Media Enquiries, Interviews & Expert Commentary

About Kosta Theochari

Jeweller, Jewellery Designer, Diamond Grader, Managing Director, MDT DESIGN

Kosta Theochari is one of the Managing Directors of MDT DESIGN, a Melbourne CBD-based custom jewellery house on Collins Street specialising in fully handmade bespoke engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery.

Kosta is a fully qualified jeweller with over 22 years in the jewellery industry. With extensive experience in diamond grading, custom jewellery design, fully handmade jewellery without CAD casting or mass production, and gemstone selection, Kosta works directly with clients throughout Australia to create handmade jewellery tailored to individual styles, requirements and budgets.

Kosta regularly provides expert insight on diamonds, engagement rings, coloured gemstones, jewellery design, luxury consumer trends and the evolving jewellery industry.

He is available for interviews, media commentary, podcast appearances, expert quotes, guest articles, conference panels and industry analysis.

Areas of Expertise

Diamonds & Diamond Grading

Kosta provides expert commentary on:

• Diamond grading and quality assessment
• The 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat Weight
• Diamond certification and grading reports
• Natural diamonds versus lab-grown diamonds
• Diamond pricing and market trends
• Fancy coloured diamonds
• Diamond sourcing and selection
• Consumer diamond buying advice
• Diamond investment considerations

Engagement Rings

Topics include:

• Engagement ring trends
• Popular diamond shapes and styles
• Proposal trends
• Ring budgeting and purchasing behaviour
• Custom engagement ring design
• Ethical sourcing considerations
• Natural versus lab-grown engagement rings
• Wedding industry trends
• Consumer buying mistakes
• Handmade versus handcrafted jewellery

Jewellery Design & Manufacturing

Areas of expertise include:

• Bespoke jewellery design
• Custom jewellery manufacturing
• Handmade jewellery craftsmanship
• Design trends in fine jewellery
• Remodelling and redesigning existing jewellery
• Heirloom jewellery transformations
• Jewellery production processes

Gemstones

Kosta is available to discuss:

• Sapphire engagement rings
• Emeralds and rubies
• Coloured gemstone trends
• Gemstone durability
• Gemstone quality assessment
• Gemstone sourcing
• Rare and unusual gemstones

Luxury Consumer Behaviour

Topics include:

• Luxury purchasing decisions
• Consumer spending trends
• Wedding and engagement spending
• Personalisation in luxury products
• Australian luxury retail trends
• High-value purchasing behaviour

H2: Frequently Requested Commentary

Journalists regularly seek expert insight on topics such as:

• Are lab-grown diamonds replacing natural diamonds?
• What should consumers know before buying a diamond?
• How much should you spend on an engagement ring?
• What engagement ring styles are trending?
• Why are coloured gemstones becoming more popular?
• How are diamond prices changing?
• What mistakes do buyers make when purchasing jewellery?
• What should consumers look for in a diamond certificate?
• Are bespoke engagement rings worth the investment?
• Why are more Australians choosing custom jewellery?
• How does jewellery craftsmanship affect quality and longevity?

Career & Industry Experience

Kosta Theochari officially started his jewellery career as an apprentice with MDT DESIGN in 2003. He is now one of the Managing Directors of MDT DESIGN alongside his father, Nicholas Theochari, who founded the company in 1981.

As part of a family-owned and operated business, Kosta has dedicated his career to helping clients create meaningful jewellery through expert guidance, quality craftsmanship and personalised design.

His work spans diamond selection, gemstone sourcing, engagement ring design, custom jewellery manufacturing and client education.

Kosta believes that purchasing fine jewellery should be an informed and enjoyable experience and is passionate about helping consumers understand quality, value and craftsmanship.

Through MDT DESIGN, he has assisted thousands of clients in creating bespoke jewellery pieces designed to be worn and treasured for generations.

About MDT DESIGN

MDT DESIGN is a Melbourne-based jewellery studio specialising in custom engagement rings, wedding rings and bespoke fine jewellery.

Each piece can individually designed and crafted to suit the client’s preferences, lifestyle and budget or can buy from the large ready to wear collection in the boutique.

MDT DESIGN combines advanced design technology with traditional craftsmanship to create jewellery that is highly personal, exceptionally crafted and built to last.

Clients can work directly with experienced jewellery professionals throughout the entire design and creation process.

MDT DESIGN has won jewellery awards spanning back to 1997 and continues to be recognised for design innovation, craftsmanship and excellence within the Australian jewellery industry.

Featured In

Industry Recognition

MDT DESIGN and Kosta Theochari have been featured, referenced and recognised through industry awards, client recognition, expert commentary and jewellery industry publications.

• JAA Jewellery Design Award Winner (2025)
• Diamond Guild Awards
• Australian Jewellery Design Awards
• Multiple JAA Jewellery Design Award Winners and Finalists
• Award-winning jewellery designers
• Over 1,000 Google Reviews
• 4.9-Star Google Rating

Media Mentions & Features

Media coverage and publications featured in:

• Channel Nine
• Marie Claire
• Elle
• New Idea
• Sky News
• Now To Love
• Tipping Point
• Natural Diamonds
• Ocean Road Magazine
• Wedding and Bridal publications
• Luxury Lifestyle Publications
• Business Publications
• Expert Contributor Articles

As MDT DESIGN continues to contribute expert commentary and industry insights, verified media mentions will be added to this section. Please contact us for further information and links.

