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.

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.
The Latest

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.


Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

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

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

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

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

























