The Global Diamond Industry: Economics and Development Volume II is a book that was published in 2015. The book is a collection of research papers that were presented at the 4th International Conference on the Economics of Diamonds.
One of the chapters in the book is titled “Man-Made Diamonds: A Threat to the Natural Diamond Industry?”. The chapter was written by Roman Grynberg and Margaret Sengwaketse, and it discusses the potential impact of man-made diamonds on the natural diamond industry.
Grynberg and Sengwaketse begin by discussing the history of man-made diamonds. They note that man-made diamonds have been produced in laboratories since the early 1950s. However, it was not until the 1990s that man-made diamonds began to be produced in large quantities.
The authors then discuss the different methods that are used to produce man-made diamonds. They note that there are two main methods: high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
HPHT synthesis is the older method of producing man-made diamonds. It involves subjecting a mixture of carbon and hydrogen to high pressure and high temperature. This process creates diamonds that are similar in quality to natural diamonds.
CVD is a newer method of producing man-made diamonds. It involves depositing carbon atoms onto a substrate in a vacuum. This process creates diamonds that are smaller and less expensive than diamonds produced by HPHT synthesis.
Grynberg and Sengwaketse then discuss the potential impact of man-made diamonds on the natural diamond industry. They note that man-made diamonds could potentially displace natural diamonds in the jewelry market. This is because man-made diamonds are often less expensive than natural diamonds, and they are indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye.
The authors also note that man-made diamonds could potentially be used in industrial applications. This is because man-made diamonds are often more durable than natural diamonds.
Grynberg and Sengwaketse conclude that man-made diamonds could pose a significant threat to the natural diamond industry. However, they also note that the natural diamond industry is likely to adapt to the challenge posed by man-made diamonds.
In addition to the chapter on man-made diamonds, the book The Global Diamond Industry: Economics and Development Volume II also includes chapters on a variety of other topics related to the diamond industry. These topics include:
The history of the diamond industry
The economics of the diamond industry
The social and environmental impacts of the diamond industry
The regulation of the diamond industry
The book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the diamond industry. It provides a comprehensive overview of the industry, and it discusses the challenges and opportunities that the industry faces.
Here are some additional thoughts on the topic of man-made diamonds from the book The Global Diamond Industry: Economics and Development Volume II:
Man made diamonds are a relatively new technology, and it is still too early to say what their long-term impact on the natural diamond industry will be.
However, it is clear that man-made diamonds are a threat to the natural diamond industry, and the industry will need to adapt to this challenge in order to survive. One way that the natural diamond industry can adapt to the challenge of man-made diamonds is to focus on the value-added aspects of the industry, such as branding and marketing.
The natural diamond industry can also focus on the unique properties of natural diamonds, such as their rarity and their emotional appeal.
The chapter on man-made diamonds in The Global Diamond Industry: Economics and Development Volume II is an important contribution to the literature on the diamond industry. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the man-made diamond industry, and they discuss the potential impact of man-made diamonds on the natural diamond industry. The chapter is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about this important industry.