Man-Made Diamonds

These days when we talk about man-made diamonds, we are not talking about Zirconia or Moissanite which were made to pass as diamonds. With the advent of technology and more importantly hard work put in by scientists over the years, gem quality can be grown in the laboratories in a matter of few days.

The History

Since the discovery made in 1797 that diamond was nothing but pure carbon, many attempts have been made to alter the cheaper forms of carbon. These attempts have met with varied amount of success. The earliest success was reported by Fredinand Frederic Henri Moissan in 1893. The method used by him involved heating charcoal at 4000 Centigrade along with iron in a carbon crucible in an electric furnace wherein an electric arc was struck between the carbon rods inside blocks of lime. The molten iron rod was quickly cooled by submerging it into water. The contraction caused due to sudden cooling was thought to be equivalent to the high pressure that caused the graphite to diamond.

Present Scenario

Single crystal perfect diamonds of about 2 carats can be made in a day. It is interesting to note here that an average sized engagement ring is less than a carat. The scientists use a process known as the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) which grows diamond crystals one carbon atom at a time.

Russell Hemley of the Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution of Washington and researchers belonging to Apollo Diamond, Boston have produced the largest and also some of the most flawless diamonds so far. Further, Carbon Power Electronics Consortium, Europe which was led by Dutch diamond maker Element Six has helped create a synthetic diamond diode that was the first step towards working diamond semiconductors.

The Scientists have mastered the ability to grow 10 carat single crystals with color and quality that surpasses mined diamonds. It is believed that these diamonds will be cheaper in a decade and the first diamond semiconductors are expected to hit the market in 2011.

Synthetic Diamonds

I guess until the CVD produced diamonds hit the market and people who cannot afford the mined diamonds, most of us will have to continue using synthetic diamonds. But do not despair. If you use synthetic diamonds you will be joining the elite group of Gwyneth Paltrow, Minnie Driver and Angelina Jolie who have made a vocal issue against mined diamonds and have worn only synthetic diamonds to all galas.

Russian diamonds are a good alternative. They are high quality cubic zirconias although none of the store owners will openly admit to this fact. The Russian diamonds are available at $280 per carat.

Moissanites are also excellent diamond stimulants that are created in the lab. They have been available since the early 90's and is hugely popular. Although they are cheaper than diamonds, they are still considered expensive at $500 per carat. Further, they do not have the same optical qualities as a diamond and hence can be easily identified by the naked eye of an experienced practitioner.

Diamond Nexus have only been recently made available in the United States and are a result of a fairly new scientific advancement in the processing technique. These diamonds match the qualities of a flawless mined diamond very closely. The hardness is virtually similar to that of a real diamond and so are the radiance and brilliance readings. The best part about the nexus diamond is the fact that they are available at $79 per carat. Also, these diamonds are available in precious metal and gold settings only.

I agree that synthetic diamonds are not the real deal. But you can rest assured that you are getting your money's worth. As per a survey conducted, it has been established that people pay about 40% more for an engagement ring than its actual price. Further, there are also some social issues related with the mined diamonds including terrible working environment and child labor. As a matter of fact, the mining industry is considered very unethical and abusive in nature. So not only will the synthetic diamonds be easier on your pockets, they will also be easier on your conscience.