Dr. Adriana Lauren Traviati, Founder & Managing Director, Saphira Diamonds
In the words of Coco Chanel, the iconic fashion designer and businesswoman, “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” In the realm of business, women entrepreneurs often embody this audacity, challenging conventions and reshaping industries. Today, we are excited to unravel the captivating journey of Dr. Adriana Lauren Traviati, the Founder and Managing Director of Saphira Diamonds, who symbolizes the very essence of true womanhood. Adriana’s journey from the vast world of geosciences, to becoming a vanguard in the world of rare diamonds radiates the most feminine virtues of grace, resilience, and authenticity mirroring the innate characteristics of the sparkling gems she works with every day.
Adriana’s journey from the roots of geosciences to becoming a specialist in the diamond industry, with a focus on Argyle Pink Diamonds, is a remarkable tale of passion, perseverance, and innovation. As the Managing Director of Saphira Diamonds, she has not only made a mark in the competitive realm of natural diamond retail but has also successfully traversed through the labyrinth of a male-dominated industry and has become a legend in her own right. Her achievements and contributions have earned her recognition as one of the Most Dynamic Women Entrepreneurs from Australia Spearheading Change in 2023.
From Rough edges to Polished sparkles
Adriana’s coming into the world of diamonds was neither spurred by a sudden flash of inspiration nor guided by an instinctive choice. Her desire was deep and innate and was driven by a strong sense of purpose. The daughter of a geoscientist, Adriana’s passion was ignited by her deep-rooted fascination with the Earth’s marvels. Growing up surrounded by the wonders of nature, her geoscientist father, Mario, inspired her love of the natural world. It was this early exposure that cultivated in her a love for those rare and precious gems. “Many holidays were spent adventuring with my father, Mario, who is also a Geoscientist,” Dr. Traviati fondly reminisces. Her choice to pursue Geoscience as a career was thus a natural one, driven by her inherent curiosity to explore the Earth’s geological treasures.
Adriana’s academic journey allowed her to explore the fascinating and dynamic geological processes that produce diamonds, especially the mesmerizing Argyle Pink Diamonds. These rare diamonds, formed between 1.1 and 1.3 billion years ago, are both a testament to the Earth’s ancient history and a pinnacle of wealth and beauty. The Argyle Diamond mine, which closed in 2020, was responsible for producing 90% of the world’s pink diamond supply, with only 0.01% of the gems found at Argyle being pink in colour.
Her background as an Australian geologist also allowed her to explore the Kimberley regions of Australia and South Africa, where her love for rare, coloured diamonds deepened. “Being a geoscientist is like being a detective of the Earth’s history. The allure of diamonds, with their geological rarity and unparalleled beauty, always captivated me,” says Dr. Traviati.
While studying geosciences, Adriana worked in the Fine and Engagement Department of Tiffany and Co. This experience allowed her to delve into the finished product of diamonds, igniting her passion for the entire diamond supply chain, from the mine site to the sparkling final product. It was this passion that eventually led her to step out of her job at Tiffany and Co. and focus more on her studies in Geosciences.
In 2017, her dream of starting her own business in the diamond industry took shape, and Adriana embarked on the incredible journey of founding Saphira Diamonds. Her mission was clear – to provide comprehensive consumer education about diamonds, ensuring that customers get true value when purchasing these precious diamonds. Her combination of upstream education in geosciences and downstream experience in the retail business was indeed a rare skill set that set her apart. “The passion for diamonds and the desire to educate consumers led to the birth of Saphira. We believe that everyone should have the ability to own a precious diamond,” affirms the entrepreneur.
The First-Generation Trailblazer: Navigating the Man’s World
The diamond industry is known for its exclusivity, deep-rooted traditions, and a network that often transcends generations. For Dr. Adriana Traviati, the challenges to break this status quo as the first member of her family were manifold and it was an intimidating terrain to navigate. Breaking into the male-dominated and tightly-knit industry amidst the lack of industry connections and familial ties proved to be an uphill battle for a young girl of just 22!
But Adriana’s resolution overcame every obstacle in her way, surpassed her age and experience. She immersed herself in the intricacies of the diamond trade, learning every facet of the business. As she reflects, “But obstacles only strengthen your resolve”, Adriana turned every challenge into stepping stones to success. With unwavering grit and perseverance, she moved forward fearlessly and proved with her life that everything can be achieved if we dare to align our passion with purpose.