Insights by Kosta Theochari

Explore expert commentary, educational resources and industry insights from Kosta Theochari and MDT DESIGN.

Diamonds

• What Does “Eye Clean” Mean in Diamonds?
• Carats vs Karats Explained: Understanding the Difference

• The Most Expensive Diamonds in the World
• Why MDT DESIGN Has Chosen to Work with Lab Grown Diamonds

• Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds: What Buyers Need to Know

Engagement Rings

• How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?
• Why Melbourne Couples Choose Custom Engagement Rings

• Sapphire Engagement Rings: Everything You Need to Know

• The Biggest Engagement Ring Buying Mistakes Australians Make (future article)

Jewellery Design

• Handmade vs Cast Jewellery: Why the Difference Matters

• Custom Jewellery Design: From Concept to Creation (future article)
• How Long Does It Take to Create a Custom Engagement Ring? (future article)

Industry Trends

• Platinum on the Rise: What the Increasing Price Means for Jewellery Lovers

• Diamond Market Trends and Pricing in Australia (future article)
• The Future of Handmade Jewellery in Australia (future article)

For additional articles, visit the MDT DESIGN Journal.

Available For

Kosta is available for:

• Print interviews
• Online publications
• Podcast interviews
• Television commentary
• Radio interviews
• Expert quotes
• Guest articles
• Industry publications
• Wedding and bridal magazines
• Business publications

Media Assets

Available upon request:

• Professional headshots
• MDT DESIGN logos
• Company overview
• Biography (short and long versions)
• Workshop photography
• Jewellery photography
• Product imagery
• Previous media appearances

Fast Facts

Name: Kosta Theochari

Position: Managing Director

Company: MDT DESIGN

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Industry: Fine Jewellery

Specialisations:

• Diamond Grading
• Engagement Rings
• Bespoke Jewellery Design
• Custom Manufacturing
• Coloured Gemstones
• Diamond Selection
• Luxury Consumer Trends
• Jewellery Repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond?

Natural diamonds are formed naturally over billions of years beneath the Earth’s surface, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a factory using advanced technology that replicates the same crystal structure. Both are real diamonds but differ in origin, rarity and pricing.

What are the 4Cs of diamond grading?

The 4Cs are Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat Weight. Together they determine a diamond’s quality, appearance and value.

What does “eye clean” mean in a diamond?

An eye-clean diamond has no visible inclusions when viewed with the naked eye and under normal viewing conditions.

How much should you spend on an engagement ring?

There is no universal rule. The ideal budget depends on personal circumstances, financial comfort and priorities. The best engagement ring is one that suits both the wearer and the purchaser.

Are bespoke engagement rings more expensive?

Not necessarily. Custom-designed jewellery can often be tailored to suit a wide range of budgets while providing a more personalised result than mass-produced jewellery.

How long does it take to create a custom engagement ring?

Generally, we advise allowing 4 to 6 weeks to fully handmake a custom engagement ring. Factors such as the complexity of the design, engraving requirements and diamond sourcing can all affect production timelines.

What engagement ring styles are currently popular?

Popular styles include oval diamonds, hidden halos, solitaire settings, trilogy rings and coloured gemstone engagement rings.

What is the difference between handmade and cast jewellery?

Handmade jewellery is individually crafted by jewellers using traditional fabrication methods that include forging the metal to create a stronger piece, whereas cast jewellery is produced using moulds. Handmade pieces are valued for their craftsmanship, strength and individuality.

Can existing jewellery be remodelled into a new design?

Yes. Existing diamonds, gemstones and precious metals can often be incorporated into a new design, allowing sentimental jewellery to be transformed into something modern and more suited to the wearer.

Does MDT DESIGN manufacture jewellery on-site?

Yes. MDT DESIGN designs and manufactures jewellery within its Collins Street Melbourne workshop, maintaining direct oversight of quality and craftsmanship.

Does MDT DESIGN specialise in custom jewellery?

Yes. MDT DESIGN specialises in bespoke engagement rings, wedding rings and custom-made fine jewellery tailored to each client’s requirements.

Approved Biography (50 Words)

Kosta Theochari is the Managing Director of MDT DESIGN, a Melbourne-based custom jewellery studio specialising in engagement rings, wedding rings and bespoke fine jewellery. With expertise in diamond grading, gemstone selection and jewellery design, Kosta provides expert commentary on diamonds, engagement rings, luxury consumer trends and the jewellery industry.

Approved Biography (100 Words)

Kosta Theochari is the Managing Director of MDT DESIGN, a Melbourne-based custom jewellery studio specialising in bespoke engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery. Drawing on extensive experience in diamond grading, gemstone sourcing and custom jewellery design, Kosta works closely with clients to create highly personalised pieces that combine exceptional craftsmanship with thoughtful design.

His expertise spans natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, coloured gemstones, engagement ring design and luxury consumer purchasing behaviour. Kosta regularly provides expert insight on jewellery trends, diamond education and the evolving jewellery industry.

Media Contact

For interviews, commentary requests or media enquiries:

Kosta Theochari
Managing Director, MDT DESIGN

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.mdtdesign.com.au

Contact Number: (03) 9654 6805

Media enquiry response time is typically within two business days. For urgent media enquiries, please call directly.