Shows
The Avi Krawitz PodcastAdapt or Die: The Diamond Industry Must Pivot to ValueIn this episode of Diamond Debates, Avi Krawitz is joined by Wes Tucker, CEO of Tracr, to unpack the proposition that the diamond industry must adapt to or risk decline by pivoting decisively toward value.The wide-ranging discussion explores structural shifts reshaping the market, from oversupply, mine economics, and geopolitical pressure, to changing consumer spending habits, the rise of lab-grown diamonds, and the growing importance of branding, design, storytelling, and traceability.Wes and Avi argue that broad, one-size-fits-all category marketing is losing effectiveness, and that future growth depends on clearer differentiation...
2026-02-0453 min
The Avi Krawitz PodcastThe Diamond Industry Will Shrink to SurviveIn 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 conversation closes on a measured but confident view that natural diamonds can reestablish equilibrium as the foundation for sustainable growth. Diamond Debates is supported by...
2026-01-1443 min
The Avi Krawitz Podcast2026: Diamond Market Recovery or Continued Pressure2026 could prove pivotal 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 discussion underscores why stability and disciplined inventory management are becoming critical in an increasingly volatile market. Diamond Debates is supported by Sarine Technologies.
2026-01-0951 min
The Avi Krawitz PodcastFive Forces That Shaped the Diamond Market in 20252025 was a critical year for the diamond industry, shaped by five developments that placed sustained pressure across the market. In this video, Avi Krawitz breaks down how shifts at De Beers, the continued rise of synthetics, evolving approaches to traceability, aggressive US trade policy, and mounting strain across the diamond pipeline combined to redefine the industry’s trajectory. From geopolitical tensions and tariffs to retail behavior and value erosion in the midstream and mining sectors, the analysis connects the dots behind a third consecutive year of contraction and explains where the re...
2025-12-3118 min
The Avi Krawitz PodcastDiamond Dealers Are Losing Their RelevanceIn this conversation, Avi Krawitz and Didier Backaert, director at Bonas Group, discuss the evolving role of diamond dealers in the rough diamond market, the impact of tender houses, and the significance of financing in the industry. They explore how the landscape has changed over the years, the efficiency of the market, and the relevance of traditional dealers amidst new trading mechanisms. The discussion also touches on production levels and the future of the diamond industry. Takeaways Diamond dealers remain relevant but their roles have changed. Tender houses are increasingly important in distribution. The diamond market...
2025-12-1831 min
The Avi Krawitz PodcastNatural Diamonds Are Losing Gen-Z!Gen-Z’s changing values are reshaping the diamond market. This debate examines whether - and why - natural diamonds are losing relevance among younger consumers, what’s pulling them toward alternatives, and if the industry can win them back. Avi unpacks the issue with Matt Gabel of MJ Gabel, a fine-jewelry advisory firm. Diamond Debates is supported by Sarine Technologies.
2025-12-1346 min
Responsible LuxuryAvi Kravitz - Unlocking the Diamond Journey, A Deep Dive Into People and Stories Behind the Industry, Ethical Considerations, Sanctions, Consumer Narratives, and More [00:00] Introduction and personal journey into the industry[06:05] Transition to Independent work[08:27] Insights for non-industry listeners[13:12] Changing public sentiment and ethical considerations[22:26] Russian Sanctions and Supply Chain Impact[29:49] Expansion of Sanctions[30:04] Challenges of Implementing Traceability[31:05] Opportunities for data-rich storytelling[33:48] Role of Midstream Market and Small Businesses[35:36] Traceability as a Selling Tool[34:40] Traceability and Digital Product Passports[37:28] Telling an interesting narrative for consumers[39:11] Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds[42:03] Ideal State for the Industry*
2024-04-0946 min
The Avi Krawitz PodcastDavid Kellie - Real, Rare, ResponsibleDavid Kelly is the CEO of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), the organization responsible for driving consumer interest in natural diamonds.Nearly four years since the rebranding of the NDC in 2020, the organization is embarking on a new campaign: ‘Real, Rare, Responsible,’ highlighting the values it argues are inherent in natural diamonds.In his role, David has developed a unique perspective of how the industry operates in different markets and cultures, how to approach category marketing in today's brand-centric environment, and the interaction between lab-grown and natural diamonds.Learn more about the NDC at w...