As luck smiles upon those who work for it, Adriana came across some benevolent individuals who became her mentors and guided her through the complexities of the industry. Joining the Young Diamantaires (YD) and Women InJewellery (WIJ) Community, and the World Diamond Council (WDC) provided her with a network of like-minded individuals who not only expanded her understanding of the industry but also led to lifelong friendships. These connections, spanning across Australia and the globe, played a pivotal role in her journey.
Saphira Diamonds: Illuminating Dreams
At the core of Saphira Diamonds lies a profound mission – to make the beauty and rarity of natural diamonds accessible to everyone. Adriana firmly believes that each diamond tells a unique story, echoing Earth’s ancient history. “Most diamonds formed billions of years ago, making them precious records of our planet’s history,” she explains. Saphira Diamonds sets itself apart in delivering value, education, and unique, custom-made fine jewellery. The company believes in the lasting value of natural diamonds, emphasizing their uniqueness as treasures that can be passed down through generations.
“We care deeply about our clients and work tirelessly to educate them beyond the 4 C’s, ensuring they understand the rarity and specialness of their diamond pieces,” Dr. Traviati explains.
Saphira’s process is highly personalized, with a focus on understanding the client’s unique vision and delivering exceptional attention to detail and customer service. The company is also passionate about offering insights into the world of rare-coloured diamonds, particularly Argyle Pink Diamonds.
Balancing Leadership with Ethics and Sustainability
Balancing business success with ethics and sustainability is a hallmark of Adriana’s leadership. Her dedication to the natural diamond industry’s longevity is evident in her role in the Kimberley Process Taskforce (KPTF) as a member of the World Diamond Council (WDC). The Kimberley Process, responsible for curbing 99.8% of trade in conflict-related diamonds, aligns with her vision of a transparent and ethical industry.
Adriana’s commitment is further illustrated through her involvement in the Young Diamantaires (YD) organizing committee and her contributions to projects like the Renaissance School in Musina, South Africa. Beyond the boardroom, the leader aspires to establish her charitable projects, benefiting communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined.
Recognition and Beyond
In 2020, Dr. Adriana Lauren Traviati was named one of Rappaport’s ‘People of the Year,’ an honour bestowed upon her during a challenging year. This recognition reflects her commitment to driving change and innovation within the industry.
Adriana’s unique approach, aiming to bridge the gap between the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the diamond industry and increase transparency, has earned her a distinct place among the most inspiring and innovative professionals worldwide.
A Glimpse into the Future
Dr. Traviati’s journey is far from over. Saphira Diamonds is set to expand its footprint in early 2024 with the opening of a new office and business in Singapore. This marks an exciting new chapter for the company as it extends its reach to Southeast Asia, offering Argyle Pink Diamonds and other rare, fancy-coloured diamonds directly to clients in the region.
Beyond business, Adriana envisions charitable projects, contributing to the communities where natural diamonds are mined. Her aspirations extend to the upstream mining sector, exploring collaborations with large mining companies and venturing into her exploration endeavours. For Adriana, the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to make a difference are the driving forces propelling her into the future.
A Timeless Legacy
Adriana’s journey as a pioneering female entrepreneur inspires us to break the moulds, follow our passions, and pursue our dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Her advice to entrepreneurs seeking entry into similar realms of business unveils her secret formula for success: to remain curious, agile, and humble- “The best thing you can do is associate yourself with like-minded people who push you to grow and be the best version of yourself. Surround yourself with kind people and establish a good network. You should never be the smartest person in the room, and if you are, find a new room to stand in”. Her words echo the essence of her journey – a journey marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of one’s dreams.“Most importantly, enjoy the journey along the way, and don’t forget to look back on your progress and give gratitude for all the days you have made it through, and all of the incredible days ahead of you on your own journey” the entrepreneur affirms, as testament to her positive mindset.
Today, the name of Adriana Lauren Traviati, is engrained in diamond history. Her journey from a dream-filled child to a triumphant woman in the industry serves as a timeless reminder that gender should never stand as an impediment to success. She leaves behind an enduring legacy that urges women to reach for the stars, knowing that, like the well-cut diamond, their potential is boundless. Even in the toughest of domains, a woman with a vision, courage, and unflagging determination can shine brilliantly and break through the toughest of barriers.