Kimaï, the fine jewellery brand using lab-grown diamonds, raises €1M funding

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In general, a natural diamond takes years to crystallise its carbon atom deep within the earth. With the rapid growth in technology, scientists have managed to recreate the environment where the diamond can be grown in a laboratory in a matter of weeks. 

However, these lab-grown diamonds have revolutionised the jewellery world with opposition from the diamond miners. According to growers, their diamonds are ethical and sustainable, and on the other hand, miners claim that the diamond mined from the earth can be considered real or precious.

Raised €1 million!

In this regard, Kimaï is a direct-to-consumer fine jewellery brand founded by Sidney Neuhaus and Jessica Warch in November 2018. Recently, the company has secured $1.2 million (approx €1 million) seed funding round led by Talis Capital. 

Matus Maar, co-founder and managing partner at Talis Capital, a London-based VC firm, says: 

We have followed Jessica and Sidney’s journey since inception and have been impressed by their vision and brilliant execution. They know how to use technology to better engage with their customers and create ethical but also beautiful designs straight to your door. We look forward to helping them shake up the 87 billion traditional diamond industry.

Accelerate growth and expand team 

Investors in the company include fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff, the Head of the Facebook App, Fidji Simo, and billionaire businessman Xavier Niel. Early adopters of the brand include The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, Emma Watson, and Jessica Alba. 

With this funding, the brand aims to continue to grow its customer base, expand the current product offerings, and build a team in New York and Antwerp. 

How did it start?

Having grown up in diamond-trading families, both Jessica Warch and Sidney Neuhaus wanted to change the outdated practices that have plagued the industry with controversies. Since they were mainly concerned with the uncertainty and opacity surrounding diamonds, the founders started looking out for alternatives and discovered lab-grown diamonds. 

Neuhaus said: 

We are not talking about cubic zirconia or crystals, but diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to their mined counterparts without the environmental or social impact.

Transparency, innovation, and inclusivity!

With lab-grown diamonds, the duo brings to life their desire for ethical fine jewellery without having to compromise on quality or design. Notably, the pieces are handmade in Antwerp, using the highest-quality lab-grown diamonds and 18k recycled gold.

Quality diamond at a fraction of cost

Kimaï aims to bring transparency, innovation, and inclusivity to a consciously-minded generation of consumers, without compromising on design or quality. By selling directly to customers online, Kimaï is able to offer the same quality found at luxury jewellers, at a fraction of the price. 

Warch added:

We believe in a world where luxury is more than just a price-tag. It’s about the highest- quality products, the most transparent processes, and highly inclusive experience.

Image credit: Kimai

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