Latest news with #labgrown
Wall Street Journal
4 hours ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Lab-Grown Meat Goes Upscale With Faux Foie Gras
Can lab-grown foie gras find a niche in the luxury food market? Makers of lab-grown aka cell-cultured meat have pitched the product as a fix for our food chain's environmental and humanitarian issues. But it comes with its own baggage—it is expensive to produce, it can't nail the protein's texture and it starts 'life' as sludge.
Bloomberg
7 hours ago
- Science
- Bloomberg
Lab-Grown Salmon Set to Hit the Menu at Hot Seattle Oyster Bar
By and Kate Krader Save Seattle restaurant The Walrus and the Carpenter is known for its fresh oysters that showcase the terroir — or more accurately, merroir — of the waters in which they were raised. But starting in August, the restaurant will be serving fish that doesn't have a merroir at all because it's been grown from cells in a lab. The Walrus and the Carpenter will be the third restaurant in the world to serve startup Wildtype's lab-grown salmon.
Entrepreneur
5 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Post-COVID Luxury Isn't Louder — It's Ethical
Luxury is no longer defined by shine, but rather by story. In a market where meaning outpaces margin, brands built on values are rewriting the rules. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Luxury isn't about more anymore. It's about meaning. I've walked red carpets draped in elegance. I've stood on the aspirational side of the velvet ropes once seen as symbols of success. But over time, I've learned: if luxury comes at the cost of our conscience, it's not luxury…it's illusion. Today's luxury consumer isn't dazzled by shine alone. They're asking deeper questions: "Where did this come from?" "What's the real story behind it?" "Does this reflect who I am?" I've studied the diamond industry extensively. It's a clear case study in how legacy models are being challenged. Traditional mining comes with a staggering environmental price. A single carat can displace 250 tons of earth, consume four cubic meters of water and release 109 kg of CO₂ into the atmosphere. In contrast, most lab-grown diamonds are now being produced using clean, renewable energy, either having already transitioned or are actively shifting toward more sustainable sources. That's not a footprint. That's a crater. And people are waking up to it. The new standard is no longer just craftsmanship. It's consciousness. Until recently, luxury brands relied on opacity: unclear sourcing, inflated markups and hidden impacts. But the pandemic did more than disrupt supply chains. It rewired desire. We've hit an inflection point. And the brands leading the next chapter? They've already stopped pretending business as usual will work. Related: What Is Sustainable Fashion? Everything You Need To Know. The market shift When the world doubted, I said with conviction that diamonds were old school, and lab-grown was the future. But even I didn't realize how fast that future would arrive. What we're seeing now is a full-blown shift. In India, where heritage is prized, and in Europe, where tradition defines value, the next generation is buying with both eyes open. When we started Solitario, a jewelry brand specializing in lab-grown diamonds, we knew we were doing more than launching a product. We were challenging a legacy industry to evolve. In countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where diamond mining is rampant, the downstream effects are devastating: Deforestation, water contamination and loss of biodiversity. On top of that, illegal trafficking in these regions funds armed conflict, destabilizing entire communities. This is what luxury used to hide behind price tags. But that mask has slipped. We didn't polish the narrative. We cleaned it up until only the truth remained. We engineered traceability into our model. No exploitation, no greenwashing, no fluff. Just a product that stands on the merits of both ethics and aesthetics. In Europe, 70% of luxury shoppers consider sustainability adoption by luxury brands important, while the U.S. market is catching up. Research shows that a quarter of American consumers in this bracket consider ethics as very important in their purchasing decisions, and we expect that trend to accelerate. If your product's story can't be told with pride, then it's time to rewrite it. Related: Why Having A Strong Brand Isn't a Luxury — But a Necessity The business case for sustainable luxury The lab-grown diamond market is projected to grow in financial value at nearly 10% annually, reaching $55.6 billion by 2031. So, from our perspective, our main challenge is how to scale sustainably in a strictly business sense whilst maintaining environmental consciousness. The old luxury playbook of over-capitalized, high-margin, limited distribution is being outpaced. Today, brands that lead with values are drawing real traction through lean, franchise-driven models. We've had 70+ franchise requests land in our inbox. Not through paid intermediaries. Just brand conviction alone. In my experience, vertical integration through direct lab relationships also provides better control over quality and costs. Governments are taking notice. India now offers zero import duties on lab-grown diamond seeds and machinery, positioning the sector as a strategic national industry. Meanwhile, institutional capital is getting pickier. ESG regulations are tightening. And Millennials and Gen Z, now the dominant consumer base for diamonds in the U.S. and China, don't chase labels. We didn't scale because we shouted louder. We scaled because we listened better. These generations are value-aligned rather than brand-loyal and demand traceability. The question isn't whether traditional luxury brands can evolve. It's whether they can do it fast enough to stay relevant in a world that now expects receipts: ethical, operational and financial. Rewriting the rulebook What's happening in luxury jewelry is part of a larger trend and even cultural movement. The next decade of business will belong to those who can hold profit and purpose in the same breath. From carbon fiber in wristwear to ethical innovations in edtech and agritech, disruption now means more than invention. It means intention. For every venture I back, I ask two questions: Is it good for business? Is it good for the world? If the answer isn't yes to both, it's a pass. Moral conviction and market clarity are not mutually exclusive. It's more than OK to have a clear conscience and make your model scalable and profitable. If we can make luxury cleaner, fairer and still perform at an IPO level, then we have rewritten the rulebook. Our upcoming IPO, for example, is grounded in unit economics and capital-efficient expansion. Our growth has come without heavy debt or marketing bloat, simply because the underlying business model works. Put another way, values scale better than virality. Redefining luxury This approach is attracting institutional attention precisely because it is designed for scrutiny. That is the real disruptive factor. What we are really witnessing is luxury itself being redefined. As leaders, it's our duty not to simply reflect culture, but to help shape it. So I suggest using what I call "weaponized curiosity" to build better systems. Instead of asking, "What will sell?", a better angle is, "What will serve?" That is how we will build a new legacy for the generations to come.
