In this episode, Avi, Edahn and Rob give their impressions of the Las Vegas shows, debate producer countries' positioning at trade shows, strategic branding and marketing of Botswana, Signet Jewelers apparent pivot within the K-economy, lab-grown diamonds and industry regulation, market trends and consumer behavior in the US, among other hot topics affecting the global diamond market.

00:00 Botswana Responds to The Dudes

02:32 Producer Countries Take Center Stage at JCK

04:57 Botswana, Namibia & Angola's Strategy

09:40 Can Botswana Become a Consumer Brand?

13:20 Was JCK Las Vegas a Success?

15:00 The K-Economy and Natural Diamond Demand

16:43 Why Bridal Buyers Are Under Pressure

21:21 Is Signet Pivoting Back to Natural Diamonds?

23:38 Blue Nile, The Clear Cut & Luxury Jewelry

28:22 What Signet Means for Lab-Grown Diamonds

32:52 Russia's New Synthetic Diamond Rules

35:14 Could the FTC Tighten Lab-Grown Regulations?

40:04 The Lab-Grown Terminology Debate

43:35 Alrosa's Role in the Natural Diamond Industry

46:57 The Diamond Press, The Jewelry Wire & Tenoris

49:05 Final Thoughts & Sign-Off

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