Paul Zimnisky warns diamond industry is "killing the proverbial golden goose," urges radical split from LGDs

Diamond industry analyst Paul Zimnisky delivered a sobering assessment of the sector's 2025 performance, placing blame squarely on the trade's own practices. He argued that by marketing natural and lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) as interchangeable...

29 december 2025

Goldplat reports challenging year with strategic shifts amid lower profits

Goldplat PLC's annual report for the year ended 30 June 2025 presents a year of operational and financial challenge, marked by a significant reduction in profitability. The company reported a profit after tax attributable to owners of GBP1,01 million...

22 december 2025

David Johnson: De Beers charts cautious Angola return amid industry transformation

De Beers is rebuilding its presence in Angola through government partnerships and community engagement, marking a strategic comeback following its difficult exit years ago from the diamond-rich nation. However, De Beers spokesperson David Johnson cautioned...

24 november 2025

Maria Krasnova: Colored gemstones are a serious investment

Maria Krasnova, Executive Director of the renowned company “Samotsvety ot Sokolov” (Gems by Sokolov), spoke to Rough&Polished about the Gemstone project aimed at selling precious stones, as well as about current market trends, new challenges...

17 november 2025

Forging a new legacy: Tshenolo Ntshekang on building a black-owned diamond beneficiation business in South Africa

In an industry historically defined by limited access and foreign dominance, Tshenolo Ntshekang is carving a new path. The founder of Banzi and Karolo Projects, a black-owned diamond beneficiation business, Ntshekang, represents a growing wave of...

03 november 2025

US online holiday spending up during 2025 season - report

08 january 2026

Online consumer spending increased during the 2025 holiday season in the US, as consumers chased best deals and maximized convenience, according to recent reports by analysts.

Adobe Analytics said that online spending from November 1 through December 31 rose 6.8% to $257.8 billion, and Cyber Week powered much of the growth. Higher-income consumers continued to spend, while bargains and flexible payment options drew budget-conscious shoppers online.

AI-powered shopping assistants and chatbots usage for online shopping saw a 693.4% increase, Adobe said.

At the same time, both Visa and Mastercard reported an increase in online spending by 4.2% and 3.9%, respectively. Though 73% of holiday transactions occurred in physical stores, consumers made 27% of holiday purchases online.

“Consumers demonstrated flexibility and confidence this season, shopping early, leveraging promotions, and investing in meaningful experiences and wish-list items,” said Michelle Meyer, chief economist at Mastercard Economics Institute.

The report from Visa Consulting and Analytics indicated that despite lingering economic headwinds, shoppers were still spending, particularly on technology and personal goods.

Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished