FORBES 🌟 The Best Jewels at the Met Gala 2019 💎

So incredibly humbled to be in the company of the mega houses Cartier, Bulgari, Tiffany, Harry Winston, David Webb.. But most of all, so proud to represent and be at the forefront of ethical and sustainable fine and high jewellery; championing laboratory-grown and created gemstones paired with intrinsic, thoughtful design and meticulous artisan craftsmanship.

Six years ago when I was studying my Masters in Jewellery at The Royal College of Art in London , I visited a mine in Sri Lanka during my honeymoon.  It was a life-changing experience for me - seeing is believing. When I founded my eponymous brand over 5 years ago on graduation, it was my mission to offer a different perspective in the industry - I wanted to create equally beautiful and fabulous one-of-a-kind jewels using laboratory-grown and created gemstones without the conflict, humanitarian issues and untraceable provenance associated with mining.

  I find a potent synergy in the juxtaposition of precious and non-precious, natural and manmade materials, it is luxury with a touch of mindful humbleness.  I never think that it is a competition between the two genres, but rather offering a different perspective and option to the consumer, a more accessible and mindful alternative, and in shining light on the ethics and sustainability within our centuries-old industry it will also drive positive change by consumer-demand for more responsible practice from the very top - to ensure the well-being of miners, their communities and the land with better safety standards, fair pay, equal rights and land restoration. 

As a designer I choose to focus my work with lab-grown, created and recycled gemstones, I also admire the work of other designers who champion recycled materials, who work solely with reputable mines and support small scale artisanal miners directly.  For me it is about learning from the past, to offer a different perspective in the present, always in mind for a better future. 

I am learning everyday and the future is exciting and the future is bright! 🌟🌟🌟 

Zoe Kravitz wears custom Anabela Chan Feather-inspired Pearl and laboratory-grown and created diamonds Girandole Earrings with a Yves Saint Laurent dress at the Met Gala 2019.

Lavern Cox wears custom AC Stellar Cluster Earrings with a couture gown by Christian Siriano.

Sofia Sanchez de Betak wears the Imperial Cinderella Ring with a custom dress by Mango. 

View the original Forbes article here 

Image credit: @instagram | @forbes