SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to NetflixSourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series
“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
Rob Bate’s latest fictional novel is both a standalone mystery and the fourth and final book continuing the story of main character Mimi Rosen. It is set to release on Aug. 12.
New York—Rob Bates, journalist and news director of JCK, has announced his latest book titled “Making a Killing in Diamonds” that is set to launch in August.
The mystery is the fourth and final installment in his “Diamond District Mystery” series.
The fictional story is set on Manhattan’s 47th Street, as the murder of a lab-grown diamond CEO sends shockwaves through the industry, illuminating the high-stakes conflicts, ethical complexities, and generational tensions facing the trade today.
The 252-page novel explores themes that are relevant to both the jewelry trade and larger luxury industry.
In the book, Bates explores questions like “What happens when disruption collides with heritage? When innovation threatens not just profit but identity? When ‘ethical’ becomes a marketing buzzword instead of a moral commitment? And when technology allows us to replicate beauty, do we lose, or redefine, what makes something precious?”
The main character is Mimi Rosen, a journalist-turned-amateur-sleuth, who now works for her father’s diamond business and is once again drawn into a mystery as a scientist disappears and a lab-grown diamond CEO is murdered.
Throughout the story, Rosen finds herself stuck between two worlds, the old school diamond dealers of 47th Street that are bound by family, tradition, and silent codes of loyalty and the new frontier of lab-grown gemstones where startups are backed by venture capitalists promising disruption, transparency, and sustainability.
While investigating the murder, she is confronted with truth about the industry’s resistance to change, how it’s become more difficult to define what is “real,” and the blurred ethical lines that define what is valued in luxury.
“Lab-grown diamonds have been the biggest story in the industry for the past few years, and I knew I had to tackle it head-on in the novels,” said Bates who looked to the ethical and emotional dimensions of what we consider to be “real.”
“I first started working on this book around the time ChatGPT premiered. Everyone was really freaked out. At first, I was just going to focus on the diamonds industry, but the debate over artificial intelligence caused me to reflect on larger questions about disruption, technology, and how we define the term ‘real.’”
With Rosen as the main character of Bate’s story, he explores generational shifts in the way younger consumers approach value, identity, and purpose through the lens of this character, who was named after his mother.
Theses shifts, reflected in the real-life rise of self-purchasing women, consumers demanding sustainability, and renewed interest in transparency, form the emotional backbone of the series, he said.
Related stories will be right here …
The mystery is the fourth and final installment in his “Diamond District Mystery” series.
The fictional story is set on Manhattan’s 47th Street, as the murder of a lab-grown diamond CEO sends shockwaves through the industry, illuminating the high-stakes conflicts, ethical complexities, and generational tensions facing the trade today.
The 252-page novel explores themes that are relevant to both the jewelry trade and larger luxury industry.
In the book, Bates explores questions like “What happens when disruption collides with heritage? When innovation threatens not just profit but identity? When ‘ethical’ becomes a marketing buzzword instead of a moral commitment? And when technology allows us to replicate beauty, do we lose, or redefine, what makes something precious?”
The main character is Mimi Rosen, a journalist-turned-amateur-sleuth, who now works for her father’s diamond business and is once again drawn into a mystery as a scientist disappears and a lab-grown diamond CEO is murdered.
Throughout the story, Rosen finds herself stuck between two worlds, the old school diamond dealers of 47th Street that are bound by family, tradition, and silent codes of loyalty and the new frontier of lab-grown gemstones where startups are backed by venture capitalists promising disruption, transparency, and sustainability.
While investigating the murder, she is confronted with truth about the industry’s resistance to change, how it’s become more difficult to define what is “real,” and the blurred ethical lines that define what is valued in luxury.
“Lab-grown diamonds have been the biggest story in the industry for the past few years, and I knew I had to tackle it head-on in the novels,” said Bates who looked to the ethical and emotional dimensions of what we consider to be “real.”
“I first started working on this book around the time ChatGPT premiered. Everyone was really freaked out. At first, I was just going to focus on the diamonds industry, but the debate over artificial intelligence caused me to reflect on larger questions about disruption, technology, and how we define the term ‘real.’”
With Rosen as the main character of Bate’s story, he explores generational shifts in the way younger consumers approach value, identity, and purpose through the lens of this character, who was named after his mother.
Theses shifts, reflected in the real-life rise of self-purchasing women, consumers demanding sustainability, and renewed interest in transparency, form the emotional backbone of the series, he said.
Bates is an expert on the diamond business with more than three decades of editorial authority, investigative reporting, and insider knowledge.
As news director of JCK, Bates has covered every major development in the jewelry world over the last thirty years, including blood diamonds, sanctions, and the technical revolutions brought on by lab-grown gemstones.
He brings his characteristic wit and incisive voice to his latest novel on a plotted murder mystery that is grounded in the real, often hidden, dynamics of the gem and jewelry world.
Making a Killing in Diamonds is both a standalone mystery and a continuation of Rosen’s storyline.
Bates has also written “A Murder is Forever,” “Murder is Not a Girl’s Best Friend,” and “Slay It With a Diamond.”
Bates also co-hosts “The Jewelry District” podcast, which features leading voices from the trade.
Making a Killing in Diamonds is set to release on Aug. 12.
It retails for $16.95 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
