Next Generation Diamonds

Christine Marhofer is revolutionizing the diamond industry, one ethical sparkle at a time. As the founder and CEO of Nevermined, her vision for a more sustainable and transparent diamond industry is taking shape, offering consumers a responsible yet luxurious alternative to mined diamonds. In this interview, Christine shares her journey, the story behind Nevermined, and her mission to redefine luxury with lab-grown diamonds.

Christine Marhofer, you’ve created something truly groundbreaking with Nevermined. Can you tell us what inspired you to enter the world of lab-grown diamonds?

Christine Marhofer: My background is in fashion and textiles, and I’ve always had a passion for aesthetics and beauty. After many years of working with international fashion brands, I started thinking about creating something of my own. Diamonds, for me, were always fascinating — their symbolism, their purity. But the reality of diamond mining is far from beautiful. The environmental destruction, the unethical labor practices, and the huge carbon footprint were impossible to ignore. That’s when I came across the concept of lab-grown diamonds and I knew that’s where my future lay. I wanted to create something timeless and valuable, but with a conscience.

Nevermined is at the forefront of this movement. What makes Nevermined lab-grown diamonds different from others?

Christine Marhofer: Nevermined diamonds are created with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, transparency, and ethics. We grow our diamonds in a lab under controlled, environmentally friendly conditions. Everything we do is powered by 100% renewable energy, and we are working toward generating most of the energy we need ourselves in the future. What makes our diamonds special is not just the technology behind them, but the care and responsibility we put into every aspect of their creation. They are indistinguishable from mined diamonds in appearance, chemical composition, and physical properties.

Let’s dive deeper into the process. How are these diamonds created, and how does the CVD method play a role in lab-grown diamonds?

Christine Marhofer: The process is fascinating, and we are incredibly proud of it. At Nevermined, we use the CVD method, which stands for Chemical Vapor Deposition. In this process, we use diamond seeds and grow them into larger diamonds in a vacuum chamber. This technique ensures a high level of purity, and it’s a very controlled environment. While there are other methods, the CVD method allows us to create diamonds that are not only pure but also very sustainable. It’s a labor-intensive process, but one that is worth every effort because it results in diamonds that are both beautiful and responsible.

How do lab-grown diamonds compare to mined diamonds in terms of quality and authenticity?

Christine Marhofer: Lab-grown diamonds are evaluated on the same 4C standards — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — just like mined diamonds. The only real difference is their origin. To the naked eye, and even to experts, there is no visible difference. Our diamonds are certified by renowned labs like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), ensuring their authenticity. Additionally, every lab-grown diamond has a laser engraving to clearly identify it as a ‘created in laboratory’ stone. So, when you purchase a Nevermined diamond, you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality.

Sustainability is a central theme at Nevermined. Can you elaborate on how lab-grown diamonds are a more ethical alternative to mined diamonds?

Christine Marhofer: Absolutely. The environmental and social impact of traditional diamond mining is enormous. Mined diamonds require significant land disruption, polluting the earth and damaging ecosystems. The mining process also generates massive amounts of CO2 and often involves exploitative labor practices. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are produced in a controlled lab environment without deforestation or soil contamination. They generate far less CO2 and are created without harmful working conditions. At Nevermined, we’re committed to reducing our footprint. We use 100% renewable energy and are focused on sustainable practices that ensure every diamond is created with the highest level of ethical integrity.

How do you see the future of the diamond industry evolving, and where does Nevermined fit into that future?

Christine Marhofer: The future of the diamond industry is shifting, and I believe that lab-grown diamonds will play a huge role in that transformation. As more people become aware of the environmental and social costs of traditional diamond mining, I see lab-grown diamonds becoming the norm. At Nevermined, we aim to lead this change by creating diamonds that are both beautiful and ethical, setting new standards for sustainability and transparency in the industry. My mission is to show that luxury can coexist with responsibility, and that beauty doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet or its people.

I truly believe that the future of diamonds is bright.

*My working hours may be different to yours. Please do not feel obliged to respond outside your usual working schedule.