Lab-GrownJan 20, 2023
Siobhán Duffy Promoted to Chief Executive of Element Six Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO
Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
De Beers Group-owned lab-grown diamond company Lightbox has promoted Adam O’Grady to the newly created position of chief operating officer.
New York—Lightbox has promoted Adam O’Grady to the newly created position of chief operating officer.
O’Grady previously served as general manager of the Element Six team operating the Lightbox Lab since 2019, playing a major role in the design and construction of the $94 million, purpose-built diamond-growing factory in Gresham, Oregon. The facility opened in 2020.
He will report to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde, who took the reins in November 2022.
“We are fortunate to have a depth of expertise, leadership and talent in Adam,” said Borde. “He is a transformational leader with deep knowledge of the lab-grown diamond category, and with the inception of the COO role, I am confident his expertise will help unlock further growth potential for Lightbox.”
In his new role, O’Grady will oversee end-to-end operations at Lightbox, from the rough stone stage to final distribution.
“I am incredibly energized to take on this new challenge and very enthusiastic about the future of Lightbox and what we can accomplish,” said O’Grady.
“I see potential for further growth and value creation, and I look forward to working closely with Antoine and the team as we continue to deliver on our objectives.”
Related stories will be right here …
O’Grady previously served as general manager of the Element Six team operating the Lightbox Lab since 2019, playing a major role in the design and construction of the $94 million, purpose-built diamond-growing factory in Gresham, Oregon. The facility opened in 2020.
He will report to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde, who took the reins in November 2022.
“We are fortunate to have a depth of expertise, leadership and talent in Adam,” said Borde. “He is a transformational leader with deep knowledge of the lab-grown diamond category, and with the inception of the COO role, I am confident his expertise will help unlock further growth potential for Lightbox.”
In his new role, O’Grady will oversee end-to-end operations at Lightbox, from the rough stone stage to final distribution.
“I am incredibly energized to take on this new challenge and very enthusiastic about the future of Lightbox and what we can accomplish,” said O’Grady.
“I see potential for further growth and value creation, and I look forward to working closely with Antoine and the team as we continue to deliver on our objectives.”
O’Grady has nearly two decades of experience in operations, global supply chain management, and chemical, mechanical and industrial engineering.
He has a B.A. in engineering and chemical engineering from University College in Dublin, Ireland.
Before joining Lightbox, he worked at Element Six, De Beers’ industrial supermaterials and synthetic diamond business.
O’Grady served in several general management and senior project roles, working at facilities in South Africa, China and the U.K.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated post-publication to clarify what O'Grady will oversee in his new role.
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
