Botswana President Duma Boko has announced plans to double the country’s stake in De Beers to 30% and named the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as the government’s preferred bidder to acquire Anglo American’s 85% stake.

In this episode of the Pressing Matters Podcast, Avi Krawitz speaks with economist Keith Jefferis about what this landmark decision means for Botswana. They assess the risks and opportunities of a larger stake in De Beers, the country’s reliance on diamonds, its diversification prospects in sectors such as copper and tourism, and the potential for Element Six to open new opportunities in technology.

Who am I?

If you're in the diamond and jewelry trade and we haven't met, our introduction is long overdue. I'm a journalist turned entrepreneur and content creator, explaining the diamond market through video, podcast and writing. I share my thoughts about industry developments, and the story of this fascinating world of diamonds.

Join our community:

• Website: https://thediamondpress.com

• Email: avi@avikrawitz.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikrawitz/

• https://www.instagram.com/the.diamond.press/

On this episode of Pressing Matters with Avi Krawitz, Avi speaks with Pritesh Patel, CEO of the Gemological Institute of America, about how science and technology are shaping the future of the diamond and jewelry industry.

They discuss AI in diamond grading, GIA’s approach to lab-grown diamond grading, disclosures about diamond fluorescence and the role of technology in building consumer confidence. Other topics include shifts in the jewelry market, GIA’s investment in Tracr and the evolution of traceability, grading service fees, and the expansion of GIA’s gemology and jewelry education programs. Patel also shares his vision for a future-ready GIA as the Institute approaches its centennial in 2031.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 02:33 GIA’s science, research and technology 04:50 Technology’s impact across the diamond industry 06:21 Technology and innovation in GIA’s grading process 08:42 AI, human graders and diamond grading 11:03 The expertise behind GIA’s grading work 13:23 AI, the jewelry industry and changing diamond demand 15:50 Global jewelry demand and shifting product mix 18:13 GIA’s expanding role in jewelry grading 22:57 Jewelry sales, grading intake and market trends 27:33 GIA’s grading fees and pricing approach 29:58 GIA’s new grading system for lab-grown diamonds 37:09 Industry adoption of GIA’s lab-grown grading system 41:53 GIA’s updated approach to diamond fluorescence 46:29 GIA’s investment in Tracr and diamond traceability 50:58 Connecting Tracr with GIA grading reports 53:18 GIA education programs and student demand 58:01 Gem Kids and building interest in gems 1:00:20 GIA’s vision for its 2031 centennial

Who am I?

If you're in the diamond and jewelry trade and we haven't met, our introduction is long overdue. I'm a journalist turned entrepreneur and content creator, explaining the diamond market through video, podcast and writing. I share my thoughts about industry developments, and the story of this fascinating world of diamonds.

Join our community:

• Website: https://thediamondpress.com
• Email: avi@avikrawitz.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikrawitz/
• https://www.instagram.com/avi.krawitz/

In this episode of Diamond Debates, Avi Krawitz is joined by J.R. Dunn Jewelers President Sean Dunn to examine whether branding can counter an increasingly commoditized diamond market.

The discussion explores why diamond branding has historically struggled, the relationship between category marketing and individual brand building, the growing importance of storytelling, origin and provenance, and how retailers can differentiate natural diamonds beyond the 4Cs.

Drawing on Dunn's experience developing Botswana-sourced jewelry collections and traceable natural diamond programs, The conversation argues that preserving the value of natural diamonds increasingly depends on creating meaningful emotional connections through design, authenticity, and compelling human stories.

Suggested Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

02:10 Why branding diamonds has always been difficult

07:15 Did grading reports unintentionally commoditize diamonds?

10:00 Why branding jewelry is easier than branding diamonds

14:15 Building a brand around Botswana origin and traceability

20:15 Do consumers really care where their diamonds come from?

27:30 How independent jewelers can build their own brands

34:35 Why selling "value" isn't the best natural diamond strategy

40:20 Category marketing vs. retailer branding: Finding the balance

47:00 De Beers, Origin, and the future of natural diamond storytelling