Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and few know that better than Clarté NYC CEO Isaac Douek.
Alongside his wife and co-founder, Marielle Douek, the designer creates custom lab-grown diamond pieces that have caught the eye of Alix Earle and Bethenny Frankel, with a focus on making fine jewelry feel a little more within reach.
“I spent about six years working in the diamond industry before launching Clarté, so I understood the business and knew there was an opportunity to do things differently,” he tells ET.
For Douek, that meant putting a fresh spin on the classics.
“I never understood why beautiful jewelry had to feel unattainable. A woman should be able to wear the diamond size and design she truly loves without paying an enormous markup simply because of a name on the box,” he explains.
“Lab-grown diamonds allow us to offer incredible size, quality, and design at a much more approachable price. We are not trying to make jewelry feel less luxurious, we are giving more people the opportunity to experience that luxury,” the entrepreneur adds.
Among the brand’s star-studded offerings are The Alix Pear Pendant and The Bethenny Heart Necklace, created and named for the social media creator and reality television star, respectively.
“What makes it so special is that Alix and Bethenny speak to two different generations, yet Clarté feels equally relevant to both. That really demonstrates the versatility and dynamic nature of the brand. … It shows that great design can connect with women across every age group,” Douek shares.
The line has plenty of other gems, too. Eternity bands, engagement rings, tennis necklaces, and diamond studs remain favorites, while personalized options let shoppers select everything from shape and carat weight to setting, metal color, and chain length.
And once you find something you love, there’s no reason to keep it tucked away in a jewelry box for a fancy night out.
“Diamonds are meant to be worn every day. You do not need a wedding, gala, or special occasion to wear something beautiful. … If you love it and feel good wearing it, it works. … Jewelry should become part of your life and not sit in a safe waiting for the right moment,” he says.
In fact, the jeweler thinks a little sparkle can make even the most laid-back outfit shine.
“The right piece of jewelry does all the work. … The moment you add a great diamond necklace, beautiful studs, or a ring stack, the entire look feels elevated. … Some of my favorite looks are a major diamond necklace with a white T-shirt, an incredible pair of studs with workout clothes,” he notes.
“Mix white and yellow gold, layer different diamond shapes, and wear a tennis necklace with a sweatshirt. …The most stylish looks are usually created when someone makes the jewelry their own instead of following a formula.”
