What initially comes to mind when we think of a diamond? Could it be the quality, luster, or maybe what possessing such a fine jewel represents? UK-based brand Astrea London proves that ethics should be at the fore.

As most diamonds are sourced from mining, a method that is harmful to our planet on innumerable levels, Astrea delivers lab-grown alternatives of the greatest exemplar—and with absolutely 0 difference in quality.

Claire Ferrini and Nathalie Morrison, longtime friends and recent business partners, were inspired by Ferrini’s grandmother, Margaret Coglin, during the brand’s inception. Lovingly referred to as the “Grace Kelly” of Kenya, Coglin was an early advocate for the ethical benefits of lab-grown diamonds, inspiring Ferrini and Morrison to build a company around sustainable luxury. Ferrini fondly recalls, “My grandmother, whom we called Muti, gave me a diamond pendant over 25 years ago, which I proudly wore on my wedding day. To my surprise, she revealed that the diamonds were lab-grown—years ahead of their time in terms of environmental impact and quality. Muti always believed they were the future of the diamond industry.”

Long overdue, the rise of lab-grown diamonds observes a significant shift in an industry continually criticized for its environmental and ethical challenges. Recognized for their purity and pioneering innovation in both science and technology, Ferrini emphasizes, “Lab-grown diamonds are revolutionizing the diamond industry—they are sustainable, ethical, and the next generation is choosing them over mined diamonds. As knowledge about their identical qualities to mined diamonds grows, the switch to lab diamonds becomes a no-brainer. They are a perfect example of how technology is disrupting the market.”

To her point, in 2018 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that “a diamond is a diamond whether it is grown in a lab or comes out of the ground,” putting lab-grown diamonds on equal footing with their mined counterparts. The diamond industry itself is maturing, and Ferrini foresees further change. “The price of mined diamonds has dropped 40% in the last two years, and there is a growing lack of interest from the next generation.” Certified by renowned institutions such as IGI and GIA, their lab-created diamonds are indistinguishable from mined gems in their physical, chemical, and optical properties. The selection process is completed with maximum care and quality, with D, E, and F colors and clarity grades of VS1 and above.

Astrea London takes their offering to the next level by working with clients on bespoke designs, allowing shoppers to be a part of bringing their unique vision to life. 

The Astrea team includes a handful of talented and like-minded women, some of whom are mothers who have returned to their fruitful careers after taking time off to raise their children. From accounting and design to building contacts and marketing, these women have been instrumental in Astrea’s growth. “Working with women and supporting women is important to the brand. Their dedication to hard work and their commitment to helping out is amazing,” Ferrini remarks. 

Films and TV shows, including the Netflix documentary Nothing Lasts Forever, provide an enlightening perspective on the synthetic diamond business. Deeply moved by the documentary themselves, founders Ferrini and Morrison hope others will feel inspired to learn more about the reinvigorated industry.

“The diamond industry is moving toward lab diamonds, and we can foresee mined diamonds gradually disappearing as a whole, as diamond mines are no longer economically viable.” Ferrini indicates. “We aim to continue building the brand and leading the charge in this evolution.”