Women have made their mark everywhere, and the diamond industry is no exception. The sector is replete with women who are breaking barriers, and paving the way for a more inclusive and forward-looking industry. Be it leading iconic jewellery houses revolutionizing lab-grown diamonds, or championing ethical sourcing, their impact is undeniable. Their stories inspire a new era of leadership, where innovation, responsibility, and artistry go hand in hand.
Here is a look at some of the women who are shining in the industry.
Founded in 1932, Harry Winston is a leader in diamond jewellery. Under Nayla Hayek’s leadership (CEO since acquisition by the Swatch Group), the brand has expanded its presence in haute horlogerie (high-end watchmaking).
Hayek has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Harry Winston by addressing conflicts that the Winston family members had among themselves, and steering the brand towards a balanced blend of innovation and heritage preservation. A key aspect of her strategy has been expanding the brand’s women’s watch line, ensuring it appeals to a broader audience, while maintaining its luxury essence. This has led to the launch of the Emerald Collection, inspired by the brand’s logo and Winston’s affinity for emerald-cut diamonds, along with new automatic watches in the Midnight and Avenue collections, increasing women’s watch sales.
Beyond watches, Hayek introduced the Objects of Art collection, drawing from Harry Winston’s legacy to create artistic and luxurious timepieces. Notable pieces include bejewelled evening bags with secret watches, diamond-set Broadway Glasses (opera binoculars), and the Emerald Time Clock, crafted from aventurine and diamonds. These additions reinforce the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and exclusivity.
To further honour the brand’s rich history, Hayek has initiated plans to renovate the New York flagship store, and establish a museum showcasing Winston’s office, sketches, and vintage creations. As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, she emphasizes the importance of preserving brand DNA while driving innovation. Her leadership is defined by hard work and perseverance, setting new standards for luxury watchmaking and jewellery.
Tigui Camara, CEO of Tigui Mining Group, is a leading force in ethical diamond mining, driving sustainability and responsible sourcing in Guinea. As one of Africa’s youngest mining entrepreneurs, and the only woman in Guinea to own a mining company, she has shattered industry barriers, advocating for transparency, environmental responsibility, and fair labour practices.
Beyond mining, Camara is committed to sustainable development, investing in housing and agricultural projects that uplift local communities. She is an active member of International Women in Mining, a global advocacy group for women in the industry, and in 2013, she founded Women in Mining Guinea to support and empower women in the sector. She has shared her expertise at global platforms, such as the Africa Mining Summit and the New York City Forum for Africa.
Her influence has been widely recognized — Jeune Afrique, the most widely-read French-language pan-African news magazine, named her one of Africa's 50 Most Influential Businesswomen in 2017, and in 2021, Avance Media, Africa's Leading Rating, Media and Public Relations Agency, included her in its Top-100 Most Influential Women in Africa.
Through innovation and leadership, she continues to redefine the future of ethical mining and sustainable development on a global scale.
Since becoming CEO of Pomellato in 2015, Sabina Belli has transformed the brand into a global leader in contemporary fine jewellery, while staying true to its Italian heritage. With decades of experience in the luxury market, she has successfully expanded Pomellato’s international presence, and reinforced its position within the Kering Group. (In 2013, Pomellato was acquired by the Kering Group, a global luxury conglomerate that owns multiple prestigious brands.)
A champion of female empowerment, Belli launched PomellatoForWomen, a platform advocating for gender equality, and amplifying women’s voices worldwide. Under her leadership, the brand also prioritizes sustainability (it uses 100% responsibly-sourced gold), and has participated in Responsible Gold and Fairmined programmes, as well as Amazon reforestation projects.
As one of the few female CEOs in the luxury sector, Belli continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion, sharing her insights through public-speaking and mentorship. Her expertise in creative management and international product development, gained from years in leadership roles —including at L’Oréal Luxe — has cemented her reputation as a visionary in the industry.
With over 30 years of experience in the mining industry, Eira Thomas has played a pivotal role in some of the sector’s most significant diamond discoveries. A co-founder of Lucara Diamond Corp., she helped lead the discovery of the 1,111-carat Lesedi La Rona, and was instrumental in establishing Lucara as a global leader in diamond exploration.
In February 2024, Thomas transitioned into a new leadership role, succeeding her father, D. Grenville (Gren) Thomas, as Chair of the Board of Directors at North Arrow Minerals, a company focused on lithium, gold, and diamond exploration. Having previously served in executive and board roles at Aber Diamond Corp., Kaminak Gold Corp., and Suncor Energy, she brings extensive expertise in identifying and developing resource opportunities.
A trailblazer in Canadian diamond mining, Thomas co-discovered the Diavik diamond mine, alongside her father. Her contributions to the industry have earned her notable recognition — in 2007, she was named one of Canada’s ‘Top 100 Most Powerful Women’. In 2008, she was one of only four Canadians selected as a ‘Young Global Leader’ by the World Economic Forum.
As she takes on this new strategic position, her leadership is expected to further drive innovation and sustainable growth in the junior mining sector. (The junior mining sector consists of companies focused on exploring and developing new mineral deposits. These companies typically seek land with a higher potential for discovering significant reserves of gold, silver, uranium, or other valuable metals.)
Pooja Sheth Madhavan, founder and CEO of Limelight Diamonds, is at the forefront of India’s CVD diamond industry, pioneering the shift towards sustainable luxury. Through strategic investments and innovation, she has elevated lab-grown diamonds from an alternative choice to a sought-after luxury essential, reshaping perceptions in the global jewellery market.
Under her leadership, Limelight has emerged as India’s largest sustainable luxury jewellery brand, offering exquisite lab-grown diamond (LGD) jewellery. Since inception, the brand has seen rapid expansion, establishing over 10 flagship stores and 40 retail points across 25+ cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. With the widest reach for LGD jewellery in India, Limelight is redefining the accessibility of sustainable luxury.
Recently, Limelight secured a fresh investment of $1 million, forming a strategic alliance to enhance brand presence, and accelerate retail expansion. This investment strengthens Limelight’s position as a leader in lab-grown luxury, allowing for the opening of new stores, and deeper market penetration. Additionally, a groundbreaking partnership with one of the largest jewellery manufacturers, Emerald Jewel Industry, has further established the brand’s presence on the world stage.
Through her visionary leadership, Madhavan continues to set new benchmarks in the luxury jewellery industry, championing innovation, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, while making lab-grown diamonds a global symbol of modern luxury.
These remarkable women continue to push boundaries and shape the future of the diamond industry. By overcoming challenges and embracing innovation, they are redefining leadership and excellence in a traditionally male-dominated field.