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
Recorded WebinarsSep 29, 2023
The Lab-Grown Diamond Market: Where Are We Now?Watch as Edahn Golan, Sherry Smith and Avi Levy join Michelle Graff to talk pricing and trends in this controversial corner of the market.
SourcingSep 29, 2023
Lucara Severs Ties With HB Antwerp The two companies initially partnered during the pandemic and had just signed a 10-year sales agreement in November 2022.
CollectionsSep 29, 2023
Piece of the Week: Sonya K’s Versatile Necklace A classic diamond tennis necklace gets a whole lot cooler with a removable pendant.
Brought to you by
Top 5 Ways to Promote Safety and Security Awareness Among Your StaffAwareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.
EditorsSep 28, 2023
The Gemstone World Is In Its Unique Cut EraAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently spoke with Columbia Gem House’s Eric Braunwart about the uptick in non-traditional gemstone cuts.
Weekly QuizSep 29, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
MajorsSep 28, 2023
Signet-Owned Rocksbox Now Sells Pre-Owned Fine Jewelry“Pre-Owned Luxury by Rocksbox” offers secondhand jewelry from Kay, Zales, and Jared to members and non-members.
CrimeSep 28, 2023
Have You Seen Jewels Like These? The British Museum Wants to KnowThe museum is asking for the public’s help in finding thousands of pieces of ancient gold jewelry and gemstones stolen from a storeroom.
Brought to you by
A Conversation with Dialog SolutionsDo you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.
MajorsSep 28, 2023
The Kingswood Co. Names New VP, Wins AwardThe company was recognized for one of its private-label, consumer-focused jewelry care lines.
AuctionsSep 27, 2023
Antique Jewels Shine at Bonhams LondonA rare Chaumet necklace and 20th-century sapphire ring sold for double their estimates.
SourcingSep 27, 2023
India Calls for 2-Month Moratorium on Rough Diamond Imports The plea comes against a backdrop of declining demand and falling prices.
SurveysSep 27, 2023
Consumer Confidence Falls in September Amid Rising Recession Fears Shoppers also expressed concern about rising prices, higher interest rates, and political uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 27, 2023
PGI to Dole Out $500K in Business Grant Program Participants from the first round of grants saw up to a 900 percent increase in their platinum sales.
WatchesSep 26, 2023
Citizen Launches the Tsuki-Yomi A-T TimepieceAccording to the watchmaker, it features the first light-powered atomic timekeeping moon phase movement.
IndependentsSep 26, 2023
Sally Nelson, Founder of Exclusively Diamonds, Dies at 86The former teacher, described as “a pioneer for women-owned businesses,” opened her own jewelry store in 1980.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2023
2023 Spectrum Awards Entry Deadline ExtendedThe contest is now open for submissions until Oct. 10.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2023
Instore Announces Dates for 2024 Show The annual event will return to Rosemont, Illinois next August.
SurveysSep 26, 2023
Mastercard Makes Its 2023 Holiday PredictionAccording to SpendingPulse, retail sales will increase in November and December but not necessarily for jewelers.
CrimeSep 25, 2023
Oregon Jeweler Accused of Selling Lab-Grown Diamonds as NaturalPolice say Douglas Wayne Gamble also swapped natural diamonds for synthetic stones and failed to return customers’ repairs.
CollectionsSep 25, 2023
Neil Lane’s Latest Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds The designer just launched a new bridal range at Kay Jewelers.
MajorsSep 25, 2023
Hearts On Fire Taps Mejuri Exec as CCOYunjo Lee has also worked on collections for Tiffany & Co. with Paloma Picasso and Frank Gehry.
MajorsSep 25, 2023
Second Generation Takes On New Roles at Sylvie JewelrySteve Levine joins the family-owned company, while his brother Gary has a new position.
MajorsSep 22, 2023
David Yurman Alleges These Two Companies Copied Its DesignsThe company has filed complaints against Royal Chain and Samuel B.
TrendsSep 22, 2023
Piece of the Week: Yun Yun Sun’s ‘Puzzle’ Ring The two-stone style benefits from two-toned metal.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2023
HardRock Summit To Relocate In 2024The event is moving just outside of Denver.
WatchesSep 21, 2023
Timex Wants Your Old WatchThe company just rolled out “Timex Rewound,” a new takeback and resale program.
GradingSep 21, 2023
Retailers Warned About Fraudulent Email Purportedly From GIA The lab confirmed it did not send the message.
