De Beers Group’s Element Six CEO Walter Huehn Departs
Element Six develops and produces synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide supermaterials.

Element Six develops and produces synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide supermaterials.
Huehn joined the company in March 2013.
One of his most significant accomplishments was leading Element Six through the opening of the CVD synthetic diamond manufacturing facility for the production of lab-grown diamonds for Lightbox Jewelry.
He has recently led Element Six’s efforts to discover new applications for synthetic diamonds, like in quantum technology, De Beers said.
“Walter has led Element Six with distinction for the best part of a decade and has continued to deliver excellent value, successfully guiding Element Six through its strategic journey, despite a range of global challenges to contend with. He is passionate about innovation, and about the potential for synthetic diamonds to provide novel solutions to some of the world’s most intractable problems,” noted De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver.
“One of his most important legacies, however, is the outstanding team he has built at Element Six, which has a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and passion, as well as a clear vision of where the key opportunities for the business lie in the future. Synthetic diamonds have the potential to transform the world of technology, and Walter’s successor will work closely with the leadership team to ensure Element Six remains at the forefront of innovation in the advanced material solutions sector.”
De Beers is currently on the hunt for Huehn’s successor.
He will continue in his role through Jan. 31.
Element Six has manufacturing facilities in Germany, Ireland, South Africa, and the United Kingdom in addition to the United States. It explores the commercial uses of synthetic diamonds, in fields ranging from automotive to consumer electronics, cutting and drilling in the oil and gas industry, and even in acoustics and water treatment.
The Latest

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.


The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

























