The Clear Cut

S/O to Forbes for featuring how our tech is disrupting the diamond industry #tech #diamonds #engagementring #diamond #theclearcut https://lnkd.in/etsCMEMa

As I reflect on 2024, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come—and the power of education to transform not just a business, but an entire industry. The Clear Cut began as an educational blog, and education remains at the heart of everything we do. In 2024 we stayed true to our mission of educating consumers about the value and authenticity of natural diamonds, and it paid off. In what was a challenging year for the natural diamond industry we actually saw an increase in natural diamond bridal sales and reached tens of millions of views on social media, using our platforms to combat misinformation and share the truth about natural diamonds. What makes me most proud is the trust so many clients place in us for their most treasured moments. In 2024, we achieved a returning customer rate of over 40%, a testament to the confidence clients have in The Clear Cut as a trusted partner for life’s milestones. We amplified our efforts through impactful in-person events that extended our reach and brought our educational mission to new audiences: * An exclusive dinner with J.P. Morgan where His Excellency, Mpho Mophuting the Ambassador of Botswana, shared how natural diamonds contribute to free education, healthcare, and economic empowerment in Botswana. *Two Tracr events, showcasing the positive impact of natural diamonds from Botswana to Canada alongside the launch of our Tracr diamond pendant. * GIA Day, where we partnered with the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) to welcome media to an in-depth crash course on the four Cs and how to distinguish lab-grown alternatives. * Collaborating with Pat Dambe alongside the House of Botswana at JCK. We had the honor of conducting two incredible interviews with President Masisi of Botswana and Al Cook of De Beers Group We also took bold steps to expose the truth about lab-grown diamonds giving away hundreds carats of lab-grown for free, underscoring their lack of value We invested in innovation, expanding our tech, Gem, and digital capabilities to enhance the world’s leading digital natural diamond purchasing experience. This year brought recognition, too. The Clear Cut was named to the Foremost 50 list, honoring breakout brands reshaping consumer excellence, and I was humbled to receive the Outstanding Mentor Award from NYU Entrepreneurial Institute. On a personal note, we welcomed our first son, Maximilian, in September while navigating a successful holiday season—an achievement that reminds us of the incredible team behind The Clear Cut. Their passion and commitment are what make it possible for us to lead the natural diamond industry with education, innovation, and unwavering dedication to our clients. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to deepen our commitment to education, continue building trust with our clients, and redefine what it means to buy a natural diamond in the digital age. Here’s to an even brighter 2025, built on trust, education, and the timeless beauty of natural diamonds. 

💎 Unmasking the Secrets of the Diamond Industry: The Truth About Traceability 🌍  Ever wondered how your diamond’s journey unfolds from mine to market? I traveled to Antwerp to reveal the untold story, uncovering how the groundbreaking Tracr blockchain is transforming diamond traceability.  Thanks to the incredible team at Bonas Group, I got an insider’s view of how rough diamonds are meticulously traced through every step of the supply chain. This video shows exactly how traceability works—transparency that today’s consumers deserve and demand.  We are building on the momentum from our recent NYC event with Tracr and Mountain Province Diamonds Inc., where we hosted leading tastemakers, content creators and press. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to connect the end consumer to their diamond’s unique journey. At The Clear Cut we are committed to educating the next generation on the value and positive impact natural diamonds bring to the world. De Beers Group Wesley Tucker Emanuela Morando Kyle E. Simon #NaturalDiamonds #Traceability #Blockchain #DiamondIndustry #TheClearCut

Over Black Friday weekend, Google Trends showed a HUGE surge in consumer interest for lab-grown diamonds, far outpacing searches for natural diamonds. While this reflects growing curiosity, it also highlights a critical issue: many consumers are still making up their minds about lab-grown diamonds, often without access to accurate, transparent information. Unfortunately, misinformation is rampant. Some jewelry companies prioritize quick profits over honesty, spreading claims that mislead customers about the value, durability, and true cost of lab-grown diamonds. As a natural diamond company committed to education and transparency, we believe it’s our duty to step up and create content that empowers consumers with the facts—like how lab-grown diamond prices have dropped rapidly and often come with markups of over 2000%. Not to mention the rampant greenwashing of a product marketed as "sustainable" when it is made in factories in China. Let’s start a conversation:   ➡️ How can the jewelry industry ensure consumers are educated about the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds?   ➡️ What role should companies play in combating misinformation? It’s time to hold ourselves accountable and make consumer trust the priority. Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 💎✨ The Clear Cut Kyle E. Simon #NaturalDiamonds #Transparency #DiamondEducation #BlackFridayInsights  