2024-03-3144 min
The Avi Krawitz PodcastThabo Manne - Cullinan and the CommunityThabo Manne is the manager for social compliance at the Cullinan mine in South Africa. Petra Diamonds, which owns the operations, has embarked on a strategy to put sustainability front and center of its decision making, governed by its four pillars - people, planet, partners, and production. Tasked to engage with the communities affected by Cullinan, Thabo sits at the core of that strategy, offering insight to how corporates, and the broader diamond industry, has changed focus to drive upliftment. Find out more about Petra's sustainability program here: https://www.petradiamonds.com/sustainability/
2024-01-2924 min
The Avi Krawitz PodcastLyndon de Meilon - A Beautiful Geological StoryLyndon 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 geological makeup of the Orange River and the global economy. He believes South Africa’s alluvial sector has 100 years of life left in it...
2023-11-2840 min
ClarityEpisode 8: Avi Krawitz, Independent Diamond Industry Thought Leader and InfluencerWelcome to the Diamond Standard podcast Clarity.On Episode Eight of the Diamond Standard podcast Clarity, Managing Director Amelia Bourdeau is joined by Avi Krawitz, a top diamond industry thought leader and influencer.After working as a business journalist for The Jerusalem Post, Avi stumbled into the diamond industry during a job interview with Martin Rapaport, founder of the Rapaport Group and its widely used Rapaport Price List.Starting out as a reporter on www.rapaport.com and Rapaport Magazine, Avi soon offered more in-depth analysis about diamond industry news, events, and market...
2023-10-0652 min
The Avi Krawitz PodcastMolefi Letsiki - Empowering an IndustryMolefi 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 approach to beneficiation.You can find Molefi on Instagram: @molefiletsikidiamonds and @molefiletsiki,Twitter: @MolefiLetsiki, Company website: www.mldiamonds.com
2023-09-0839 min
Davos in the Desert Podcast SeriesA Primer on the Diamond Industry with Avi KrawitzThis podcast is bursting with insights into the diamond industry. Listeners will learn about how diamonds are sourced, the geographies where demand is picking up, competition from lab grown diamonds, the impact of artificial intelligence and much more. The following are among the issues discussed:
Which countries are the primary sources of natural diamonds?
How much of an impact might more stringent sanctions on Russian diamonds have on worldwide diamond prices?
Why is Botswana an important part of the diamond ecology? Is the Wagner Group a threat? What is beneficiation?
What are the 4Cs of appraising diamonds? Do d...
2023-09-0658 min
The Avi Krawitz PodcastDesmond Ratsoma & Robin Bhebhe - Adding Value in KimberleyThe 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
2023-08-0833 min
The Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 91: Avi Krawitz’s FarewellThe team fires questions at Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz, who is leaving after 16 years of service. Plus: A report from the JCK Las Vegas show, the latest in the retail market, and how the New York auctions fared.
2023-06-2128 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 89: Diamond Provenance at ScaleRapaport’s Avi Krawitz chats with Ryan Perry, acting vice president of strategy and innovation at De Beers, about the company’s recent partnership with the GIA on its Tracr blockchain platform, the importance of expanding the industry’s provenance capabilities and how technology can enable better storytelling.
2023-05-2428 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 85: De Beers Eyes Massive Botswana InvestmentBruce Cleaver, cochairman of De Beers, sat with Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz to discuss the company’s ongoing negotiations for a new marketing and mining deal with the Botswana government. They also talked about traceability and how De Beers is facilitating this through its Tracr blockchain platform, the importance of branding, lab grown and De Beers positioning in that sector, and current market conditions.
2023-04-0426 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 84: Sanctions, Hong Kong and AIRapaport Editor in Chief Sonia Esther Soltani chats with Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz and News Editor Joshua Freedman, highlighting the major events, trends and quirky news stories that have shaped the diamond industry in the first quarter of 2023.
2023-03-2222 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 83: NDC Plans Synthetics Myth-Busting CampaignDavid Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, chats with Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz about the organization’s latest projects — including a rebuttal to the lab-grown sector’s sustainability claims, a path to partnering with other sectors of the trade, and the group’s ongoing work with brand ambassador Lily James.
2023-03-0938 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 82: The Path Toward SustainabilityIris Van der Veken, executive director of the Watch & Jewelry Initiative 2030, discusses with Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz the organization’s immediate and long-term goals, how the luxury brands are approaching sustainability challenges, and how to raise the bar when it comes to issues such as climate change, gender equality, and governance.
