In this exciting episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, host Guy Pineda sits down with Kaushal Shah of Veer Diamonds to discuss an inspiring initiative that is reshaping the future of the natural diamond industry. Together, they explore the upcoming Diamond & Delta Tours, an exclusive educational experience created in partnership with the House of Botswana, giving independent jewelry retailers an unprecedented opportunity to witness the complete journey of a natural diamond, from the mines of Botswana to the showcase of a jewelry store.
Kaushal shares how Botswana is transforming the industry by keeping more of the diamond value chain within the country, creating opportunities for local artisans, manufacturers, and communities while promoting transparency and ethical sourcing. The conversation highlights how storytelling has become one of the industry’s greatest strengths, especially as retailers navigate the growing presence of lab-grown diamonds and help consumers understand the lasting value and emotional significance of natural diamonds.
The discussion also features innovative technology like Tracr, a blockchain-based platform adopted by GIA, allowing retailers and consumers to trace a diamond’s journey from the moment it is mined. Guy and Kaushal explain how provenance, authenticity, and education are becoming essential tools for independent jewelers looking to create memorable customer experiences. They also recognize the efforts of the House of Botswana, the Botswana government, and the country’s mining and diamond organizations in bringing greater visibility to the natural diamond story while strengthening the industry’s future.
Whether you’re a jeweler, supplier, or simply fascinated by the world of diamonds, this episode offers valuable insights into the people, technology, and partnerships driving positive change across the global jewelry industry. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation and discover why Botswana’s story may become the next great chapter in natural diamonds. Be sure to watch the full episode and join us as we continue sharing the stories that shape our industry.
Podcast Transcript
Introduction:
Hello everyone, this is Guy with Southern Jewelry News and this is another episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast. Enjoy the episode.
Guy:
Hello everyone, this is Guy with Southern Jewelry News and I am here with a great friend of mine, Kaushal Shah of Veer Diamonds, and we’re here to talk about some really exciting stuff. Welcome.
Kaushal:
Thank you. Thank you, Guy. Thank you for having me.
Guy:
Yeah, yeah. I’m really excited about what’s coming up—the future, really, the future of what it means for the jewelry industry. But why don’t you spill the beans? What are we going to do?
Kaushal:
Yeah. Oh my God, it’s very exciting for me as well. Once we had the opportunity to partner with the House of Botswana and met the great Miss Pat Dambe, who does so much for Botswana, we were able to gain access to the Diamond and Delta Tours.
The Diamond and Delta Tours is a program created by the House of Botswana. The House of Botswana promotes all the natural minerals of Botswana, including copper, although diamonds represent about one-third of their business.
Guy:
Yes.
Kaushal:
It’s one of the only countries in the world where you’re celebrated for being in the diamond industry. Everywhere else, you’ve got to be Sherlock Holmes.
What this tour does is open up the entire value chain. Retailers and industry professionals can experience how the mining process works, how rough diamonds are valued, how they go to the sightholders, and how they eventually make their way to the end consumer.
When you see the entire picture, you realize how privileged we are to be part of such an amazing industry and to hold a marvel of nature. When I held my first natural diamond, I truly felt connected to the earth. At the end of the day, we’ll all become carbon someday, so everything is connected through energy. That experience hooked me forever.
Guy:
That’s amazing. I have the amazing fortune of being a friend of Mr. Kaushal here, and Kaushal invited me to join the Botswana trip this coming August. I’m really excited—not only to visit somewhere new, but to experience what it means for the jewelry industry.
For years, many diamonds mined in Botswana were shipped elsewhere to be finished.
Kaushal:
Yeah.
Guy:
Now the House of Botswana is working to keep more of that process within Botswana itself. That’s incredible. What impact do you think that will have on the natural diamond industry around the world?
Kaushal:
I think it’s amazing. For the longest time, people would go to Africa, extract the natural resources, and take them elsewhere. Diamonds were traditionally sent to London, where rough from different mines was mixed together before distribution.
Today, the natural diamond industry is evolving. Lab-grown diamonds are here to stay, and they certainly have their place because they open up new design possibilities.
Guy:
Yeah.
Kaushal:
But because of that, telling the authentic story has become even more important. If Botswana can develop its own cutting, polishing, and jewelry manufacturing industries, the nation will become even stronger.
Countries like India have thrived because of skilled artisans. Creativity and craftsmanship will continue driving this industry forward. Retailers who serve customers looking for meaningful experiences will benefit tremendously.
They say intention has to match impact. Customers come into a jewelry store wanting to celebrate something meaningful. If the experience doesn’t match that intention, they leave without truly feeling connected.
