Contemporary lab-grown diamond (LGD) jewelry startup Ethera has raised Rs 25 crore in a follow-on investment round from BlueStone, marking a significant milestone in India's rapidly evolving lab-grown diamond sector. The funding will fuel the startup's aggressive retail expansion and strengthen its design and operational capabilities.
Growing Momentum in India's LGD Market
The investment comes at a pivotal time for India's lab-grown diamond jewelry industry, currently valued at approximately $500 million and experiencing robust annual growth of 35-40%. This surge reflects changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger buyers seeking sustainable, affordable luxury options without compromising on quality or design.
Strategic Expansion Plans
Founded in 2024 by Nitesh Jain and Sharad Arora, Ethera claims to have established itself as a design-first brand focusing on everyday contemporary jewelry. The company currently operates five physical stores across Bengaluru and New Delhi, with a pan-India digital presence.
"BlueStone's strategic backing strengthens our ability to expand our retail presence, deepen our supply-chain capabilities and build the operational backbone needed for the scale ahead," said co-founder Sharad Arora.
The fresh capital will primarily support retail network expansion with multiple new stores launching in coming weeks, strengthening in-house design capabilities, building robust technology infrastructure for omnichannel operations, and accelerating brand awareness initiatives.
Design-Led Approach
Ethera's differentiation, it claims, lies in its prolific design output and quality assurance. The brand says it launches over 200 new designs monthly, with each piece undergoing a rigorous 40-point quality check. All jewelry features certified lab-grown diamonds set in BIS-hallmarked gold, spanning categories including earrings, bracelets, solitaires, pendants, and necklaces.
"Women are increasingly choosing jewelry that reflects their individuality and life journeys. Our focus remains on design, quality, craftsmanship, and consistency across touchpoints," explained co-founder Nitesh Jain.
Industry Implications
BlueStone's continued investment in Ethera signals growing confidence among established jewelry players in the lab-grown diamond segment. The move reflects a broader industry trend where traditional jewelry companies are backing new-age, design-led brands that demonstrate strong omnichannel capabilities.
The lab-grown diamond sector is increasingly attracting attention from both consumers and investors as technology improves, prices become more competitive, and younger generations prioritize sustainability alongside aesthetics.
What This Means for Jewelry Professionals
For aspiring jewelry designers and entrepreneurs, Ethera's rapid growth and successful fundraising highlight several key trends:
Design innovation matters: The brand's ability to launch 200+ designs monthly demonstrates the importance of continuous creativity in capturing market attention.
Quality consistency builds trust: Ethera's claim of 40-point quality check system shows how standardized processes can scale without compromising standards, if found to be true.
Omnichannel is essential: Success requires seamless integration between physical retail and digital presence.
Dual market dynamics emerging: Lab-grown diamond demand is surging among younger, value-conscious consumers for everyday luxury pieces. However, the premium segment continues to prefer natural diamonds for their rarity, investment value, and significance in bridal and heirloom jewelry. This market bifurcation creates distinct opportunities for jewelry professionals who understand and can cater to both segments.
For professionals considering careers in jewelry design, CAD modeling, gemology, or jewelry business management, the expanding LGD market represents substantial opportunity. Brands scaling rapidly need skilled designers who understand both traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing technologies, gemologists who can grade stones, and CAD experts who can translate designs into production-ready models.
The Future of India's Jewelry Industry
Ethera's success story reflects the dynamic nature of India's gems and jewelry industry, where innovation, design excellence, and strategic business acumen continue to create new opportunities. As the market matures, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate both traditional jewelry craftsmanship and modern technologies will only increase.
The convergence of design thinking, manufacturing efficiency, and digital commerce is reshaping how jewelry brands operate. Success in this environment requires a unique blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and business savvy skills that comprehensive jewelry education programs are now emphasizing.
For students and professionals eyeing this sector, the message is clear: the jewelry industry is evolving rapidly, and those equipped with the right combination of design skills, gemological knowledge, CAD proficiency, and business understanding will find themselves well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in both natural and lab-grown diamond segments.