2023-02-2331 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 81: The Importance of Tracking Your DiamondFrederik Degryse, CEO of iTraceiT, a new platform that aims to validate a diamond’s origin and journey, chats with Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz about the rising demand for traceability programs and the challenges providers of such services face in facilitating diamond-origin claims.
2023-02-0730 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 79: Tech-Inspired Diamond StoriesRapaport Acting Editor Rachael Taylor and Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz discuss the role technology is playing in jewelry design and marketing. They also explore the legacies of two major brands that are the subjects of books Taylor recently published.
2023-01-1129 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 78: Reflections on a Turbulent YearRapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz, News Editor Joshua Freedman and Senior Reporter Leah Meirovich look back on 2023, picking their favorite industry moments of the year, their personal and professional highlights, and the top stories on Rapaport.com — and outlining their expectations for 2023.
2022-12-2734 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 76: Overoptimistic Retail?Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz and News Editor Joshua Freedman question whether sentiment in the diamond industry is aligned with that of the retail sector. They also discuss the high-end market, the growing importance of the GemGenève show, the lab-grown diamond segment, De Beers’ negotiations with Botswana, and the recent Kimberley Process (KP) plenary meeting.
2022-11-0923 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 75: Jewelry Goes GenderlessRapaport Acting Editor Rachael Taylor and Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz examine the move toward gender-neutral styles by jewelers and designers, expecting unisex to be a major trend this holiday season.
2022-10-2529 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 69: How Tracr is Empowering De Beers’ Supply ChainRapaport’s Avi Krawitz chats with Wesley Tucker, head of digital transformation and Tracr at De Beers, about the industry’s drive to develop diamond tracking programs.
2022-07-2631 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 67: Where Digital Is GoingDigital-marketing expert Ben Smithee, founder of The Smithee Group, joins Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz to discuss the rapidly changing media space and how it is impacting the diamond and jewelry industry.
2022-06-2829 min
Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics PodcastGuest: Avi KrawitzAvi Krawitz, Rapaport's Senior Analyst and News Editor, joins Paul from Tel Aviv for a timely discussion on the diamond industry. The conversation begins with Paul and Avi discussing what was happening in diamonds 15 years ago when Avi began covering the industry. Paul then shares his view on how current economic conditions in the U.S. could impact the diamond and jewelry industry in H2 2022, and Avi shares his sense of the economic climate in Israel. The two then discuss how sanctions on Russian diamonds are impacting the midstream sector of the industry. Finally, Paul and Avi talk about...
2022-06-2330 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 65: With Special Guests Thomas Faerber and Ronny TotahGemGenève show founders Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah join Avi Krawitz to discuss trends observed at the trade fair, as well as the role such events play in the industry. The trio also delves into developments in the colored-gemstone and antique-jewelry markets amid the recent market turbulence.
2022-05-3128 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 64: The Forgotten Art of DetectionUndisclosed synthetics may not be making headlines lately, but they still pose a serious threat to the diamond market. Host Avi Krawitz discusses developments in the lab-grown market and detection technology with De Beers product manager Trevor Poulter.
2022-05-1725 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 62: With Special Guest Rob BatesHost Avi Krawitz and veteran industry journalist Rob Bates discuss the diamond trade’s Russia dilemma, Rob’s new book and the upcoming JCK show, among other pertinent topics affecting the diamond industry.
2022-04-1939 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 60: With Special Guest Eira ThomasLike many in the diamond industry, Lucara Diamond Corp. enjoyed a banner year in 2021, but it is now strategizing ways to continue the momentum. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks to Lucara CEO Eira Thomas about the company’s plans for its mining and sales operations.
2022-03-2241 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 56: With Special Guest Iris Van Der VekenSteering the jewelry industry’s strategy on sustainability and responsible sourcing can be a daunting task, but it’s also a necessary one to ensure its survival. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks to Iris Van der Veken, executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), about the organization’s strategy and campaigns.
2022-01-2539 min
The Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 54: With Special Guest David KellieThe diamond and jewelry industry has the tools to capitalize on its 2021 growth but needs to be proactive in its approach. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks to David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, about how to ensure the positive momentum continues.
2021-12-2834 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 52: Behind De Beers’ StrategyDigital is expected to continue to drive change in the diamond industry. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with Neil Ventura, vice president of strategy and innovation at De Beers about the company’s approach to innovation and building new ventures.
2021-11-3042 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 50: The Future Is SustainableSustainability ranks among the top three considerations for consumers buying diamond jewelry, according to the latest De Beers Diamond Insight Report. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with Esther Oberbeck, senior vice president of strategy, analytics and insights at De Beers, about the opportunities and challenges sustainability presents to the diamond industry.
