INAUGURAL LAB-GROWN DIAMOND SYMPOSIUM

Ahmed Bin Sulayem

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC

Ahmed Bin Sulayem is the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC and has driven its growth from a start-up of 28 member companies in 2003 to the world’s leading free zone in 2021 with over 19,000 member companies from 180 countries, employing over 65,000 people.

Tasked with enhancing commodity trade flows through Dubai, DMCC has introduced to the market a number of value-added products and services under Mr Bin Sulayem’s leadership. In 2021, DMCC has been named the ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by The Financial Times fDi Magazine, for a record seventh consecutive year.

Mr Bin Sulayem oversaw the exponential growth of the DMCC Free Zone master development in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a 200-hectare business and residential community in Dubai of over 100,000 people living and working across 87 towers. Mr Bin Sulayem also oversees the development of DMCC’s latest real estate project; the much-anticipated Uptown Dubai district.

Mr Bin Sulayem currently serves as the Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX).

The Kimberley Process officially appointed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the first and only Arab country to Chair the Kimberley Process in November 2015. Shortly after, the UAE Ministry of Economy officially appointed Mr Bin Sulayem as the UAE’s Chair of the Kimberley Process for 2016.

Toby Cruse

General Manager – Rough Diamonds, Diamond Foundry

Toby Cruse is a diamond industry sales leader, currently working at Diamond Foundry as the General Manager for their rough diamond division. He is a gemologist and geologist by training and has been in the diamond sales arena for over 20 years, living and working in the key trading hubs of Belgium, Israel, Southern Africa and Dubai.

Toby previously worked at De Beers, heading up rough sales for India, Dubai and Israel.

Tom Chatham

Chairman of the Board, Chatham Created Gems

Tom Chatham grew up in San Francisco with a front-row seat to his father Carroll Chatham’s pioneering crystal growth work. He learned from his father early on that if you wanted something, you needed to get a job to buy it. He sold Christmas wreaths, had a paper route, and bought his first car at 15 – even though he didn’t have a driver’s license. Tom tried to love chemistry as his father did, but he was more inclined to want to make things, such as the car engines he tinkered with at an after-school job at an auto body/engine repair shop.

Tom spent a little more than two years at college in Santa Cruz, before joining his father at Chatham Research Labs in 1965. He knew he could learn more working at his father’s than he would in school. He learned how to build furnaces, document experiments, and refine the growing process and materials. He was involved in the first flux ruby research, followed by the development of many sapphire colours and a flux-grown alexandrite. He was instrumental in establishing business relationships with international production facilities to cut their rough gemstones and helped his father figure out how to market their gemstones.

Tom joined the American Gem Society AGS in 1970 and received his Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America in 1970. He has been a featured speaker at many AGS Conclaves and spoke to GIA students about lab-grown gemstones for more than 30 years.

Carroll Chatham was not able to fulfil his boyhood dream of making diamonds, so Tom pursued that dream on his behalf after his death. This took him on challenging, worldwide adventures until 1993 when Chatham Created Gems Inc. announced its introduction of laboratory-grown diamonds from Siberia. The search expanded to Ukraine, where white diamonds were achieved and introduced at the 1996 JCK Show in Las Vegas. Chatham introduced lab-grow pink, yellow and blue diamonds in 2001.

Tom Chatham has authored numerous trade publication articles and editorials over his many years in the gem and jewellery industry. He is a member of the International Grown Diamond Association (IGDA), which works to educate consumers on lab-grown diamonds and promote ethical industry standards for lab-grown diamonds.

Tom stepped down as president and CEO of Chatham Created Gems in 2015 but remains Chairman of the Board. He and his wife Dianna live in San Francisco and often enjoy month-long vacations in Cabo, Mexico.

Dr M.S. Ramachandra

Senior Professor Indian, Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras

Dr M.S. Ramachandra Rao (MSR) is a Senior Professor at the premier institute, IIT Madras and a fellow of the Institute of Physics (FInstP), UK. After graduating with M.Sc. and PhD degrees from IIT Kharagpur, Prof. Rao was a post-doctoral research scientist at CNRS, Bellevue Labs, France, and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bombay. He was an Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) fellow (Germany); JSPS fellow and JST fellow (Japan); visiting faculty at the University of Maryland, College Park from 2002-2004 (USA); visiting faculty in the ERASMUS-MUNDUS master’s program (MaMaSELF) since 2005 (France, Germany and Italy) and an adjunct faculty of Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) (Japan).

