Introduction:
In this illuminating interview, Nathalie Morrison, the visionary founder of Astrea London, shares the inspiration and mission behind her revolutionary fine jewellery brand. Fueled by a desire to redefine modern luxury through ethical innovation, she explains how lab-grown diamonds became the cornerstone of a company that marries scientific precision with artistic excellence. From sustainability practices to pioneering technology, Astrea London is leading a new wave of conscious elegance—one that respects the planet without compromising on beauty. With accolades from European Wealth Management Bulletin and Spear’s, and bold plans for global expansion, Nathalie Morrison offers a compelling glimpse into the future of responsible high jewellery.
Interview conducted by: Fatiha Idrissi
What inspired you to launch Astrea London, and why did you choose lab-grown diamonds as your focus?
Astrea London was born from a deeply personal desire to reimagine what modern luxury should look like, one that’s not only defined by beauty and craftsmanship, but also by responsibility, transparency, and innovation. I felt there was a gap in the market for fine jewellery that truly reflects the values of today’s conscious consumer, without compromising on quality or elegance.
Lab-grown diamonds felt like the obvious path forward. They give us the ability to offer stones of exceptional calibre, D and E colour, VS1+ clarity, and all Type IIa, which are among the rarest and purest in the world. But beyond their physical perfection, they come without the environmental damage or ethical concerns tied to traditional diamond mining. For me, that combination of integrity and excellence is the future of luxury, and that’s what Astrea stands for.
You’ve brought together a world-class team of gemologists, designers, and PhD experts. How important is scientific innovation in shaping Astrea’s identity?
Scientific innovation is absolutely at the heart of Astrea London, it’s what defines us. From day one, I set out to build a brand where advanced technology and artistry could coexist seamlessly.
We work exclusively with Type IIa diamonds, the purest and rarest in the world. And because the entire process is managed in-house, from the carbon seed to the finished piece, we maintain full control and transparency at every stage.
For me, science isn’t just a tool, it’s a mindset. It allows us to push boundaries, elevate quality, and ultimately, offer a new kind of luxury that’s both intelligent and ethical.
Sustainability is a central pillar of your brand. How do Astrea’s practices differ from traditional diamond companies, both environmentally and ethically?
Sustainability isn’t just a value for us, it’s a core part of our identity at Astrea London. From the beginning, I wanted to create a brand that would challenge the conventions of the traditional diamond industry, not only in aesthetics but also in ethics and environmental impact.
Unlike traditional mining, our production process is 100% conflict-free and dramatically more sustainable. We grow our diamonds using renewable energy and ensure full traceability from start to finish. Our methods consume only a fraction of the water and energy required for mining, and we produce no harmful emissions or water pollution. This means our environmental footprint is minimal, something I’m incredibly proud of.
To me, true luxury today must be responsible, and Astrea is built on that belief.
Each Astrea piece is accompanied by a certification from GIA or IGI. Why was this level of transparency so important to you from the start?
From the very beginning, transparency has been one of the core values of Astrea London. The diamond industry has traditionally been shrouded in ambiguity, and I knew that if I was going to build a modern, conscious fine jewelry brand, I needed to do things differently, from the ground up.
Every one of our diamonds is created using cutting-edge HPHT or CVD technology in our own laboratories, and from there, it goes through a meticulous process: cut and polished by master artisans with over 20 years of experience, then certified by IGI or GIA to ensure the highest standards.
You’ve been recognized by the European Wealth Management Bulletin and Spear’s—how have those experiences influenced your leadership style?
Being recognized by the European Wealth Management Bulletin and Spear’s really reinforced my dynamic leadership style. It reminded me how important it is to stay flexible, curious, and open to new ideas. Leading Astrea means constantly adapting—whether it’s new tech, shifting consumer values, or finding creative ways to tell our brand story.
These recognitions weren’t just about what we’ve achieved so far; they push me to keep evolving, empower my team, and keep driving innovation in a way that feels fresh, ethical, and exciting.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for Astrea London over the next five years?
We’re entering a very exciting chapter for Astrea London. Over the next five years, my vision is to solidify our place as a global leader in sustainable fine jewellery, anchored here in Dubai, which continues to inspire and support innovation at every level.
One of the projects I’m most proud of is the launch of the UAE’s first Diamond Visitor Centre, where we’ll invite guests into our world through a truly immersive experience we call the “Five-Carat Tea.” It’s not just about showcasing our diamonds, it’s about sharing the story, science, and soul behind them in a way that’s intimate, educational, and unforgettable.
In parallel, we’re planning flagship retail openings in key global markets, alongside strategic partnerships that will allow us to scale while maintaining the quality, integrity, and ethics we’re known for.
Ultimately, our goal is to lead the global shift toward sustainable luxury, proving that high jewellery can be both exquisite and responsible. Astrea isn’t just about beautiful pieces; it’s about a new era of conscious elegance, and I’m excited to see that vision come to life on an international scale.
Do you plan to expand into new markets, product categories, or technologies?
Absolutely, we’re just getting started. While we are looking to be firmly planted in Dubai, our vision is global. We’re actively exploring expansion into key luxury markets where demand for ethical, high-quality jewellery is growing rapidly. From Europe to Asia and North America, we see incredible opportunity to introduce the Astrea philosophy to a wider audience.
In terms of product, we’re developing new collections that go beyond the traditional, pieces that blur the line between fine jewellery and wearable art, while staying true to our ethical foundations. Innovation is central to everything we do, and we’re constantly exploring how technology can elevate both the product and the customer experience.
Alongside physical retail, we’re also preparing to launch on select online multi-brand platforms to expand our digital presence and meet customers where they are. This will allow us to reach a broader global audience and offer the Astrea experience through carefully curated online spaces.
