
Guest: Rob Bates (8th Appearance)
01/23/25 • 68 min
Author and industry expert Rob Bates joins Paul for the 8th time in episode #69 of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast. The episode begins with Paul airing his frustration over how some retailers are selling lab-grown diamonds. The two then discuss the current state of the larger diamond industry and the evolution of natural and LGD coexisting. Next, Rob shares what he sees as an analog between the debut of online diamond retailers in the 2000’s, such as Blue Nile, and the more recent mainstream introduction of LGD. The two go on to discuss treated natural diamonds, the global recession in luxury goods, and how Rob’s upcoming 4th book, “Making a Killing in Diamonds,” parallels some of the pertinent issues the diamond and jewelry industry faces.
Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky
Guest: Rob Bates
Guest plug: www.robbatesauthor.com
More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products
Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.
Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.
Author and industry expert Rob Bates joins Paul for the 8th time in episode #69 of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast. The episode begins with Paul airing his frustration over how some retailers are selling lab-grown diamonds. The two then discuss the current state of the larger diamond industry and the evolution of natural and LGD coexisting. Next, Rob shares what he sees as an analog between the debut of online diamond retailers in the 2000’s, such as Blue Nile, and the more recent mainstream introduction of LGD. The two go on to discuss treated natural diamonds, the global recession in luxury goods, and how Rob’s upcoming 4th book, “Making a Killing in Diamonds,” parallels some of the pertinent issues the diamond and jewelry industry faces.
Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky
Guest: Rob Bates
Guest plug: www.robbatesauthor.com
More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products
Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.
Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.
Previous Episode

Guest: Amelia Bourdeau Returns
In this 68th episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, Amelia Bourdeau returns for a macro-themed episode. The conversation begins with Paul and Amelia discussing the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the impact that it can have on the economy, financial markets and diamond demand. Next the two discuss the Federal Reserve’s latest move to cut interest rates and how it relates to inflation and employment in the U.S. Amelia then shares her views on the residential real estate market, especially as it pertains to her home state of Florida. Next, Paul analyzes the root of the current lull in the global diamond trade. Finally, Paul and Amelia talk about the economic state of China and what it means for the global economy and especially the luxury industry.
Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky
Guest: Amelia Bourdeau
Guest plug: Amelia’s LinkedIn page
More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products
Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.
Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.
Next Episode

Guest: Jon Phillips Returns, Again
In this episode of the Paul Zimnisky Diamond Analytics Podcast, well respected Canadian diamond industry veteran Jon Phillips returns. The conversation begins with Paul and Jon analyzing the current state of the natural diamond market. They then discuss the “elephant in the room,” i.e. lab-grown diamonds, and the impact that the product is having on natural diamonds. Finally, the two talk about De Beers’ DIamondProof machine, Botswana marketing its diamonds and the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on the diamond and jewelry industry.
Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky
Guest: Jon Phillips
Guest plug:
More information on PZDA’s State of the Diamond Market report: www.paulzimnisky.com/products
Show contact: [email protected] or visit www.paulzimnisky.com.
Please note that the contents of this podcast includes anecdotes, observations and opinions. The information should not be considered investment or financial advice. Consult your investment professional before making any investment decisions. Please read full disclosure at: www.paulzimnisky.com.
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