For this talk, our Editorial Director Nina Sophia-Miralles and a panel of experts across jewellery and sustainability came together for an evening exploring the future of diamonds. We looked at the current state of the diamond industry and discussed the key differences between mined diamonds and lab grown gems. The rise in manufacture of lab grown diamonds and ever evolving techniques for their creation is beginning to impact the traditional diamond sector. We explored how our cultural opinion of diamonds is shifting as a result of these changes and what more needs to be done to ensure a sustainable future for the industry.

Laura Chavez

Laura is the founder and Managing Director of Lark and Berry, a cultivated diamond jewellery brand. Her brand launched in 2017, following her frustration at not being able to find affordable, high quality jewellery that guaranteed ethically mined diamonds. She finally found her solution in lab grown gems. The line is designed by world-renowned jewellery designer Katie Rowland and has been worn on the red carpet by model Martha Hunt at Cannes Film Festival. Lark and Berry is available online and at their standalone Fitzrovia store.

Gemological Institute of America

Established in 1931, G.I.A. is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, coloured stones, and pearls. A public benefit, nonprofit institute, G.I.A. is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewellery.

Carol Woolton

Carol is a writer, journalist and jewellery editor of British Vogue. As a leading jewellery authority she lectures, comments, and curates exhibitions. She has contributed to a variety of publications including Vogue titles worldwide, The Financial Times, Daily Telegraph, Spectator Magazine and How to Spend it Magazine. She was Tatler Magazine’s first jewellery editor. She is the author of four books covering the broad spectrum of antique and historic jewels to contemporary styles.

Olivia Pinnock

Olivia has covered the fashion industry for the likes of Forbes, Drapers and The Future Laboratory, regularly exploring innovations and developments in sustainability. In May 2016 she launched The Fashion Debates, a series of panel discussions covering ethical issues affecting the industry from the health of models to vegan fashion to the lack of diverse beauty ideals and the environmental pollution caused. She is also a lecturer in fashion journalism, branding and communication.