1. How did your family get into the diamond and jewelry industry?

In 1907, our great-grandfather Sam Kwiat, a recent immigrant from Europe, founded his diamond trading business in downtown New York City — the original diamond district. Over the next 25 years, he built a very successful company, and in 1933, he was joined by his son David, our grandfather. David was a craftsman at heart and began to create jewelry using Sam’s diamonds. Under David’s direction, the business continued to grow, until his own sons, Lowell and Sheldon, joined the company and established the Kwiat brand. We’re Lowell’s sons — Greg, Russell, and Cory — and we run the business today, working alongside our father to continue the family legacy.

2. What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being a jeweler?

Creating family heirlooms and working with clients to celebrate the most special moments in their lives is truly rewarding. We are always honored that a Kwiat jewel can become an enduring symbol of a couple’s love.

We are always challenging ourselves to think creatively and stay ahead of the rest of our industry. Our grandfather David always said, “In business, you are either moving forward or you’re moving backwards. And if you’re not sure which way you’re moving, it’s backwards.” We’ve always taken that as a reminder to be innovative and strategic. Taking smart risks is essential to maintaining success over generations.

3. What do you believe is one of the most classic and timeless styles for an engagement ring or wedding band?

Kwiat has always specialized in timeless designs. There are so many beautiful classic engagement rings to choose from! A Kwiat Round™ diamond in an elegant platinum setting will surely stand the test of time. The Kwiat Cushion™ set in a delicate pavé diamond ring is also an enduring design.

4. What does a “perfect diamond” mean to you? What standards for stones does Kwiat uphold?

From an emotional perspective, a perfect diamond is one that speaks to your heart. It’s the one that captures the imagination and tells a love story for eternity.

Of course, as diamond cutters for 115 years, we also approach this question from a technical perspective. At Kwiat, we have the strictest standards in the world for diamond cut quality. We pay attention to all the details — proportions, angles, facets — that make diamonds a magical gem.

5. What separates a Kwiat diamond from others?

The key element that separates a Kwiat diamond from all others is the superior quality of the cut. In any shape and size, our diamonds will always appear bigger, brighter, and more brilliant than the rest. 

6. How, from your perspective, have styles and trends for diamond jewelry changed over time?

When it comes to diamond jewelry design, the more things change, the more they stay the same. On the one hand, the last 10 – 20 years have seen tremendous innovation in the way that diamonds are used in jewelry design. From interesting shapes to playful and edgy designs, diamonds are no longer just for nighttime. They can be worn casually from the carpool to the boardroom.

And yet, there are certain styles that never go out of style. Diamond stud earrings, tennis bracelets, and line necklaces are all jewelry wardrobe staples that have been popular since the earliest days of diamonds. In addition to innovative design, Kwiat specializes in these timeless and classic styles that are meant to be passed down from generation to generation.