In Episode 4 of The Diamond Dudes, Rob Bates, Edahn Golan, and Avi Krawitz unpack significant developments in the diamond industry, from De Beers' latest sight price adjustments and major cuts to its sightholder list, to what those changes reveal about the company's long-term strategy.

The conversation explores the implications of global diamond production falling below 100 million carats for the first time, the evolving competitive dynamic between natural and lab-grown diamonds, shifting retail economics, and how jewelers can position both products in an increasingly polarized market.

Along the way, the Dudes debate the future of the De Beers brand, examine changing consumer buying behavior, discuss why old mine cuts are suddenly surging in popularity, and look ahead to the key issues shaping the industry in the months ahead.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:06 De Beers pricing strategies and market adjustments

07:24 Impact of sightholder cuts on the diamond industry

10:13 De Beers’ retail and branding challenges

21:09 Global diamond production trends and future outlook

26:23 The future of diamond mining

29:17 Lab-grown vs natural diamonds

33:03 Retail dynamics and pricing strategies

39:41 Social implications of engagement ring pricing

42:31 Emerging trends in the diamond market

Want to collaborate? Contact The Diamond Dudes: diamonddudespodcast@gmail.com

About the Dudes

Rob Bates is the founder of The Jewelry Wire, a daily newsletter covering news and developments across the jewelry industry. He has spent more than 35 years reporting on the diamond and jewelry trade, including senior roles at JCK and Rapaport. He launched The Jewelry Wire as an independent platform for timely news and analysis. He is also the author of several mystery novels. Visit: www.thejewelrywire.com and www.robbatesauthor.com

Edahn Golan is the founder of Edahn Golan Diamond Research & Data, providing research, analysis and consulting services to the global diamond industry. He is also co-managing partner of Tenoris, a data analytics company serving the diamond, jewelry and financial sectors. He has been researching and writing about the industry since 2001, including many years at Idex Online. Visit: www.edahngolan.com and www.tenoris.bi

Avi Krawitz is the founder and publisher of The Diamond Press, delivering insight and analysis on the global diamond and jewelry market. He brings nearly 20 years of experience covering the industry as a journalist and analyst, including a senior role at Rapaport. He also authors the Pressing Matters executive memo and hosts Diamond Debates, a LinkedIn Live series featuring industry leaders discussing the sector’s most pressing issues. Visit: www.thediamondpress.com