He has supervised 30 PhD students, and about 100 undergraduate and postgraduate students; published 325 research papers in peer-reviewed journals. He has 25 patents and 5 technology transfers. His group’s work on diamond coatings fetched them the 1^st prize in a national-level competition (Dare-to-dream) initiated by the Prime Minister of India in 2019.

Prof. Rao has a start-up in IIT Madras Research Park that is based on diamond coating technologies for various applications. Prof. Rao’s group won a grant for establishing a centre of excellence to explore the quantum properties and device prospects of diamonds and recently, his group received a big grant from the government of India to establish a lab-grown diamond centre at IIT Madras. MSR’s group is all geared up for developing equipment and processes to produce and explore diamonds not only as gem-quality material but also as the next-generation semiconductor and electronic material for a plethora of applications.

Dr Martin Leake

Special Advisor - Precious Stones, DMCC

Dr Martin Leake is a Special Advisor for Precious Stones at DMCC. Appointed to the position in June 2018, Martin is responsible for expanding and diversifying DMCC’s Precious Stone portfolio and helping Dubai grow into the world’s number one diamond-trading hub.

As Company Secretary of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), Martin focuses on driving trade through the Exchange by forging, and strengthening commercial partnerships with stakeholders across the diamond industry, to improve governance, compliance and responsible sourcing. He also chairs the organising committee for DMCC’s flagship diamond event, the Dubai Diamond Conference (DDC).

With over 15 years of experience in marketing both rough and polished diamonds, Martin is an expert on the economics of diamond mining, and an internationally recognised exploration geologist in gold, diamonds, copper, iron ore and coal.

Prior to joining DMCC, Martin worked with BHP Billiton Diamonds Marketing and Grib Diamonds and has extensive experience in marketing, sales and business development. Across his career, Martin has lived and worked in 10 countries spanning Africa, Europe, Australia North and South America, and the Middle East.

Martin is a Board Member of the World Diamond Council, a member of the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

He holds a BSc (Hons) in Geology and a PhD in Exploration Geology from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.

Hasu Dholakiya

Founder, Craft Lab Grown Diamonds

Hasu Dholakiya, the esteemed founder of Craft Lab Grown Diamonds, exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities that have contributed to the company's success as one of the industry's leading lab-grown diamond and jewellery manufacturers.

Throughout his career, Hasu has consistently demonstrated a strong vision, enabling him to navigate the company through the ever-evolving market landscape. His forward-thinking approach, combined with an unwavering commitment to innovation, has allowed Craft Lab Grown Diamonds to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge.

In recent years, Hasu has turned his focus towards sustainability, recognizing its importance in the luxury jewellery industry. He is dedicated to implementing eco-friendly practices and responsible sourcing throughout Craft Lab Grown Diamonds operations, ensuring the company meets and exceeds environmental and social standards. This includes using only recycled gold, solar-powered facilities, and SCS Certification. The shift in focus aligns with the growing consumer demand for ethical products and further solidifies Craft Lab Grown Diamonds' commitment to a better future.

A natural collaborator, Hasu fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment where open communication and creative problem-solving are encouraged. By valuing and investing in his team, he promotes a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, which has led to the development of numerous ground-breaking products.

His keen strategic understanding and ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities have been pivotal in securing exclusive partnerships with renowned brands such as Jenny Packham and Pronovias. As a compassionate and inspiring leader, Hasu has not only driven Craft Lab Grown Diamonds to achieve remarkable success but also cultivated a loyal and motivated team that shares his dedication to excellence and sustainability.

With Hasu Dholakiya at the helm, Craft Lab Grown Diamonds continues to solidify its position as a distinguished player in the world of fine jewellery, serving as a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the company's growth and development.

Heather Ingraham

Diamond and Bridal Buyer, Hyde Park Jewelers

Heather Ingraham is a progressive leader in the diamond jewelry industry, with over 20 years of experience. She is an avid learner, adventurer, and advocate of generosity and adaptation. Starting her journey as a part-time jeweler, Heather's passion for jewelry led her to become a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Graduate Gemologist and work with esteemed companies like Borsheims Fine Jewelry. During her 19-year tenure there, she achieved remarkable feats, including developing high-revenue proprietary diamond shapes and curating unique experiences for prestigious events.

Heather's commitment to social responsibility is evident through her collaboration with the Kalahari Dream Diamond, where she worked towards improving the lives of people in southern Africa. She successfully funded a water project that benefited thousands of individuals, leaving a lasting impact.

Recognizing the potential of lab-grown diamonds, Heather became an early adopter and played a pioneering role in introducing lab-grown diamond jewelry to retail stores in 2016. Her career later led her to Hyde Park Jewelers, where she spearheaded the transformation of one store into an exclusive lab-grown diamond jewelry destination, resulting in tremendous success.