The Clear Cut had the honor of hosting an exclusive private dinner at J.P. Morgan's Private Client Center in NYC with Shreya Chary, dedicated to sharing the remarkable story of Botswana—a nation that has transformed its diamond resources into a beacon of prosperity and progress.  The evening brought together leading tastemakers, content creators, and female founders who were able to experienced the innovative power of Tracr's blockchain technology, which traces diamonds from mine to market, ensuring transparency and authenticity. They also explored rare and exceptional diamonds and had hands-on access to De Beers Group latest Diamond Proof machine, which helps distinguish natural diamonds from lab-grown —part of our mission to educate and empower consumers.  The highlight of the evening was a heartfelt speech by His Excellency, the Ambassador of Botswana to the United States Mpho Mophuting, who passionately shared how diamonds have contributed to free education, healthcare, and economic empowerment in Botswana.  We need to continue to tell the story of natural diamonds and celebrate Botswana's extraordinary journey and the vital role diamonds have played in its development.  Pat Dambe Kyle E. Simon Emanuela Morando Jason McIntosh

A big thank you to The Clear Cut team for hosting such a beautiful and inspiring event on natural diamonds! This time, we focused on Canada and were fortunate to hear from Reid Mackie at Mountain Province Diamonds Inc., who shared the story of the Guacho Kue mine, where diamonds are discovered in partnership with De Beers Group, supporting the local community and the surrounding region.   We also had the opportunity to discuss the fascinating characteristics of diamonds, including fluorescence—the stunning blue glow some diamonds exhibit, reminiscent of the Northern Lights! A special thanks to GIA (Gemological Institute of America) for sharing the science behind this phenomenon.   Finally, thank you to the Natural Diamond Council for sharing with us an incredible video showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Canadian landscapes. Tracr is a powerful tool for connecting the dots and telling the story of natural diamonds.

I’m beyond proud of the success of our recent event, where we had the privilege of partnering with Tracr, Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) At The Clear Cut, we are uniquely positioned to unite the industry to tell the story of natural diamonds from mine to technology, to education, to the science behind diamonds—and ultimately bring that full story to the end consumer. We know that misinformation about diamonds is prevalent, and that’s why it’s so important to bring our industry together. By leveraging every piece of the diamond journey and telling that cohesive, transparent story, we can empower consumers to make informed choices about the beauty, sustainability, and ethics behind each diamond. Emanuela Morando Jason McIntosh Wesley Tucker Kyle E. Simon De Beers Group Ulrika D'Haenens-Johansson Reid Mackie #NaturalDiamonds #Transparency #Sustainability #Diamonds #JewelryIndustry #Leadership #Collaboration #TheClearCut

POV: You Learn How The Clear Cut Changed the Diamond Industry In 2016, Olivia Landau and her husband, Kyle E. Simon, launched The Clear Cut, starting as an educational blog and quickly transforming into a diamond brand, reimagining the shopping experience. With a family history in the diamond business, Olivia’s mission has always been to bring transparency, authenticity, and a modern touch to an age-old industry. Here’s what I took away from my walk with Olivia: 1. Heritage Meets Innovation – With four generations in the diamond business, Olivia knew she wanted to bring a fresh perspective. Her journey from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) to Tiffany & Co. and eventually to The Clear Cut shows that sometimes, modernizing tradition is where the magic happens. 2. Build with Purpose – Olivia started The Clear Cut to educate people, making the diamond-buying experience approachable. What began as a blog evolved into a full-scale business, thanks to her commitment to transparency—proof that having a clear purpose can lead to incredible growth. 3. Redefining “Real” – The Clear Cut was the first brand to offer a free lab-grown diamond for travel rings, helping customers see the value of both lab-grown and natural diamonds. Olivia’s openness about each option allows buyers to make informed choices that suit their lifestyles. 4. Quality is the Core – Every piece at The Clear Cut is custom-made in New York, combining high craftsmanship with a modern design approach. For Olivia, it’s about creating pieces that last a lifetime and beyond, showing that quality is key to making a lasting impact. Our conversation left me feeling inspired by how Olivia has redefined diamond shopping. If you’re in NYC and want to experience a fresh approach to fine jewelry, check out The Clear Cut. Drop a comment, tag a friend who needs to check out The Clear Cut, and repost if you’re as inspired as I am! Check out theclearcut.co!! #TheClearCut #Entrepreneurship #DiamondIndustry #RunningInterviewShow #MoveWithKate

Weekly Insights: The Clear Cut Advantage with Olivia Landau Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gPcMN98J Subscribe now for top insights in the consumer brands industry: https://lnkd.in/e6Nqc3rN

💎 The Tragic Scam Affecting 50% of American Engagement Ring Buyers 💎 Last year, 50% of Americans who purchased engagement rings were scammed. While the markup on natural diamonds typically ranges from 6% to 24%, lab-grown diamonds are marked up by as much as 2,000%! With wholesale lab prices plunging and inventories of lab-grown diamonds skyrocketing, retailers need to come clean with the consumer to know the true value of what they’re buying It’s time for the diamond industry to be more ethical, honest, and transparent. We need a diamond industry built on trust, not greed. Let’s ensure future generations aren’t misled the way so many were last year. 🌍💍 #NaturalDiamonds #ConsumerEducation #DiamondIndustry #Transparency Rapaport Tenoris Edahn Golan The Clear Cut Kyle E. Simon