We are ammil
We are Ammil – a blend of innovation and integrity in the realm of lab-grown diamonds. Our mission is to reshape the concept of Swiss diamonds, associating them with a national identity recognized for its commitment to excellence and ethical values.
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As an independent diamond-growing company Ammil offers premium-quality Swiss diamonds. Our state-of-the-art machines specialise in precisely calibrated melees ideal for the intricate craftsmanship of watchmaking . Additionally, our expertise in colours ensures that every diamond meets the highest standards of brilliance.
Ammil
[/'amil/] noun
The glittering layer of ice that dusts leaves, twigs, and grass after freezing.
Meet the Team
James Johnson
Co-Founder - Operations and Sales
Brought up in Switzerland, James is the son of a Zurich based jeweller and so has been immersed in the world of gemstones from a young age. Combining his legal education with a keen interest in the diamond market he oversees operations and sales aspects of the business. Today he continues to leverage his experience to ensure excellence in every facet of the business.
Co-Founder - Technical Lead
Christoph Spitzl
Raised in a family deeply involved in diamond technology, Christoph learned the ropes from his parents, who pioneered the CVD process. He studies Material science at Technical university Aachen. While working in the family business, gaining hands-on experience since childhood. Today, he continues the legacy, blending innovation with tradition to advance diamond production.
Hamish Rogers
Head of Communications
Hamish brings experience in sports media, charity marketing, and community engagement. He leads communications and partnerships at Ammil, shaping its brand narrative and outreach. With a background in journalism and digital content, he now applies his expertise to promoting Swiss-grown diamonds, bridging sustainability with storytelling in the luxury space. If you're interested in becoming an ambassador or partnering with us, he is the person to contact.
Karen McGlashan
Bespoke Designer
With over 30 years of experience in the jewellery industry, Karen McGlashan is our esteemed in-house designer. As a former creative director at a prestigious high-end jeweller in Zurich, Karen's exquisite designs have been featured in Vogue. Her vast expertise and creative vision are invaluable to our team, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her in charge of our bespoke designs.
Mark Bushby
Sales & Business Development
LONDON
With a passion for sustainability and entrepreneurship, Mark brings a results-driven approach to Ammil’s mission of redefining luxury through ethical lab-grown diamonds. He runs sales in England, building strong partnerships with retailers and consumers who share a vision for responsible luxury. Mark is focused on creating long-term, impactful relationships in the industry.
Jack Diggle
Sales & Technical Applications
SCOTLAND
With a background in engineering, Jack is passionate about cutting-edge technology. He runs sales in Scotland, helping drive Ammil's innovation in diamond production using CVD, blending precision engineering with sustainability to create high-performance solutions. Jack is dedicated to pushing boundaries and advancing sustainable practices in diamond production.
Lou Engelberger
Jewellery Designer
Lou Engelberger is a jewellery designer at Ammil, leading the design of our upcoming ranges and bringing a fresh, creative perspective to lab-grown diamonds. She combines hands-on expertise in the fashion and luxury industry across Zurich and NYC with her academic focus, currently pursuing a Master’s in Fashion Management at Parsons School of Design. Lou’s approach merges craftsmanship with innovation, bridging tradition and the future of responsible luxury.
Charlie Yuille
Brand Manager
Charlie is a seasoned creative and film director with a background in advertising and branding. Having worked in New York and London at RD Content, he has crafted compelling brand films for renowned names like Hamilton Watches and Rado. Now freelance, Charlie continues to collaborate with leading agencies, creating impactful, human-led stories for brands like UCL and Trevethan Gin.
As part of the Ammil mission, we are committed to fostering an ethical environment for our workers, ensuring fair pay and excellent working conditions.
Here are some key facts about our ethical practices:
Fair Wages
We pay our polishers way above industrial standard wages. We also use European work standards to ensure their existence is secured for the long-term and ensuring they receive fair compensation for their labour.​
Sustainable Operations
We exclusively use green power to run our machines, minimizing our environmental footprint and contributing to a cleaner, greener future.
Research and
Development
We are actively engaged in research and development efforts to decarbonize other industries, leveraging innovative technologies to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
Social Mobility
Our senior polishers are predominantly women. They recieve higher wages and are provided opportunities to obtain their master polishing certification, advancing their careers and achieving greater economic independence.