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.
More on Editors
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
