Reimagining Fine Jewellery: The Vision Behind Clarice Ng’s London-Based Lab-Grown Fine Jewellery Brand, GROWN

Follow GROWN on Instagram: @grown_jewellery

In an industry often defined by age-old traditions and luxury price tags, one founder is challenging the norms to bring sustainable, accessible, and ethical jewellery to the masses. GROWN, a new fine jewellery brand, is setting itself apart by focusing on the future of luxury: lab-grown diamonds and gemstones. The founder, whose love for jewelry was inspired by her mother, is creating something revolutionary—not just in terms of product, but in reshaping the way we think about value, beauty, and sustainability in the jewellery world.

"My love for jewelry came from my mother," Clarice shares. "She taught me to see it as something deeply sentimental and meaningful, almost like an extension of oneself. I never leave the house without at least one piece of jewellery on—it’s always been a part of my identity and how I express myself."

But over time, Clarice Ng realised that the jewelry industry she loved so much was not as beautiful on the inside as it appeared on the outside. "With the innovations we have today, it is entirely possible to create jewelry with the same quality of high-value gemstones at a fraction of the cost," she explains. "Long gone are the days where we spend an entire paycheck for a ring."

This shift in perspective was rooted in the ethical concerns she discovered in the mined gemstone industry. While diamonds have the Kimberley Process, colored gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds remain largely unregulated, with issues such as child labor, environmental destruction, and exploitation remaining prevalent. It was at this juncture that the founder decided the industry needed change.

"While diamonds have the Kimberley Process, colored gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are still largely unregulated—with issues like child labor, environmental destruction, and exploitation," she reveals. "I struggled to find fine jewelry that was ethical, sustainable, and accessible, and that was my defining moment—I realized the industry needed change."

Thus, GROWN was born: a brand dedicated to offering guilt-free, sustainable fine jewelry that reflects not only style but also core values. This venture represents more than just jewelry—it symbolizes a commitment to ethical consumerism and a new standard of what luxury should look like.

Photography by King’s Entrepreneurship Institute

Breaking Barriers in the Jewellery Industry

GROWN is redefining fine jewelry by making luxury ethical, sustainable, and accessible. Unlike traditional jewelry brands that rely on mined gemstones, GROWN exclusively uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones—offering the same brilliance and quality without the environmental harm or unethical labor practices that come with mined alternatives.

"The lab-grown space is booming, but most brands focus on bridal jewelry, leaving a gap for modern, everyday fine jewelry," the founder explains. "GROWN fills this space by creating elevated, wearable designs that bring sustainability into fashion jewelry—pieces that are timeless, stylish, and meant to be worn effortlessly. We prove that you don’t have to compromise ethics for elegance or affordability for quality."

As a solo founder, building GROWN has been an uphill battle. But the founder is determined to push through the challenges. "I started GROWN as a fresh graduate, which meant stepping into the world of entrepreneurship with no safety net—just a vision and the determination to bring it to life," she recalls. "Before this, I had already taken a big leap by moving to the UK alone for my studies, navigating a new country, culture, and independence all at once. That experience shaped me in ways I never expected—it taught me resilience, adaptability, and the ability to carve out my own path, no matter the challenges."

Despite the hurdles, GROWN is all about breaking barriers—both in the industry and for women entrepreneurs. "As a solo founder and a woman of color, I’m building this business from the ground up in an industry that’s still largely dominated by traditional gatekeepers," she shares. "I’ve had to learn everything—from brand-building to supply chains to marketing—on my own, but that’s exactly what excites me. GROWN isn’t just about jewelry; it’s about proving that fine jewelry can evolve, just like the people who wear it."

Navigating Setbacks and Embracing Progress

Photography by King’s Entrepreneurship Institute

Starting any business comes with its fair share of setbacks, and GROWN is no exception. The founder has faced her fair share of challenges in manufacturing, product delays, and dealing with the inherent uncertainty of launching a new venture. But it’s all part of the process.

"One of the biggest challenges has been keeping faith in myself and the vision," she admits. "As a solo founder, it’s easy to feel imposter syndrome and question whether you’re on the right path—especially when things move slower than expected. What’s helped me push through is consistency and persistence. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from waiting for the perfect moment—it comes from showing up every day."

On the topic of perfectionism, she continues, "One of the biggest setbacks I’ve faced so far has been the constant delays in manufacturing my MVP. Just when I think it’s finally ready, a new issue surfaces—whether it’s production challenges, sourcing materials, or unexpected tweaks. It can be frustrating, but I’ve learned that perfection is the enemy of progress. A saying I keep hearing is: If you’re not at least slightly ashamed of your MVP, you’ve launched too late. That mindset has helped me push forward instead of getting stuck in endless revisions."

She stresses the importance of engaging with consumers early on. "Talk to your consumers as early as possible—and never assume you know everything. When you have a vision for your brand, it’s easy to get caught up in what you think people want. But the biggest insights come from actually listening to your target audience—understanding their needs, preferences, and pain points firsthand."

The Future of Lab-Grown Jewelry

The future of jewelry is shifting, and GROWN is at the forefront of this movement. The founder is confident that lab-grown diamonds and gemstones will continue to gain traction as consumers become more educated and demand for ethical alternatives grows.

"The lab-grown jewelry industry is only going to grow," she predicts. "Lab-grown diamonds are here to stay, and as consumers become more educated, the demand for ethically sourced, sustainable alternatives will continue to rise. Another major shift will be lab-grown gems moving beyond bridal jewelry into the fashion jewelry space. More people are embracing fine jewelry for everyday wear, rather than reserving it for engagements and weddings."

She also believes that transparency will be key in the future of the jewelry industry. "One of the biggest criticisms of the mined gemstone industry is the lack of clear sourcing. Lab-grown gems already offer a more ethical and transparent supply chain, and as technology advances, tracking their origin and impact will become even easier—giving consumers full confidence in what they’re buying."

A New Standard of Luxury

For the founder, the ultimate goal is to challenge the conventional ideas about value and rarity that have traditionally defined the jewellery market. "I would change the outdated perception that mined gemstones are inherently more valuable than lab-grown ones," she states. "The jewelry industry has long been built on scarcity marketing, convincing consumers that natural diamonds and gemstones are the only 'real' option. But lab-grown gems are chemically, physically, and visually identical—just without the ethical and environmental baggage. Jewelry should be about self-expression, personal meaning, and craftsmanship, not just the illusion of rarity."

As for her own success, the founder has a clear vision. "Personally, success means being able to 100% stand by my brand—having unwavering confidence in the quality of my products and knowing that I’m delivering real value to my consumers," she explains. "Professionally, in the next two years, success would mean generating consistent revenue and proving that GROWN isn’t just a great idea but a thriving business. Building a sustainable, profitable brand that resonates with consumers would be a huge milestone, and that’s what I’m working toward every day."

A Founder’s Commitment

For now, the founder is fully committed to GROWN, treating the early years as her "discovery gap year" after graduation. "I’ve given myself this time to fully commit to GROWN and see where I can take it—because if I don’t give it my all now, I’ll always wonder what if?" she reflects. "That said, there’s a reality check too—if things don’t take off, I’ll have to find a job like everyone else and run this on the side."

But no matter what, she’s determined to give it her all. "That’s exactly why I’m giving myself this year—to take a real shot at building something I truly believe in, rather than settling for a job that doesn’t excite me. If I have to get a job later, fine… but at least I’ll know I tried."

With perseverance, passion, and a clear vision, GROWN is poised to disrupt the jewelry industry, proving that luxury can be sustainable, accessible, and meaningful for the modern world.