Inspired by this triumph, Michael Pollak, the owner of Hyde Park Jewelers and Heather Ingraham, are raising funds to establish GRWN, an innovative lab-grown diamond retail model. With the guidance of renowned figures like Aleali May and Tommy Hilfiger, GRWN aims to become the most respectable lab-grown diamond retailer in the United States, offering bold, beautiful, and highly distinctive jewelry for the modern consumer.

Dr Snehal Patel

CEO, Bhanderi Lab Grown Diamonds

Liang Weizhang

Senior Strategy Advisor, Crysdiam Technology Co., Ltd.

Mr Liang Weizhang, Senior Strategy Advisor of Crysdiam Co., Ltd., is one of the top growers of CVD lab-grown diamonds in the world. He served as the international focal point and a key member of the Kimberley Process Certification Team of China from 2003 to 2018, having extensive connections with the global diamond industry. In 2015, Liang became the founding president of Guangzhou Diamond Exchange which is currently one of the three WFDB members in China. Under his leadership, Guangzhou Diamond Exchange launched the trading service for lab-grown diamonds in 2019, taking advantage of the large market opportunity and great producing capacity of lab-grown diamonds in China, to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the industry.

Amish Shah

Founder, ALTR Created Diamonds and J’evar

Amish Shah, the Founder of ALTR Created Diamonds and J'evar, is a disruptor and passionate technology enthusiast with a profound appreciation for diamonds and Jewelry. As a third-generation scion of a prestigious Jewellery-making family, renowned for serving royalty since 1933, Amish carries a rich heritage within the industry. His journey commenced in 1992 when he acquired invaluable experience working in his family's diamond and fine Jewellery business in India. In 2001, he embarked on a new chapter by joining R & R Grosbard in New York, which he subsequently transformed into a global powerhouse. Ten years later, he assumed leadership and established the esteemed R. A. Riam Group in New York.

Amish, recognizing the immense potential of lab-grown diamonds and fine Jewelry, pioneered their marketing globally in June 2006, marking a significant milestone as the world's first marketer of these ground-breaking products. In 2016, he founded ALTR Created Diamonds with a visionary mission to revolutionize the diamond industry and shape its future. ALTR swiftly emerged as a pioneering vertically integrated diamond enterprise, providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions, and setting new benchmarks with the creation of the purest form of Type IIa diamonds. Amish's expertise and influential insights have garnered attention from esteemed global publications such as BBC, Fox News, Washington Post, Crains New York, Forbes, CNBC, and others.

In 2023, Amish embarked on a new venture by establishing J'EVAR, a luxury fine Jewellery brand that places a strong emphasis on consumer satisfaction. At J'EVAR, the fusion of tradition and contemporary design takes centre stage, reflecting meticulous attention to detail. The brand prides itself on the exquisite crafting of luxury Jewellery that pushes the boundaries of creativity while embodying a philosophy where sustainability and beauty seamlessly coexist. With an unwavering commitment to sustainable luxury, J'EVAR employs carbon-neutral lab-grown diamonds and recycled metals. Amish's steadfast passion for jewelry, technology, and sustainability has positioned him as a trailblazer in the industry, and J'EVAR is poised to redefine the landscape of luxury Fine Jewellery.

Vishal Mehta

Founder and CEO, Lumex DMCC

Vishal Mehta is the Founder and CEO of LUMEX DMCC, a lab-grown diamond manufacturing company founded in 2018. The company currently operates in the United States, United Arab Emirates, and India and delivers both loose diamonds and finished jewellery to its customers.

Prior to starting his own company, Vishal Mehta spent his career in his family business, Rosy Blue, in the natural diamond Industry. Vishal spends 16 years in various roles that spanned from mining, rough diamond trading, and diamond manufacturing. Vishal Mehta has operated businesses on three continents.

Vishal has BA Sc. from Babson College and has a graduate diamonds certification from The Gemological Institute of America.

Laura Chavez

Founder, Lark & Berry

Laura Chavez launched Lark & Berry in late 2018, the first fine jewellery designer brand exclusively using only lab-grown diamonds and stones.

Since then, Lark & Berry jewellery has been worn at the Oscars, Golden Globes, Met Gala, amfAR, the BFA’s and many other red-carpet events and world television appearances, including by celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Kate Beckinsale, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Regina King, and Helen Mirren. Lark & Berry was named one of the Great British Brands of 2020.