Associated Press
04-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Solomonjeweler Unveils the 2025 Standard for Premium Diamond Rings: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
Once upon a time, the definition of a 'premium' diamond ring was simple: the bigger the stone, the higher the price. But in 2025, luxury has a new language—one written in sustainability, personalization, technology, and values. For the modern buyer, a premium diamond ring isn't just about clarity and carat. It's about what the ring says, how it was made, and who it represents. In short, the story matters just as much as the sparkle. Solomon Jewelers offers a stunning and extensive collection of diamond rings, crafted to celebrate every special moment. So what truly defines a premium diamond ring in this new era? Let's break it down. 1. Stone Origin: Ethically Sourced or Lab-Grown Excellence The old debate between mined and lab-grown diamonds has settled into a new understanding: both can be premium—if transparency is there. What Matters Now: Premium now means clean conscience, clean cut. 2. Craftsmanship & Customization: The Artisan Era In 2025, mass production no longer impresses. Instead, luxury is deeply tied to craftsmanship and personalization. A premium diamond ring today is often: Buyers value rings that feel like one-of-one pieces, not replicas from a display case. Even high-tech brands now blend CAD design with old-world bench skills to achieve this premium balance. 3. Sustainability as a Signature Feature Luxury in 2025 is eco-aware by default. Premium rings go beyond just sparkle to offer sustainable practices from start to finish. What this looks like: Some of the most celebrated ring brands now highlight eco-consciousness as part of their premium identity—because buyers want their values reflected in their purchases. 4. Technology Integration: From Sourcing to Service Premium now includes digital transparency and convenience. Technology has raised expectations for how premium rings are bought and experienced. Key 2025 tech trends: Customer service is also smarter: live chats, virtual consultations, and even AI stylists are now part of the luxury experience. 5. Certification, Clarity & Confidence In a world where information is everywhere, buyers want the hard facts. Premium diamond rings now come with comprehensive, user-friendly documentation. Expectations include: Premium isn't just about the product—it's about helping buyers understand what they're buying and why it matters. 6. Brand Integrity & Storytelling In 2025, the brand behind the ring is just as important as the ring itself. Premium buyers align with labels that share their values—authenticity, diversity, inclusivity, and purpose. Today's top-tier brands: Premium now means emotional resonance, not just price point. 7. Design That Marries Tradition with Modern Edge Design matters. Premium rings in 2025 often merge timeless silhouettes with bold design details, reflecting both tradition and individuality. Popular motifs include: The premium standard is now timeless with a twist—refined, yet personal. Final Thought: Premium Is Personal A premium diamond ring in 2025 is not simply a status symbol—it's a statement of values, identity, and longevity. It's a mix of brilliance, backstory, responsibility, and innovation. Ultimately, the definition of premium has shifted from what's most expensive to what's most meaningful. Whether lab-grown or mined, handcrafted or high-tech, the best rings today are the ones that reflect the people who wear them—and the lives they're building together. Media Contact Company Name: Solomonjeweler Contact Person: Michael Email: Send Email City: New York Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Solomonjeweler Unveils the 2025 Standard for Premium Diamond Rings: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
Entrepreneur
25-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
D2C Jewellery Brand GIVA Secures INR 530 Cr Led by Creaegis
The newly secured capital will be used to expand GIVA's retail and digital presence, upgrade its tech-enabled supply chain, strengthen its lab-grown diamond offerings, and diversify into new product categories. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. D2C fine jewellery brand GIVA has raised INR 530 crore in a fresh funding round led by growth-stage investment firm Creaegis. Existing investors Premji Invest, Epiq Capital, and Edelweiss Discovery Fund also participated in the round. The newly secured capital will be used to expand GIVA's retail and digital presence, upgrade its tech-enabled supply chain, strengthen its lab-grown diamond offerings, and diversify into new product categories. The brand, known for bringing affordable luxury to modern Indian consumers, is setting its sights on tier II cities as part of its aggressive offline expansion plan. "Welcoming Creaegis as a lead investor in this round marks an important step in our growth journey," said Ishendra Agarwal, Founder, GIVA. "Their deep expertise in building digital-first, consumer-centric businesses makes them an ideal partner as we scale our omni-channel presence and strengthen our capabilities across product, technology, and operations." Founded in 2019 by Ishendra Agarwal and Nikita Prasad, GIVA began with a focus on 925 sterling silver jewellery. Since then, it has evolved to include 14K/18K gold and lab-grown diamond jewellery, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and elegant jewellery options. The Bengaluru-based brand offers a wide range of minimalist designs, including pendants, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and chains. Prakash Parthasarathy, Managing Partner and CIO at Creaegis, said, "We are excited to partner with GIVA as they embark on their next phase of growth in the everyday wear fine jewellery segment. The company's strong digital presence, omni-channel capabilities, and product innovation position it well for market leadership." Today, GIVA operates through over 240 physical stores across India and plans to add 145–150 more this year, focusing on untapped demand in smaller cities. In a key leadership development, Aditya Labroo, previously Chief Operating Officer, has been elevated to Co-founder, recognising his crucial contributions to the company's rapid ascent.
