Editor’s Note
This article highlights the transformative role of women in the diamond industry, spotlighting their growing influence as investors, innovators, and leaders. As we mark Women’s Day, we examine how their strategic vision is redefining standards and driving meaningful change in a traditionally male-dominated field.
As Women’s Day approaches, the spotlight is on the women reshaping the diamond industry through bold investments, innovation, and strategic leadership. These leaders are driving change, challenging conventions, and setting new standards in the global diamond market.
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.
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.
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.