Meet KARAAT, the Finnish fine jewellery brand with responsibility at its core

In 2019, Julia Hakanpää was on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring when she stumbled upon what, at the time, was still a “well-kept secret”: lab-grown diamonds. “The concept immediately caught my attention,” she recalls. “Here was an innovative, sustainable alternative that offered the same beauty and brilliance as mined diamonds. I couldn’t help but wonder: why wasn’t this talked about more?”

She went on to create her special bijoux with a company specialising in these lab-made gems, a process that turned out to be a true eye-opener. “That experience not only introduced me to the beauty of fine jewellery craftsmanship but also revealed the complexities of the diamond industry,” she says. “The more I learned about the traditional diamond trade, the more I felt it was an industry in need of an update.”

Hakanpää saw an opportunity: there was a clear space for a modern, pioneering brand to disrupt the status quo in an age-old industry rooted in troubled operations. From this vision, the Finnish fine jewellery label KARAAT was born. “I wanted to build a brand that celebrates timeless design and meaningful moments while advocating for innovation and responsibility,” Hakanpää explains.

Harnessing exclusively lab-grown diamonds and 18-karat solid recycled yellow and white gold, KARAAT’s precious pieces exude refined elegance with a touch of contemporary flair. The brand’s offering boasts everything from dainty necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings to a swoon-inducing selection of wedding bands and engagement rings, including customisable options. “At KARAAT, we believe that diamonds are not just for special occasions – they bring a little bit of luxury to everyday life,” says Hakanpää. “Our pieces are created to be versatile and wearable, whether it’s a simple diamond pendant that accompanies you daily or an engagement ring that becomes part of your story.”

If lab-grown diamonds still feel unfamiliar, it’s worth noting that they are as authentic as their mined counterparts, with the same expertise and certification rigour applied to both. What’s different is the ethical and environmental footprint: producing these conflict-free gems in a lab poses significantly less harm to our planet than digging them from the ground. Responsibility is at the heart of KARAAT’s operations, from its material choices and conscious packaging to its partnerships with Italian and Belgian artisans who share the brand’s values.

“Our made-to-order philosophy and small-batch production ensure that each piece is created with intention, avoiding overproduction. Additionally, the diamonds and the high-quality 18K gold we use are not only long-lasting but can also be recycled to create new pieces, reinforcing the idea that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully,” says Hakanpää. “We craft pieces that feel as relevant today as they will for generations to come, designed to be cherished and even passed down as heirlooms.”

For Hakanpää, her most significant source of inspiration is the women who wear KARAAT pieces. Dreaming up designs that celebrate authenticity, empowerment, femininity and “the beauty of womanhood” is what the founder strives for, while her position as a female founder has profoundly shaped KARAAT’s ethos. “We’re living in a fascinating time where women are confidently taking more space and embracing independence in every aspect of their lives,” she says. “It brings me immense joy to create jewellery that aligns with this spirit – pieces that women can gift themselves as symbols of their strength, individuality, and milestones.” Lab-grown diamonds, indeed, are a girl’s best friend.

Yet, Hakanpää’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. She notes the initial challenges of breaking into a traditionally conservative market with her innovative and eco-friendly approach, where she “faced my fair share of skepticism from industry peers.” “However, these challenges taught me to boldly take my space and stand confidently behind our vision,” she says.

A lot has happened in the past five years, during which KARAAT has firmly established itself as one of Finland’s most exciting conscious jewellery brands, including opening its first-ever showroom in Helsinki. Additionally, an increasing number of international customers are discovering the brand through its growing online presence. But Hakanpää has even bigger ambitions. “Our long-term vision for KARAAT is to become a global leader in sustainable luxury, creating a deeper connection between our customers and the values we stand for,” she says. Doing even more to protect the health of our planet is on the agenda, too, with the brand currently exploring initiatives like implementing a closed-loop production model, helping customers to lengthen the lifespan of their KARAAT jewellery, and bolstering transparency.

“Seeing KARAAT become part of our customers’ most cherished moments, from engagements to personal celebrations, has been my proudest achievement,” Hakanpää reflects. “These stories of love and connection are what inspire me to keep creating and evolving, knowing our jewellery becomes a meaningful part of someone’s life.”