“Women of the Diamond Industry” focuses on the issue of gender equality along the entire diamond and jewelry supply chain. The series provides a platform for women in the industry to tell their own stories and describe the particular challenges they have faced in their careers.
The 17th article in the series is authored by Olivia Landau, Founder and CEO of The Clear Cut, an innovative web-based jewelry company headquartred in New York, offering customized engagement rings and other jewelry, which enables customers to consult with in-house gemologists before making a purchase. She established the company in 2018 with her husband, Kyle Simon.
SPEAKING WITH CLARITY ON THE CUTTING EDGE
‘I’ve learned to let my work speak for itself,’ writes Olivia Landau. ‘The Clear Cut is now the largest digitally native, natural diamond company in the U.S., proving that there is room for innovation in even the most traditional industries.’
DECEMBER 23, 2024
The diamond industry has always been a part of my life—woven into my family’s history and embedded in my earliest memories. As a fourth-generation diamantaire, I grew up hearing stories of my father, grandfather and great-grandfather working as diamond cutters and dealers in Antwerp, Belgium. My parents eventually took a different path, founding a small antique jewelry business, which became my first introduction to the dazzling yet complex world of diamonds.
But while I was surrounded by diamonds and jewelry from a young age, I didn’t always imagine myself following in my family’s footsteps. The path I’ve taken as a woman in this male-dominated industry wasn’t preordained, and the journey has been as exhilarating as it has been challenging. This is my story—a story of persistence, passion and breaking barriers.
After graduating from NYU, I knew I wanted a career that combined creativity with business. Unsure of where exactly I belonged, I decided to enroll at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to become a graduate gemologist. It was there that I fell in love—not just with the intricacies of diamonds but also with my now-husband and co-founder, Kyle. Little did I know at the time that our shared vision would eventually become The Clear Cut.
GIA opened my eyes to the technical side of the diamond world. I gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, science, and history behind each stone. After earning my certification, I began my career at Tiffany & Co., working on the engagement floor. Helping couples find the perfect symbol of their love was deeply rewarding and sparked my passion for bridal jewelry.
From there, I transitioned to a large diamond wholesale business in New York’s Diamond District. This was a formative experience that taught me the inner workings of the trade, but it also exposed me to the industry’s challenges—particularly as a young woman.
Transforming a change-resistant industry
The diamond industry has long been a male-dominated space, steeped in tradition and resistant to change. Early in my career, I felt the weight of these traditions. Decisions were often made in closed-door meetings, and my contributions were sometimes overlooked or dismissed. Being a young woman with a fresh perspective wasn’t always welcomed.
The resistance to change wasn’t limited to gender dynamics. I noticed how antiquated many business practices were, especially in terms of marketing and customer engagement. The industry was slow to embrace digital platforms, and many insiders were skeptical of innovation.
Olivia Landau at the Orapa diamond mine in Botswana.
While these challenges were frustrating, they also fueled my determination. I didn’t want to just work in the diamond industry—I wanted to transform it.
The turning point came when Kyle was earning his MBA at Columbia Business School. Many of his classmates were planning to propose and turned to him for advice on finding the perfect engagement ring. Kyle, in turn, came to me. I became the “go-to girl” for custom engagement rings, sourcing diamonds and creating designs for friends and acquaintances.
What started as a side hustle soon blossomed into something much bigger. I realized there was a gap in the market – couples wanted high-quality, custom engagement rings but lacked accessible education about diamonds and transparency in pricing. To address this, I launched The Clear Cut as an educational blog. I shared tips, insights, and designs, demystifying the diamond-buying process.
The response was overwhelming. When I started posting designs on Instagram, people began reaching out to me through direct messages, asking for help creating their own rings. Within a short time, what began as a passion project turned into a thriving business.
Modernizing how people interact with diamonds
Kyle and I recognized the potential to disrupt the industry. We applied to Techstars, a prestigious tech accelerator in New York, and were thrilled to be accepted. This was a pivotal moment for us. We quit our jobs to focus on The Clear Cut full-time, turning our side hustle into a full-fledged business.
The Clear Cut began with custom diamond engagement rings but quickly expanded into fine jewelry collections and our proprietary technology. We wanted to modernize the way people interact with diamonds and make the buying process as seamless and transparent as possible.
We also became vocal champions for natural diamonds, promoting their authenticity, timeless value, and positive economic impact on countries of origin like Botswana.
We first traveled to Botswana after receiving the prestigious award of Forbes 30 under 30. Traveling to Botswana and seeing the tangible benefits of the diamond trade for local communities was a deeply moving experience. It reaffirmed our commitment to ethical sourcing and responsible practices.
Olivia Landau and Kyle Simon, during their visit to the Orapa mine in Botswana.
What’s possible with determination
Despite our success—doubling revenue year over year for the first four years—breaking into the industry as a woman wasn’t easy. Some people dismissed me as an “influencer” rather than a businesswoman, overlooking the fact that I had built a multimillion-dollar company from the ground up with very little capital. Others were unwilling to embrace new ways of doing business, clinging to outdated methods.
I’ve learned to let my work speak for itself. The Clear Cut is now the largest digitally native, natural diamond company in the U.S., proving that there is room for innovation in even the most traditional industries.
While the journey hasn’t always been smooth, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors, partners, and supporters along the way. My family’s legacy in the diamond industry has been a constant source of inspiration. My parents’ entrepreneurial spirit and resilience showed me what’s possible with hard work and dedication.
Olivia Landau, speaking during a workshop on gem entrepreneurship, at the Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa in Gaborone, Botswana, in April 2023.