ASTREA
It’s a bit of a moody, partly sunny, partly gloomy day in London as I head out to meet two incredible women. They’ve taken time out of their busy schedules to talk to me about the launch of their new shop and their passion for lab-grown diamonds. And yes, these are diamonds with a twist—beautiful, sustainable, and at prices that still make luxury feel accessible. We’ll dive into why these gems are so much more than sparkle—they’re about preserving the planet, honoring tradition, and redefining what diamonds can mean today.
I’ll even get to try on a few that are the stuff of dreams, the kind of gems that any girl would feel honored to wear. The story doesn’t stop there, though. These women are on a mission, taking up the work that Claire’s grandmother started, adding their own modern twist, and proving that you can be both driven and compassionate. They’re mothers, they’re businesswomen, and they’re pursuing their dreams while juggling life’s many challenges.
And as a mother myself, I admire them deeply. Balancing everything can be hard enough, but here are mothers with one, two, even four kids, showing us all that it’s possible to keep reaching higher. They are unstoppable.
It’s my privilege to introduce you to Astrea THE next big thing in diamonds—bringing beauty, sustainability, and inspiration into one unforgettable experience.
About Astrea London
Astrea London, founded by Claire Ferrini and Nathalie Morrison, is reshaping the diamond industry by merging luxurious craftsmanship with ethical responsibility. Inspired by the visionary style of Claire’s grandmother, Margaret Coglin—an early advocate for ethical, traceable lab-grown diamonds—Astrea embodies a commitment to sustainability, elegance, and innovation in jewellery.
Astrea’s mission is to create beautiful, ethically-sourced diamond jewellery without the environmental or ethical costs associated with traditional mining. Each piece reflects the founders’ dedication to offering high-quality, lab-grown diamonds that match the allure of mined stones, delivering luxury without compromise.
The Visionaries Behind Astrea London
The Visionaries Behind Astrea London Claire Ferrini, with a background in fund and wealth management, brings a strategic acumen honed during her time with Investec Asset Management and Stonehage Fleming. Her experience spans regulatory and strategic initiatives, with a strong commitment to empowering women in finance as a former member of WISE (Women in Investments Europe).
Claire’s engineering education at Imperial College London complements her data-driven approach to building a sustainable luxury brand. Nathalie Morrison is a seasoned entrepreneur in wealth management and a founder of Hay Hill Wealth Management, later acquired by a major private equity firm. Her career includes senior leadership at Coutts & Co., where she served high-net-worth international clients and co founded the Coutts Private Office.
Nathalie’s global perspective also draws from her role in managing family vineyards in France and South Africa. Recognized as a future leader in wealth management, Nathalie combines her experience with a profound commitment to community and ethical business practices.
Astrea’s Ethical Foundation and Vision
Astrea is built on a foundation of ethical luxury:
Lab-Grown Diamonds:
Created in high-tech labs, Astrea’s diamonds maintain the same chemical and visual qualities as mined diamonds but without the environmental and ethical costs. Certified to the top Type II and Type IIa categories, Astrea diamonds exhibit the highest purity, representing the top 1-2% of diamonds globally.
Sustainability Initiatives:
In partnership with suppliers, Astrea adheres to a strict Code of Conduct that includes a commitment to a zero-carbon footprint, safe working conditions, fair wages, and responsible labor practices.
Symbol of Purity and Justice:
The name “Astrea,” inspired by the Greek goddess of justice, purity, and precision, reflects the brand’s dedication to ethical integrity and quality. The name also connects with the Latin word for “star,” symbolizing brilliance and aspiration in all of Astrea’s offerings.
Setting New Standards
in Diamond Jewellery
Astrea’s lab-grown diamonds match the beauty and brilliance of traditional diamonds but go beyond in their commitment to responsibility and transparency:
Exceptional Craftsmanship: Each diamond is meticulously crafted and polished, representing Astrea’s unwavering pursuit of perfection. This dedication to quality redefines luxury as sustainable, ethically sourced, and endlessly beautiful.
Certification and Recognition: Following the FTC’s 2018 ruling that a diamond is a diamond, regardless of origin, Astrea diamonds meet the standards of the GIA and other certifying authorities, ensuring their quality matches that of the finest mined diamonds.
For the Conscious Consumer
Astrea London appeals to the modern woman who values both style and substance. In choosing Astrea, clients invest in jewellery that aligns with their values—beauty that doesn’t compromise on responsibility.
Each Astrea piece is more than an accessory; it is a legacy of ethical luxury, designed to last for generations. Join Astrea London and redefine the meaning of luxury with diamonds that honor both the earth and the people who wear them.
ASTREA - Created by Nature, Perfected by Science
"To me, beauty is natural beauty. If you’re naturally yourself, you’re beautiful."
