Sorry to contradict, but I think this is probably true. Years ago when Steve Bennett and Don Kogon were working as Gemstv and Don Kogon owned Thai Gems, they were telling us that they had been asked to become sightholders and that they had refused because they didn't want to buy the job lots. At that time Tony Diniz worked for Don supplying the gemstones. Only the other day when Don was on, he mentioned it again, so I think this is what Tony is talking about.
On the other hand, TJC has by far the most beautiful tanzanite and they are sightholders and presumably having to buy the not so good with the great. What do they do? Simple, they supply loads of other companies (QVC, Ideal World?!) with tanzanite jewellery and keep the best for themselves and sell it to us at fabulous prices.
Rocks&Co have had some lovely tanzanite recently, but their prices are prohibitive and their gold weights pathetic, they have priced themselves way out of my league. However, I don't think we should underestimate Tony Diniz's connections with mine owners and gem traders purely due to his former close association with Thai Gems, which was/is a big player in the gem world.
What I would like to know is, if he's such an expert and has such good connections, why can't they sell the jewellery on to us at more realistic prices? :thinking2: