Redefining Luxury: A Conversation with Akshie Jhaveri of Grown Brilliance

Akshie Jhaveri is a trailblazer in the jewelry industry, bringing innovation and sustainability to the forefront with her lab-grown diamond brand, Grown Brilliance. With deep roots in the world of fine jewelry and a fresh perspective on the future of diamonds, Akshie’s journey is as inspiring as the pieces her brand creates. We sat down with her to dive deeper into her story and the ethos behind Grown Brilliance.

Akshie, thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Let’s start at the beginning. Where does your story begin?

Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to share this journey. My story really begins with my family. I was born into a family of jewelers, and I grew up watching the craft firsthand. From a young age, I was fascinated by diamonds and the artistry involved in creating beautiful pieces. My father played a huge role in sparking that passion in me.

As I got older, I knew I wanted to carry that legacy forward, but in a way that felt true to the changing times. I studied diamond grading and jewelry design at the Gemological Institute of America and spent years working in the U.S. retail industry, but I always had this dream of building something of my own. Eventually, that dream became Grown Brilliance.

It sounds like your journey was deeply rooted in tradition but also very forward-looking. Has it been a smooth path to get here? What were some of the challenges?

Oh, definitely not a smooth path! One of the biggest hurdles for me came early on—I lost my father when I was 16. It was a huge blow personally and professionally because he was my mentor. After that, it felt like I had even more to prove, not just to carry on his legacy but also to carve out my own identity.

Being a woman of color in an industry that’s historically dominated by a specific demographic also added its own set of challenges. I was entering the U.S. jewelry market, where a certain "type" of jeweler was typically seen at the forefront. But I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have mentors along the way who believed in me, pushed me, and helped me find my voice in this industry.

That’s so powerful. Tell us more about Grown Brilliance—what should people know about your brand?

Grown Brilliance was born from two things: my love for jewelry and my commitment to the environment. I wanted to create something beautiful that didn’t come at a cost to the planet. Lab-grown diamonds are the perfect solution—they offer the same beauty and quality as mined diamonds but without the environmental and ethical concerns.

We’re proud to be the largest lab-grown diamond-only online retailer in the U.S., and we offer everything from engagement rings and wedding bands to men’s jewelry and fashion pieces. But what really sets us apart is our High Jewelry collection. We’re the only brand offering one-of-a-kind designer pieces featuring lab-grown diamonds at this level of craftsmanship. It’s something I’m really proud of.

That’s incredible! The focus on sustainability is obviously a huge part of your brand’s DNA. Can you talk a bit more about what makes your process different?

Absolutely. We want our customers to feel good about every aspect of their purchase. So, beyond the fact that our diamonds are lab-grown and conflict-free, we’ve put a lot of thought into the design and production process. For example, we offer a truly frictionless experience—our custom pieces can be ready in just 14 days, and we’ve introduced thoughtful touches like adjustable chains on pendants and extra secure backs on earrings. It’s all about making the process stress-free and enjoyable for our customers.

It sounds like Grown Brilliance is about much more than just jewelry—it’s a whole experience. Where do you see the future of lab-grown diamonds and the jewelry industry heading?

I think lab-grown diamonds are the future. We’re seeing a shift in the way consumers think about luxury—people want products that reflect their values. Sustainability, transparency, and ethics are becoming as important as aesthetics. The stigma around lab-grown diamonds is fading fast because, at the end of the day, they’re real diamonds. They just happen to be grown in a lab, with a much smaller environmental footprint.

I also see technology playing an even bigger role in the design and customization process. Imagine being able to work with AI tools to design a piece that’s entirely unique to you. That’s something we’re excited about and exploring right now.

That’s so exciting! You clearly have a passion for both tradition and innovation. Before we wrap up, is there anything people might be surprised to learn about you?

I think people are often surprised to learn how hands-on I am with the design process. I travel frequently to meet with our artisans and spend a lot of time in our production facilities. Even though I’m leading a business, I’ve never lost that love for the creative side of things.

Another thing people might not know is that I draw a lot of inspiration from art and architecture. I’m a big believer that jewelry is wearable art, so I’m always looking to infuse new ideas from the world around me into our collections.

That’s so inspiring, Akshie. Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Any last thoughts before we close?

Thank you! I think I’d just like to say that Grown Brilliance is about more than just diamonds—it’s about making luxury more sustainable, more ethical, and more accessible. I’m really proud of how far we’ve come, but there’s so much more ahead. We’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the jewelry world.

You can find out more about Grown Brilliance and explore their stunning collections at grownbrilliance.com.