Tell us more about your journey as a female diamond trader.
Céline: I began my journey working as a diamond grader at IGI, where I was grading an average of 150 diamonds per day. This experience gave me a profound understanding of diamond quality and authenticity. Then, (now fifteen years ago!), I met my husband Rob, who, I like to think, was taken in by my sharp eyes… He invited me to join him in leading Diamond House’s international expansion, which marked a pivotal moment in my career. This opportunity allowed me to apply my expertise in the diamond industry to new ventures and markets.
Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of establishing and growing Diamond House Jewellery’s presence across Antwerp, London, and Dublin. Our focus has always been on offering exceptional diamonds, transparent pricing, and innovative designs tailored to the unique tastes and preferences of each market.
You mentioned a growing trend of women between the ages of 45 and 65 purchasing diamond jewellery for themselves. What insights can you share about this phenomenon?
This trend reflects the empowerment and independence of today’s accomplished women. These are often hardworking professionals who balance successful careers with family responsibilities. They value diamonds not just as symbols of elegance and style but as expressions of their achievements and personal milestones.
In fact, this has led to the rise of the “self-reward ring”—a piece of jewellery these women purchase to celebrate their successes and honour their journey. These women are an absolute joy to work with. They know exactly what they want, are straightforward in their communication, and bring a vibrant energy to the table. Collaborating with them to create meaningful and beautiful pieces that resonate with their unique personalities and achievements is a true privilege.
The rise of the “self-reward ring” reflects a powerful trend: women celebrating their successes and honouring their unique journeys with a piece of jewellery that tells their story.
When it comes to selecting diamond jewellery, do these women typically prefer natural or lab-grown diamonds?
Always natural! Don’t forget, natural diamonds are a long-term investment, whereas lab-grown diamonds keep on losing their value as we speak. These women highly value the authenticity and longevity of natural diamonds, appreciating their cross-generational significance. They cherish the idea of leaving behind meaningful treasures that carry their legacy forward.
Could you tell us about the composition of your design team? Do you specifically surround yourself with women, and if so, why?
Although the diamond industry sadly remains a man’s world, I prioritize including women on our design team whenever possible. The women in our team possess a unique understanding of what appeals to other women in jewellery design.
Do you produce everything in Belgium?
We primarily source our diamonds and precious stones from Antwerp, a global hub where around 80% of the world’s diamonds pass through. However, there are occasions when we need to look beyond Antwerp’s $8 billion inventory to find the perfect gem.
Most of our jewellery pieces are crafted in Antwerp, particularly those requiring intricate handwork. I also travel frequently to Italy for manufacturing. Italy holds a special place in my heart—not only for its incredible cuisine but also for its unmatched craftsmanship and attention to detail. The country is home to a network of small, family-run workshops that produce exquisite works of art, especially in jewellery.
Antwerp remains a global hub where around 80% of the world’s diamonds pass through.
To finish, in your own words, what does working with Diamond House mean for your clients?
Our clients often praise us for the way we educate them—not just about comparing diamonds but also about the do’s and don’ts when discussing a design. We are incredibly proud of what Diamond House offers. Our clients benefit from decades of expertise and our unwavering dedication to crafting unique pieces that reflect their individuality.
Each client receives personalized service that goes beyond the purchase. At this level, we are the only jewellers to offer free lifetime resizing and servicing for our jewellery.
Many of our clients who contact us find us either through word-of-mouth or because our prices are exceptionally competitive compared to branded jewellery. A great number of them come to us after conducting thorough research into “who offers what at what price” in this high-end industry.
For us, the client always comes first and foremost—and that will never change!
