Synthetic vs. Natural Diamonds: Is There a Difference?

[Imparcticle]

I just viewed a news episode concerning synthetic and natural diamonds. Scientifically, there is no difference. But, according to a certain man (whose name escapes me) who examines the clarity of natural diamonds and makes sure they're ready for sale..., there is a difference--an emotional one. He argues, would a woman choose a synthetic diamond, one made in the lab in a short while or a natural diamond that has taken millions of years to make?
He also argues that synthetic diamonds are not the real thing because it does not occur naturally.

But, in my opinon, a diamond is a diamond. From what I have gathered, a synthetic diamond (besides its close-to-perfect features) has all the features that make a diamond a diamond (like carbon).

So is there a difference between synthetic and naturally occurring diamonds? (besides emotional ones)

 

[olde drunk]

isn't 'mother nature' or the universe neat!

just when we have to deal with the complexities of 'cloning' humans, we are given an innocent subject such as this to exercise what we really think about 'fake' this or that.

to me, WHO CARES! remember, we are promoted into believing that diamonds are special for saving and/or investment. the size and cost of a diamond engagement ring reflects how much we love the other person. being practical, i'd say whichever is easier and/or cheaper to get, gets my vote. They are the same. If Debeers buys the process, there won't be any change in price/ct.

now, cloning on a wider scale looms.


love and peace,
olde drunk

 

[honestrosewater]

A diamond is not a diamond when it is a symbol.
If you want a diamond only for it's physical qualities, then there is no difference, as you have said.
But, if it is symbollic of something, like a relationship or wealth, there is possibly a difference.
I don't wear jewelry, but I might, as a reminder of an adventure or something; if I made the diamond, dove for the pearl, etc.
Happy thoughts
Rachel

 

[THANOS]

spend less on the diamond and more on the ring that holds that diamond

 

[honestrosewater]

olde drunk brings up a good point. (like artificial pearls and artificial insemination? hehe)

I don't wear people, but I might, if I could make them myself

 

[olde drunk]

olde drunk brings up a good point. (like artificial pearls and artificial insemination? hehe)

I don't wear people, but I might, if I could make them myself

LOL, i tried (twice), women don't wear well on me. LOL

love and peace,
olde drunk

 

[Njorl]

A diamond is a diamond. Natural and artificial diamonds are made the same way. I saw the same bit on the news (probably). The "expert" said something like "Do you want a natural diamond or something that was made with heat and pressure?" How does he think natural diamonds are made? The only difference is whether the Earth provides the heat and pressure or a machine. Man made gemstones will soon surpass naturally occurring stones. Pearls, ironically, are the exception. While cultured pearls were the first artificial gems, they do not compare to the best natural pearls.

Njorl

 

[honestrosewater]

Pearls, ironically, are the exception. While cultured pearls were the first artificial gems, they do not compare to the best natural pearls.

Why ironic? I don't think artificial insemination compares to the best natural insemination either
Sorry, I'm quitting smoking- strange moods.

 

[Njorl]

Ironic because it was the first way to make artificial gems.

Njorl

 

[Imparcticle]

A diamond is not a diamond when it is a symbol.
If you want a diamond only for it's physical qualities, then there is no difference, as you have said.
But, if it is symbollic of something, like a relationship or wealth, there is possibly a difference.
Rachel

Is the symbolic difference greater because it takes a considerably longer time to make a diamond compared to the time it takes a machine to make a diamond?
What kind of difference is there? I mean, historically. Why are diamonds so valuble to us? What in our past induced us to favor diamonds so much? Their some rare radioactive material? Is it their proclaimed beauty that influences us (like most things in a social role based society)?

 

[selfAdjoint]

Natural diamonds are controlled by a cartel, which has links to many governments. The de Beers company is the largest member of the cartel. They keep diamonds artificially scarce. This is the sole reason that natural diamonds have such high prices. The cartel has used advertising for over a century to make this high price, and the artificial rarity which produces it, the reason to desire diamonds. If he can buy that expensive thing for you he is either comfortably rich or else really in love with you. Same idea as the peacock's tail; see under "animal signals" .

 

[alpha_wolf]

Natural and artificial diamonds are physically the same. Their value differs, however, due to various subjective reasons. If the diamond cartel fell apart, and diamonds were much more common, would we still value them so much? I doubt that.. If technology allowed to make artificial diamonds more beautiful than natural ones (perhaps it is already possible), would we prefer those over the natural ones? Quite possibly..

spend less on the diamond and more on the ring that holds that diamond

Spend less on the ring and more on the person that wears it. We are obsessed with money and other material things. But is it really that important?

 

[Rader]

"Time Diamonds"

There would be quite a great difference in a diamond made by the Earth's natural weight than by a modern synthetic pressure device.

The difference is, eons of time. Do you value antiques?

 

[honestrosewater]

Is the symbolic difference greater because it takes a considerably longer time to make a diamond compared to the time it takes a machine to make a diamond?

For some, possibly. I think the symbollism is personal. I imagine Feynman would find the artificial diamond more precious- out of appreciation for the science and technology that produced it ;)
There is a similar debate over whether science/scientific knowledge detracts from the beauty of nature.
Happy thoughts
Rachel

 

[Namloh2000]

Nikes are still cooler than any genaric brand. Why? Consensus reality perhaps?

Regardless if a cartell creates an "artificial" demand or not on genuine (earth-made) diamonds, it does not negate from the fact that it is a demand none the less. If I am convinced that earth-made diamonds are harder to come by, or are for some reason better than synthetic ones, then I will most likely pay more for them, and they will be more fashionable - "cooler".

what is "cool", man?

Nike still has a chance to get eaten up when a once-generic brand becomes mainstream. Why? Fashion is a function of cultural orthodoxy. Why are not synthetic diamonds worth more than earth-made ones? They are the epitome of human dedication to somethingorother...a reflecion of human progress!(least I could market them as such).

Not everything has to do directly with how hard something is to come by - what is worth? It's not that High-water pants and pocket-protectors aren't fashionable because the market was flooded with them...