In this discussion, Avi Krawitz and diamond analyst Paul Zimniski delve into the future of De Beers and the diamond industry as a whole. They discuss the implications of Anglo-American's divestment from De Beers, the challenges posed by lab-grown diamonds, and the need for a rebranding of the natural diamond market. The conversation also touches on the importance of inventory in retail and the evolving consumer preferences in the diamond sector. Diamond Debates is supported by Sarine Technologies. Join our community: • Website: www.thediamondpress.com • Email: avi@avikrawitz.com • www.instagram.com/avi.krawitz/ • www.linkedin.com/in/avikrawitz/ 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.

In 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, higher-value product strategies, and more personalized retail experiences that reconnect diamonds with aspiration, rarity, and long-term emotional meaning. The conversation ultimately frames as a coordinated effort to rethink how value is created, communicated, and captured across the entire diamond pipeline. Diamond Debates is supported by Sarine Technologies. Join our community: • Website: www.thediamondpress.com • Email: avi@avikrawitz.com • www.instagram.com/avi.krawitz/ • www.linkedin.com/in/avikrawitz/ 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.

Botswana’s diamond industry is heading into another pivotal year, with government data revealing inventory levels far above target and exposing the growing disconnect between supply and demand. In this video, I break down what 12 million carats of inventory really means for Botswana, De Beers, and the country’s broader strategy as Anglo American prepares to sell its stake in De Beers. The bigger question is not the inventory itself, but what the country / government needs to do to ensure longevity for its diamond trade. Join our community: • Website: www.thediamondpress.com • Email: avi@avikrawitz.com • www.instagram.com/avi.krawitz/ • www.linkedin.com/in/avikrawitz/ 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.

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 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 Sarine Technologies. Join our community: • Website: www.thediamondpress.com • Email: avi@avikrawitz.com • www.instagram.com/avi.krawitz/ • www.linkedin.com/in/avikrawitz/ 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.

2026 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. Join our community: • Website: www.thediamondpress.com • Email: avi@avikrawitz.com • www.instagram.com/avi.krawitz/ • www.linkedin.com/in/avikrawitz/ 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.

2025 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 real battle for diamonds is being fought. Join our community: • Website: www.thediamondpress.com • Email: avi@avikrawitz.com • www.instagram.com/avi.krawitz/ • www.linkedin.com/in/avikrawitz/ 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.

In 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 has become more efficient over time. • Financing has become a key role for modern dealers. • Production levels in the diamond industry are declining. • Dealers are reinventing themselves to stay relevant. • The industry has learned to operate more healthily post-crisis. • Contract sales and auction mechanisms are both valuable. • Trading centers like Antwerp and Dubai play crucial roles. • The future of diamond dealers is uncertain but worth monitoring. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Diamond Debate 01:30 - The Relevance of Diamond Dealers 05:10 - The Role of Tender Houses 10:17 - Financing in the Diamond Industry 11:54 - Changes in Trading Dynamics 14:35 - Trading Centers and Their Influence 19:02 - Contract Sales vs. Auction Mechanisms 24:31 - Production Levels and Market Efficiency 27:44 - The Evolving Role of Dealers Join our community: • Website: www.thediamondpress.com • Email: avi@avikrawitz.com • www.instagram.com/avi.krawitz/ • www.linkedin.com/in/avikrawitz/ 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.

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 Krawitz unpacks the issue with Matt Gabel of MJ Gabel, a fine-jewelry advisory firm. Diamond Debates is supported by Sarine Technologies. Join our community: • Website: www.thediamondpress.com • Email: avi@avikrawitz.com • www.instagram.com/avi.krawitz/ • www.linkedin.com/in/avikrawitz/ 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. Transcript