FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
SourcingMay 29, 2018
De Beers to Begin Selling Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
It is monumental, though not entirely shocking, jewelry industry news.
This picture provided by De Beers shows a selection of Lightbox Jewelry, the line of diamond fashion jewelry set with lab-grown white, pink and blue diamonds created by Element Six. The line will initially be sold direct to consumers online beginning this fall.
London--De Beers is entering the jewelry end of the lab-grown diamond industry with the launch of Lightbox Jewelry, a company that sells fashion jewelry set with diamonds grown by Element Six.
The jewelry will be sold direct to consumers via LightboxJewelry.com starting in September, with retail partnerships to be announced “in due course,” the company said in formally announcing the launch of Lightbox on Tuesday.
Lightbox Jewelry will be, at least for now, limited to fashion jewelry, necklaces and earrings set with white, blue and pink man-made diamonds that are “accessibly priced.”
De Beers is charging $200 for a piece of Lightbox Jewelry set with a 0.25-carat diamond; $400 for a half-carat diamond; $600 for 0.75 carats; and $800 for pieces set with a 1-carat man-made diamond. (Prices are for white, blue and pink diamonds and do not include the setting.)
In the company’s news release about Lightbox, both De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver and Steve Coe, the general manager of Lightbox Jewelry, said the line aims to fill what De Beers perceives as a void in the market for well-priced lab-grown diamond fashion jewelry and to clear up consumer confusion over man-made diamonds.
“Our extensive research tells us this is how consumers regard lab-grown diamonds—as a fun, pretty product that shouldn’t cost that much—so we see an opportunity here that’s been missed by lab-grown diamond producers. Lab-grown diamonds are a product of technology, and as we’ve seen with synthetic sapphires, rubies and emeralds, as the technology advances, products become more affordable. After decades of R&D investment, we’re able to offer consumers a better price today,” Cleaver said.
He added that Lightbox Jewelry will be a “small business” compared to what De Beers sells in mined diamonds.
Coe said: “We’ve learned from our research that there is a lot of confusion about lab-grown diamonds—what they are, how they differ from diamonds and how they are valued. Lightbox will be clear with consumers about what lab-grown diamonds are and will offer straightforward pricing that is consistent with the true cost of production.”
He added that they will add more colors and designs to the line over time.
De Beers’ entrance into the lab-grown diamond jewelry market is monumental, although not entirely shocking, jewelry industry news. There has been speculation for years about when—not if—the company would employ its synthetic diamond arm, Element Six, to add gem-quality diamonds to its industrial production.
The jewelry will be sold direct to consumers via LightboxJewelry.com starting in September, with retail partnerships to be announced “in due course,” the company said in formally announcing the launch of Lightbox on Tuesday.
Lightbox Jewelry will be, at least for now, limited to fashion jewelry, necklaces and earrings set with white, blue and pink man-made diamonds that are “accessibly priced.”
De Beers is charging $200 for a piece of Lightbox Jewelry set with a 0.25-carat diamond; $400 for a half-carat diamond; $600 for 0.75 carats; and $800 for pieces set with a 1-carat man-made diamond. (Prices are for white, blue and pink diamonds and do not include the setting.)
In the company’s news release about Lightbox, both De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver and Steve Coe, the general manager of Lightbox Jewelry, said the line aims to fill what De Beers perceives as a void in the market for well-priced lab-grown diamond fashion jewelry and to clear up consumer confusion over man-made diamonds.
“Our extensive research tells us this is how consumers regard lab-grown diamonds—as a fun, pretty product that shouldn’t cost that much—so we see an opportunity here that’s been missed by lab-grown diamond producers. Lab-grown diamonds are a product of technology, and as we’ve seen with synthetic sapphires, rubies and emeralds, as the technology advances, products become more affordable. After decades of R&D investment, we’re able to offer consumers a better price today,” Cleaver said.
He added that Lightbox Jewelry will be a “small business” compared to what De Beers sells in mined diamonds.
Coe said: “We’ve learned from our research that there is a lot of confusion about lab-grown diamonds—what they are, how they differ from diamonds and how they are valued. Lightbox will be clear with consumers about what lab-grown diamonds are and will offer straightforward pricing that is consistent with the true cost of production.”
He added that they will add more colors and designs to the line over time.
De Beers’ entrance into the lab-grown diamond jewelry market is monumental, although not entirely shocking, jewelry industry news. There has been speculation for years about when—not if—the company would employ its synthetic diamond arm, Element Six, to add gem-quality diamonds to its industrial production.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Element Six is based in Maidenhead, United Kingdom, and has grown diamonds for industrial purposes, for items such as drills, lasers and speakers, for years.
With the launch of Lightbox, De Beers is sinking $94 million over the next four years into a second Element Six facility near Portland, Oregon. Once fully operational, the plant will be capable of producing more than 500,000 carats of diamonds per year.
De Beers said Lightbox Jewelry will be the only company to which Element Six supplies gem-quality lab-grown diamonds.
All Lightbox diamonds that weigh 0.2 carats or more will be inscribed with a permanent logo inside the stone, visible only under a microscope, marking as a lab-grown diamond made by Element Six.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
