Founded by siblings Anna, Cushla, and Hamish in 2014, CUSHLA WHITING brings together architecture, gemmology and business, a rare combination shaping a brand built on precision, patience and character. We sat down with Creative Director and Co-Founder Cushla Whiting to talk sourcing, craftsmanship and timeless design.
LifestyleIn Conversation with Cushla Whiting
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15 September 2026
How have your combined skills shaped the brand's identity today?
We all have very different skills and personalities, but the same passion for what we do. Our father was also a gemmologist and geologist, so we all grew up with an appreciation for natural gemstones. Hamish, my brother, is obsessed with gems and finding the perfect stones for our customers, right down to the science behind the cut. My background in architecture informs the way I approach design, from the inspiration behind a piece to the proportions and details. My sister Anna is focused on providing the best service and experience for our customers. Most brands have one or two of these things. We're obsessive about all three, and I think that's shaped the brand's identity.
Your designs balance contemporary architectural forms with the romance of antique diamonds and exceptional coloured gemstones. Where do you find inspiration?
Like good architecture, jewellery should feel timeless and not trend-driven. I find inspiration in architecture, past and present, as well as sculpture and art, and try not to look at trends or other jewellery. With gemstones and diamonds, we're not just looking for exceptional quality; we're looking for stones with uniqueness and character. That's particularly true with antique diamonds and coloured gems, and I always try to design in a way that heroes the stone.
What do you look for when sourcing diamonds and rare gemstones, and why is that process so integral to the finished piece?
The way we source is crucial to our end product. It's a slow process, often a matter of waiting for the right piece to come onto the market. We'll never compromise just to get a quick sale. With modern cut diamonds, cut is the factor Hamish will never compromise on. With antique diamonds, it's essential to see them in person, both to verify they're genuine and to assess what we call their "5th C," character. Because they were hand-cut, they vary enormously, and the best ones are like little works of art. Having Hamish based at the Antwerp Diamond Bourse is a huge advantage, giving us first pick as soon as pieces come onto the market from around Europe.
