The Bling Machine

UNBEKNOWN TO MOST, scientists working in computer labs have been growing diamond shards for decades. But in 2013, solar entrepreneur R. Martin Roscheisen decided to apply the technology to a product far more glamorous—fine jewels. Diamond Foundry, a San Francisco–based company with $100 million in venture capital, has taken aim at the $13 billion diamond industry. With 100 employees split between its diamond lab in Silicon Valley and its design studio in downtown Los Angeles, the startup manufactured 10,000 carats’ worth of diamonds last year, while doubling its revenue every quarter. Roscheisen explains how his company is cleaning up a dirty industry—while designing some very chic jewelry.