Laura’s efforts have disrupted a 100-year-old industry and faced resistance. But despite the pushback, she has become known in her field for her inspired encouragement of other brands to use lab-grown diamonds and for her regard of them as allies in the fight to change the way we buy jewellery. Laura’s approach has garnered coverage from Vanity Fair, Forbes, The Daily Mail, CNN, Marie Claire, Glamour, and many more major titles.

A global citizen, Laura has lived in several countries before calling London home. She received a degree in economics from Rice University in Texas and her MBA from London Business School.

Vandana M. Jagwani

Founder, Vandals

Vandana Jagwani is an outlier, so aware of aesthetics, sentiment, and culture, she is not only reminiscent of it but also a purveyor. An Alumni of Babson and Regents, she has been working around the clock in private the past year like the street artist idols she lends inspiration from. She’s built Vandals in secrecy away from the eyes that might criticise the trespassing nature of what she seeks to create. Is it trespassing if you’re laying a new path?

Vandals, designed by Vandana Jagwani (hailing from the Mahesh Notandass lineage), isn’t just a second-generation outlook or of age-old traditions, rather this emerges as a layer of creativity over an existing structure that is focused on revitalizing what we think is possible. Reimagining a new jewellery culture, with jewels that are cultured. The diversity of life is in the spectrum of its hues.

Nirav Jogani

Director and Vice Chairman, RSM Astute and Lemon Consultech Groups

Nirav Jogani is a senior Chartered Accountant with over 27 years of experience as an expert consultant, especially for the G&J industry. He is also a thought leader in the industry on ESG-Sustainability, BPP-RJC-traceability standards, strategy, operations, HR and finance.

Nirav is the director of the Lemon Consultech group and RSM India, with a direct reporting team of 500 people. Lemon Consultech has offices in India, UAE, USA, Hong Kong and Botswana while RSM India is part of RSM International, the 6th largest accounting-consulting group worldwide with offices in 120 countries. The technology arms of Lemon Group viz. Lemon Technologies and Lemon Technomist are the most innovative technology companies in the G&J Industry.

Further, Nirav also leads Lemon Emerging Ventures LLP and is also the director of the 1Crowd AIF fund, with total funding of more than US$ 100 M in the Indian and global startup ecosystem as well as mature companies through these funds. ESG and sustainability are the underlying themes and current focus of these funds which highlights the group’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Pooja Sheth Madhavan

Founder and Managing Director, Limelight Lab-Grown Diamonds

Pooja Madhavan aspires to create a luxury niche in the world for lab-grown CVD diamonds from India. Hailing from an investment banking background, Pooja has amassed her knowledge from leading global education schools such as the London School of Economics and Harvard Business School, USA. Having previously worked as an investment banker for Barclays Capital in London, her sound understanding of management coupled with a global perspective sets her apart as the new-age leader, this has resulted in establishing the brand to be the new wave of brilliance in India.

Roland Lorie

CEO, International Gemological Institute (IGI)

Miraj Patel

Chief Sales Officer, Greenlab Diamonds

Miraj Patel is a driven and determined professional who has achieved a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship from the University of San Francisco.

Armed with a strong background in engineering and entrepreneurship, Miraj applied his knowledge of technology to lead the development of new strategies and data-driven approaches in his family business. This young graduate joined in family-run company Greenlab Diamonds LLP, a leading manufacturer of lab-grown diamonds in the world.

He demonstrated a keen business acumen by efficiently applying what he had studied to introduce technological advancements. He quickly rose through the ranks and now currently serves as the Chief Sales Officer of the company. Fluid and service-oriented, Miraj knows how to tackle complex challenges, increasing customer and client satisfaction. His ability to lead and motivate teams have resulted in improved efficiency, revenue generation and positive customer feedback. With a genuine passion for people and a commitment to excellence, he has been successful in both sales and customer service. He regularly provides employees with mentorship and insights to bring out the best in them and works to create a positive work environment.

Miraj is confident in his own abilities and has the tenacity to take the extra step towards success. His outstanding efforts have helped to build products and services that have differentiated Greenlab Diamonds, ultimately helping the company to flourish and bring continuous success in the long term.

Arnav Mehta

Managing Director, Star Blue Jewels

• Over 15 years experience in the diamond and jewellery industry; a family business with 54 years in the jewellery industry with manufacturing and distribution presence across seven countries such as India, USA, Australia, China, UAE, Belgium, and Botswana.
• Manages an international organisation with over 2000 employees and a conglomerate over five continents.
• Launched and managed consumer diamond brands and special cuts in the USA, Australia, Europe, and China through 20 retail partner networks.
• Spearheaded the development of laboratory-grown product vertical across the growing, polishing and marketing of diamonds.