2021-11-0330 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 47: Adding Value to the NarrativeDiamond companies need a plan to stay ahead of the changing market. Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz speaks with industry consultant Anish Aggarwal about the evolving nature of the trade.
2021-08-1949 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 31: Rise in Grading Activity Signals RecoveryThe number of jewelry pieces being sent to the International Gemological Institute (IGI) for grading and authentication continues to rise, indicating a faster-than-expected revival among jewelers, according to CEO Roland Lorie. Lorie spoke with Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz about market conditions as well as hot-button issues affecting the industry and the grading labs, including lab-grown diamonds, traceability and automation in diamond grading.
2020-08-1743 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 30: Pandemic Is Pushing Industry to Embrace TechThe coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the use of technology in the diamond supply chain, diminishing the fear that many in the industry had toward embracing innovation, according to David Block, CEO of Sarine Technologies.Block spoke with Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz about various ways in which technology is driving efficiencies in the diamond industry, outlining some of Sarine’s projects.
2020-07-2044 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 27: Marketing Our Way Out of CrisisRapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz spoke with the NDC’s CEO, David Kellie, about the relaunch in the second episode of the Rapaport Group’s “The Recovery” webinar series.
2020-06-071h 01The Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 26: Time for Subtle, Discreet Brand MarketingWith an eye on the fourth quarter, Sally Morrison, director of PR at De Beers’ consumer and brands division, puts into perspective some of the lessons learned during the crisis. Morrison provides particular insight into how brands are changing their marketing as consumers gravitate toward more discreet, understated and restrained messaging. That should favor the diamond industry, she said in the first episode of the Rapaport Group’s “The Recovery” webinar series with Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz.
2020-06-011h 02The Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 24: How the Pandemic Is Changing De BeersThe diamond industry will need to tweak its messaging to emphasize the values the product and brands represent, De Beers executives stressed in episode 24 of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast.
Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz spoke with Stephen Lussier, executive vice president, consumer and brands, at De Beers, and David Prager, the company’s executive vice president of corporate affairs, about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the diamond market, the company’s response, and that of the industry.
2020-04-2739 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 23: How Alrosa Is Using Data to Drive SalesRapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz spoke with Tikhonov in episode 23 of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast about how the mining company is using data to improve efficiency in the rough-sales process. Capturing data about the diamond at the mining level is enabling Alrosa to provide value-added services, including source verification with an Alrosa-issued certificate of origin to its clients.
2020-03-0933 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 22: How Big a Threat is the Coronavirus?With the coronavirus dominating headlines since late January, the Rapaport Diamond Podcast looks at its potential impact on the diamond and jewelry market — spanning the retail sector, manufacturers and miners.
In addition, Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz sums up the mood at the recent International Diamond Week in Israel and outlines the panel on traceability that he moderated at the event – along with other positive sustainability trends taking shape in the industry. Plus, Senior Reporter Joshua Freedman gives his observations on the India market, having just returned from the IIJS Signature show in Mumbai.
2020-02-2036 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 15: Key Insights from the JCK ShowFresh off the boat from Las Vegas, and battling some serious jetlag, Rapaport news editor Avi Krawitz and publisher John Costello pick out their key takeaways and favorite moments from the JCK show.
2019-06-1328 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 14: Lightbox – the Synthetics King?On the first anniversary since the launch of Lightbox, Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz sat with managing director Steve Coe at the JCK show in Las Vegas.
Steve gives his perspective of the industry’s response to Lightbox, some insight into the brand’s approach to the lab-grown diamond debate, and its plans moving forward.
2019-06-0539 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastRapaport Diamond Podcast: Good Holiday, Bad HolidayRapaport News Editor Avi Krawitz and senior reporter Joshua Freedman try to make sense of the holiday season after the major jewelers published some disappointing results. Amid the negatives, there were some bright spots and notable trends worth looking out for in 2019.
2019-01-2213 minThe Rapaport Diamond PodcastEpisode 2 - All Aboard the OmnibusBlockchain, omni-channel and the power of storytelling are some of the key topics the Rapaport editorial team discusses in this new episode. It also features insights into synthetics – including advice from DPA CEO Jean-Marc Lieberherr – our favorite news stories of 2017, and Avi Krawitz’s heartfelt take on the Kimberley Process.
2018-01-2543 min