Lab-GrownSep 07, 2023
Swarovski’s Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry to Launch GloballyEditorsOct 04, 2023
Meet the Brand Making Lab-Grown Diamonds Cool
Minty Diamonds stands out for its fashion-forward collection.
The decision to utilize lab-grown diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires wasn’t a matter of cost for brand Minty Diamonds. Rather, it’s part of a conversation on material innovation. Pictured are lab-grown diamond, 18-karat gold, and layered ceramic eternity bands from the emerging label.
Artists must learn the rules of their trade before they subvert them.
Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollack first learned traditional painting techniques before they pioneered their signature abstract approaches to the medium.
The same holds true for many professions, diamond dealing included.
Amir Sidis-Simkhai isn’t a tech entrepreneur with dreams of disrupting the traditional jewelry industry model with his lab-grown diamond and gemstone jewelry line, Minty Diamonds.
Rather, he’s a fourth-generation industry member with decades of natural diamond expertise.
Sidis-Simkhai’s great-grandfather was the first to enter the jewelry world, paving the way for his grandfather, who specialized in diamonds. Sidis-Simkhai’s father is also a diamond dealer and his mother has her own jewelry brand.
The signature Minty Diamonds piece is a tennis bracelet comprised of lab-grown diamonds, recycled 18-karat gold, and two layers of ceramic.
The brand has formulated its ceramic colors to be gender neutral.
The ceramic is produced in northern Europe.
Most bracelets feature one lighter ceramic shade and one deeper hue for contrast.
The Israeli-born Sidis-Simkhai initially pursued law school before developing an interest in the family trade.
In the beginning of his diamond career he traveled extensively, buying diamonds in India and South Africa, with Israel as the ideal geographic base between markets including New York, Antwerp, and Hong Kong.
Eventually tiring of the travel, he joined his father’s company and set up shop in New York City where he raises his four children—two sets of twins.
It’s from this insider’s perspective that Sidis-Simkhai approaches lab-grown diamonds.
Minty Diamonds’ take on a two-stone ring involves lab-grown diamonds and lab-grown emeralds. This ivory ceramic is exclusive to Moda Operandi.
“In the beginning, people were very scared of lab-grown diamonds,” he recalls, “and there were people who were intrigued by it.”
He was in the latter camp, curious about the possibilities of this new slice of the market, watching as production methods were refined and colors improved to the point that, “now, perfect stones come out.”
While diamond dealers and retailers initially were polarized over the topic, Sidis-Simkhai notes that today, most simply want to offer their client what they want.
“I started offering [lab-grown diamonds] as an option to my natural diamond customers who wanted something bigger,” he says, noting that clients had started asking about them.
While many people remain opposed to the material, Sidis-Simkhai’s family’s reputation in the diamond industry made people trust him as he began working with lab-grown stones and sought to forge his own path.
“I didn’t want to be like everyone else,” he says.
The Minty Diamonds tennis bracelets can be connected to form a choker.
Natural diamonds still constitute the majority of Sidis-Simkhai’s business. His vision for lab-grown diamonds and other gems isn’t simply as another center stone option for a diamond engagement ring.
He has bigger ideas in mind. For him, lab-grown diamonds represent his “obsession with materials.”
They could be part of a new language of jewelry, he surmises, in which core concepts are the same but expressed in unique ways.
By chance, Sidis-Simkhai met an up-and-coming jewelry designer—who remains quietly and anonymously behind the scenes in their work for Minty Diamonds—who shares his passion for reimagining classic styles.
“We don’t want to reinvent the wheel,” Sidis-Simkhai says of their shared design inclinations, “but we want to look at [jewelry styles] a different way.”
Amir Sidis-Simkhai combined his diamond knowledge with his silent design partner’s innovative jewelry-making ideas. The two share a curiosity for new and unusual materials.
After launching with lab-grown diamonds, Minty Diamonds has expanded to include lab-grown sapphires and emeralds.
The two began to experiment with ceramic, sourcing a “jewelry-grade” zirconium dioxide used for high-end watches that is produced in northern Europe and analyzing how it looked when different colors were layered.
After years of experimentation, the building blocks of their brand were laid and Minty Diamonds was born.
Fine jewelry staples, like a tennis bracelet and eternity band, take on a new personality with lab-grown diamonds set in a two-layer ceramic bezel. The lab-grown stones have a practical element in these designs too, Sidis-Simkhai explains.
D- to F- color, VS clarity diamonds are necessary to pop against the chocolate brown, dusky navy blue, hunter green, and light pink ceramic shades. Natural diamonds of the same clarity and color grades would cost significantly more.
The ceramic colors lend Minty Diamonds a playful element but are restrained enough to feel grown up, rather than ultra-trendy. For some, the ceramic layers call to mind a layered cake, while for Sidis-Simkhai they evoke luxurious Italian Marchesi candies.
“We wanted each color to pop [by pairing a dark with a light],” he says. “When they are layered in a stack, it gives the colors purpose, almost.”
Two views of a Minty Diamonds lab-grown diamond, 18-karat gold, and ceramic huggie hoop earring
One of the latest Minty Diamonds styles, launched this year at Moda Operandi
A solitaire diamond necklace launched at Moda Operandi
So far, the Minty Diamond customer has proved to span a variety of ages and genders.
“It’s very current and different without being crazy,” says Sidis-Simkhai of the collection’s widespread popularity. “You don’t have to make a big statement by wearing it. It ends up appealing to everyone.”
The years of experimentation and refinement have crystallized the production process. Ceramic and recycled gold is set with lab-grown diamonds from Israel and the United States. There is some assembly in Italy—for the tennis bracelet, for example—and some assembly and finishing in New York.
Minty Diamonds officially launched in 2022 and found its first retail home this year at Moda Operandi. For that collection, Sidis-Simkhai and his design partner ventured into lab-grown sapphires and emeralds, as well as an ivory-colored ceramic that is exclusive to Moda.
The collection has expanded to two-stone rings and huggie hoop earrings, among other styles.
Minty doesn’t adhere to a biannual collection schedule but intends to expand its offerings annually.
The excitement of envisioning the possibilities of lab-grown diamonds keeps Sidis-Simkhai invigorated for the future.
“Now we’re closer to this idea where you could make an entire ring shank out of a [lab-grown] diamond; you can use lab-growns as different parts that you don’t usually use for [natural] diamonds in jewelry,” he says.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Editors
The Latest
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
