Kimai

About Kimai

Founded by best friends, Jessica Warch and Sidney Neuhaus who both grew up in diamond trading families in Antwerp. They started Kimai with a unique expertise and a frustration for the lack of transparency and ethics found in mining and across the jewellery industry. They decided to forge their own way by using 100% traceable lab-grown diamonds and recycled 18k gold, creating fine jewelry that doesn't cost the earth, and pushing design boundaries in the traditional engagement ring space.

Behind The Brand

What was the spark for beginning your brand?

We were both born into families who worked in the diamond trade in Antwerp, but when we became aware of the inner workings of the industry (murky supply chains, child labour, negative impacts on the planet and local communities) – we wanted to do things differently, which is not easy in an old fashioned and traditional industry that doesn’t like change. At 18, we both moved to London. Sidney trained to become a certified gemologist and Jessica studied Business and Finance. Then, in autumn 2018, we started exploring new options and discovered lab-grown diamonds. At the time, this concept was still new. This was our lightbulb moment. We had been looking for a way to make the industry we loved more ethical and relevant for our generation, and we’d found it.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Our brand has evolved significantly since its launch. Now, we embrace a bolder direction. We’re not afraid to create pieces that feature more gold and diamonds. Despite this evolution, our design philosophy remains rooted in minimalism. One of our signature design elements is our take on curves and movements of gold while playing with diamonds. We love to explore how these elements interact, creating dynamic and visually engaging jewelry. Our engagement ring collection is a perfect example of our approach to modernizing classic and traditional designs. We respect the timeless beauty of traditional styles while infusing them with contemporary touches.

What inspires you creatively?

The women around us, art, nature but also we’re very much inspired by vintage jewelry.

What advice can you give to couples when shopping for their engagement ring?

Familiarize yourselves with the basics of diamond grading and ring settings, or make sure
you work with a trusted jeweler who can guide you through the process.

Regarding the design of the ring, choose one that truly represents you. It’s a special piece that you’ll keep forever, so there’s no need to conform to what everyone else thinks an engagement ring should look like. Dare to be creative. Plus, it’s increasingly becoming a couple’s project rather than solely a man’s quest.

What are you drawn to in wedding jewelry right now? What would you like to see less of in your industry?

We’re excited about the shift we’re seeing right now — more and more customers buying bridal jewelry are getting creative with the idea of mixing and matching earrings, rather than sticking to a matching pair. It adds character to the piece as well.

Editor’s Notes

Why we love it…

In an eclectic merging of sinuous shapes, recycled gold, traceable lab-grown diamonds, and avant-garde designs, Kimai’s jewelry holds an air of nostalgia, beckoning to the past, while also moving the industry forward with otherworldly, ethical designs.

For the couple…

For the couple whose style is daring and authentic, leaning towards designs that push the boundaries of modernity and give a new definition to elegance.