IndependentsDec 06, 2022
CD Peacock Names VP of Client Engagement, ExperienceLab-GrownDec 12, 2022
De Beers Group’s Element Six CEO Walter Huehn Departs
Element Six develops and produces synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide supermaterials.
Walter Huehn, CEO of De Beers Group’s Element Six, will depart the company in early 2023.
London—After nearly a decade at the helm of De Beers Group’s Element Six, Walter Huehn is stepping down from his CEO role.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
MajorsSep 18, 2025
Pandora to Open New Distribution Center in MarylandThe jewelry giant will relocate its existing facility to a larger space in Anne Arundel.
SourcingSep 18, 2025
SSEF Opens Applications for 2 Gemology Education Scholarships The awards include tuition for a course at the Swiss lab, economy flights, and hotel accommodation.
TechnologySep 18, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches AI Strategy ProgramThe 21-day program was designed to help jewelry retailers identify opportunities and eliminate inefficiencies with AI.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.
Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.
WatchesSep 17, 2025
Bob’s Watches Acquires Vintage Rolex Won on ‘The Price is Right’ The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.
EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in CarlsbadAt Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop ShootoutSix people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule CollectionThe jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.
SourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation ProgramBen Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy AwardsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says DeloitteIt’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald AuctionIt included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, MontanaAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite EarringsFordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley AwardGilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-ShopLocated in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for ThatThe new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to AccountAs the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. HeadphonesJacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.
