry analyst and researcher now leading data supplier Tenoris).
Collectively, the trio boasts more than 75 years of experience covering, analyzing, and shaping discourse around the diamond trade.
With the tagline “Three industry experts. A thousand opinions,” The Diamond Dudes will dive into major developments, market trends, and controversies impacting the global diamond pipeline—from mining and manufacturing to retail and consumer behavior.
“We’ve each spent decades reporting on and analyzing this business, and we’re watching it go through one of its worst crises ever,” said the three in a joint statement. “We hope each episode will provide key insights on where the trade goes from here.” The Diamond Dudes is available on major podcast platforms, with new episodes released monthly.
Check out the first episode on YouTube and Apple.
#diamonds #diamondindustry #podcast #analysis #insights
I'm looking forward to moderating this panel on Sunday at VICENZAORO - ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP.
The panel will investigate the prospects for the natural diamond sector, as it navigates one of the most challenging and disruptive periods in its history, and will consider industry-wide strategies that need to be adopted so that the retains its tradition role as a market anchor, as well as it strength and leadership.
Stop by if you're at the show and if you're not, do not despair, it will be streamed live on the VicenzaOro website and YouTube channel.
It promises to be a thoughtful and engaging discussion with a star-studded panel, including: Rebecca Foerster, Lea Retter, Mahiar Borhanjoo, Raluca Anghel, and Raj Mehta
The past three years have been grueling for the diamond market, leaving the industry to enter 2026 in a state of flux.
Pressure at retail, shifting consumer priorities, and weaker demand are reshaping supply, pricing power, and production levels, while influence over the rough market becomes more fragmented. At the same time, marketing, traceability, ownership, and even language, is being adjusted as the industry searches for stability through value, differentiation, and clearer positioning rather than volume-driven growth.
In my latest piece for The Diamond Press, I give my 10 Predictions for the Diamond Industry in 2026. (Link in bio)
