Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Take a Look at Lightbox’s New $94M Manufacturing Lab
The new, 60,000-square-foot facility will produce 200,000 carats of lab-grown diamonds annually.
Gresham, Ore.—Lightbox, the De Beers-owned lab-grown diamond brand, is cutting the ribbon on its $94 million manufacturing lab just outside of Portland, Oregon.
As production ramps up, the new, 60,000-square-foot facility will produce 200,000 carats of lab-grown diamonds annually.
“The opening of this facility is a true milestone for the company,” Lightbox CEO Steve Coe said in a press release announcing the opening.
“Manufacturing lab-grown diamonds in the U.S. was a goal from the beginning, and we are so proud to have achieved it with this state-of-the-art laboratory in a region that has become a hub for advanced industries.”
Designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Sheehan Nagle Hartray, the two-story white building resembles the facets of a diamond.
RELATED CONTENT: To Sell, Or Not To Sell: That’s the Lab-Grown Question
The space includes a production floor, mechanical and electrical support spaces, labs, offices, and conference rooms.
The facility will employ 60 full-time engineers, technicians, and administrative personnel.
On the first floor sits a central command station, situated to oversee the lab-grown diamond production space, as well as meeting spaces and a dining area.
The second floor houses office space, with an overlook down to the ground floor.
Both floors will have a view of custom art installations, inspired by the lab-grown diamond fabrication process, Lightbox said.
The brand held a virtual opening of the new facility Thursday to give a closer look at the space.
The presentation opened with a greeting from Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox lab, who spoke about the company’s journey and why it chose Gresham, Oregon to be the site of the new facility.
“It provides us with access to a very high-quality renewable electrical infrastructure, which is capable of meeting both our immediate power requirements but was also future-proof for growth.”
O’Grady praised the Portland metro area and noted that many employees are from the surrounding area.
Coe answered a few questions sent in by attendees.
On the topic of larger diamonds, Coe said it was possible Lightbox may supply stones over 1-carat in size.
“It’s still a little too early to confirm, but I can say, watch this space,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a few 2-carat stones appearing in some of our jewelry during 2021.”
De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver spoke next, lamenting that the Lightbox lab opening was unable to happen in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cleaver clarified Lightbox’s space in the De Beers portfolio.
“De Beers is a natural diamond business
The company recently announced a partnership with jewelry e-tailer giant Blue Nile, launching an exclusive collection of fashion jewelry on its site earlier this week.
SEE: Inside the New Lightbox Facility
The Latest
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.