A group of research scientists at the Carnegie Institution have devised a new method to grow diamonds. Keep in mind that there’s more to diamonds than the tragic trade surround them (explained in great detail in the book The Heartless Stone), as they’re used in things such as high-quality optics and quantum computers (when they’re not hoaxes).
Now, growing diamonds isn’t exactly a new thing, as you’ve been able to compress carbon into diamond for a while now, but you had to have like a zillion pounds of pressure to get it to work. And then those artificial diamonds—artificial in that they didn’t come from the earth even though it’s the same scientific process—can only be “grown” a finite amount before the method no longer works. This new method, which adds layer upon layer of diamond using a technique called chemical vapor deposition. These diamonds grow much quicker and with less defects than those high-pressure ones, and they don’t need anywhere near the pressure to be created.
Remember: diamonds are nothing more than shiny rocks.
via GIZMODO
Try telling that to a group of women Oooing and Aaaing at their girlfriend’s engagement ring. You’ll likely be injured.
Tell those girls to read that book, Heartless Stone. When she find out what the diamond industry is all about she’ll think twice about demanding a diamond, or at least she should.
Would this mean cheaper diamonds though?
Because, unless she’s an expert (or actually takes your ring to a jewerly to know it’s price) you could end up with a bigger rock for less the price…
If not, it’s time to search for a new girlfriend, one that can get married with an onion ring (or is aware of the tough economic times).