Organic products always come back to feeling. Organic food makes you feel good. Likewise, how we tell the story of a natural diamond matters.
We know where our mangoes come from, but we rarely talk about where our diamonds come from.
Guy:
With the introduction of lab-grown diamonds, many jewelers are trying to figure out the best way to position natural diamonds versus lab-grown diamonds.
I think this trip will help tell a much richer story—not only about where diamonds are mined, but also how they’re processed and how transparent the House of Botswana is about the entire journey. That gives jewelers a much stronger story to share with customers, making every purchase even more meaningful.
Kaushal:
Absolutely. I’d also like to point out a technology now widely adopted by GIA called Tracr.
Guy:
Tracr.
Kaushal:
Tracr—spelled T-R-A-C-R—is blockchain technology that gives every diamond a unique identity as soon as it’s mined.
Guy:
Right.
Kaushal:
As that diamond moves through cutting, polishing, grading, and jewelry manufacturing, every step is documented, including photographs. Eventually, the consumer can view the complete journey of that specific diamond.
With GIA adopting Tracr, retailers can request access from suppliers and allow consumers to see the complete provenance of their diamond.
Guy:
Amazing.
Kaushal:
Exactly. It’s no longer just “take my word for it.” The story is documented and available for everyone to see.
Guy:
That reminds me of my experience in Japan when I ordered Wagyu beef. They could trace the steak back to the actual cow. Knowing that history made the experience much more meaningful.
I think diamonds are the same. Understanding where they came from, who worked on them, and the craftsmanship behind them creates a much deeper appreciation than simply buying a finished product.
Kaushal:
Absolutely. I also want to recognize the Government of Botswana, the Ministry of Minerals and Mines, and everyone involved. They’re making it very clear that they want to tell the natural diamond story and welcome the world to experience it.
One statement that really stayed with me came from Ms. Bogolo when she said everyone in Botswana is a “diamond baby.” The diamond industry supports their livelihoods.
Guy:
Yeah.
Kaushal:
In many ways, we’re all diamond babies. Jewelers around the world have businesses because of the diamonds that come from Africa. That story connects us globally.
Everyone experiences the story differently, but experiencing Botswana firsthand gives you your own authentic version of that story.
Guy:
And that’s exactly why I’m excited about this trip. I’m looking forward to helping tell that story through Southern Jewelry News and sharing it with our readers.
Kaushal:
It’s a blessing, and I’m fortunate to help make it happen.
Guy:
We’ll also be visiting the world’s largest diamond mine.
Kaushal:
Yes. We’ll be visiting Jwaneng.
Guy:
That’s going to be incredible. I’m excited to meet the people, experience the culture, and capture the feeling behind the natural diamond industry.
Kaushal:
Our intention is to educate retailers and open up the value chain. We’ll also visit factories and our Botswana office, but most importantly, we want retailers to take this story home.
Even if you’re sitting in your jewelry store, you can still purchase diamonds with verified origin through Tracr. When you understand the process yourself, you tell the story much better, and it adds far more meaning to every sale.
Guy:
Exactly. I’m excited not only to see Botswana but also to experience the country’s beauty. I never imagined I’d go on an African safari.
Kaushal:
I’m excited too. A friend once told me he was drinking coffee when a hippopotamus surfaced nearby, looked at him, and disappeared again. I hope I get to experience something like that.
Guy:
That sounds incredible. This will be an unforgettable trip for everyone involved.
Kaushal:
After our first delegation, we’ll open registrations through a travel QR code. This is our first independent retailer group, so we’ll continue refining the experience.
We’ll also promote the tours at future trade shows and events because our mission is to educate retailers, build training programs, and help them tell the natural diamond story more effectively.
Guy:
Amazing. For anyone watching or listening, where can they learn more or contact you?
Kaushal:
You can call us at 855-836-5483 or email us at travel@veer.diamonds. You can also contact Southern Jewelry News, and we’ll be happy to help.
Guy:
Absolutely. I’m incredibly excited about this journey, especially getting to experience it alongside someone with your passion and energy.
Kaushal:
Thank you. Even my father will be joining us from India because he believes this is important for our company and for our retailers. We’re bringing a select group of adventurous retailers with us, and I think it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.
Guy:
Fantastic. Everyone, follow Southern Jewelry News, follow Veer Diamonds, and learn more about Botswana. Maybe you’ll join us on a future trip.
Kaushal:
You’re all welcome.
Guy:
Thank you so much for joining us. I’m excited, and we’ll see everyone on the next podcast. Look for our Botswana coverage coming soon. Thank you.
Outro:
Thank you for watching another episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast. We’ll catch you on the next one. Take care.
