Most gemologists know that General Electric Co. created the first industrial-quality synthetic diamonds in 1955. What many gemologists don’t know is that the production of polycrystalline thin films of synthetic diamond actually predates this, beginning in 1952. For decades, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polycrystalline synthetic diamond has been grown over substrates and used in a variety of industrial products.

The lead article in this issue of Gems & Gemology describes the creation of single-crystal synthetic diamonds grown by Apollo Diamond Inc. using a CVD process. At first glance, this doesn’t seem so alarming. After all, gem-quality synthetic diamonds grown by the classic “belt” and BARS (high pressure/high temperature) techniques have been around for decades, and have been available commercially (although in very small quantities and sizes and, for the most part, in yellow colors) since the mid-1980’s. Put simply, however, CVD-grown synthetic diamond generally is a purer product than commercial synthetic diamonds created by high pressure/high temperature techniques, and the CVD synthetics typically fall on the

D-to-Z scale or are “brownies.” In addition, in most cases sophisticated analytical equipment must be used to conclusively identify the material. After Apollo Diamond begins commercial production of CVD synthetic diamond in 2004, it will be vital for every practicing gemologist to understand the challenges that the material may pose to identification.

The producer has stated that, initially, 5,000–10,000 carats of faceted CVD synthetic diamond will be available. Most of these goods will be quarters and thirds, but by the end of 2004, stones as large as a full carat may be on the market. While larger sizes typically will be identified in a qualified laboratory, the fact that most diamonds under a carat are not sold with grading reports is cause for concern. The producers are unequivocal about their insistence on proper disclosure, and all indications to GIA certainly support that premise. But could these goods later be “salted” into parcels of natural diamonds by unscrupulous hands, fully intending to deceive their customers? Undoubtedly.

Let us all remember that there is nothing inherently wrong with laboratory-grown products, provided they are properly disclosed at each stage of the distribution pipeline. Ultimately, though, the case for synthetic diamonds will not be played out in the trade per se, but rather in the marketplace and in the mind of the consumer. We all know that consumer confidence is the key to the success of the diamond industry. Anything that shakes that confidence will shake the market and, inevitably, the industry itself.

The good news about synthetic diamonds is that, for the last two decades, we have stayed well ahead of the learning curve for identifying them, and I see no reason why this can’t continue. For much of this time, experts have debated whether diamonds grown synthetically would become commercially available in sizes, quantities, and prices that could fuel consumer demand for the product. The jury may still be out on these issues. However, it is inevitable, given the technology available today, that the right level of investment and the right long-term commitment to the product will result in commercially viable gem synthetic diamonds. Indeed, the time for readiness appears to be now.

So what have we learned about synthetic diamonds over the past half century? We know that, while technology will provide the innovation necessary to create new and interesting products, this same technology will help fuel the identification of these products as well. Gemological research laboratories are making every effort to keep up with this technology, challenging as it may be, and to do everything they can to protect the public by properly identifying and disclosing gem-quality synthetic diamonds.

William E. Boyajian, President
Gemological Institute of America