SYNTHETIC DIAMOND, THE MISNOMER
A synthetic diamond is the result of a technology that reproduces conditions similar to the natural process of diamond growth. These man-made diamonds have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical and physical properties as diamonds that are mined.
The term "synthetic" suggests that it is a synthetic stone. However, as written above, it is not the case and this is why we prefer to speak about diamond of culture*.
In fact, we could draw a parallel with cultured pearls. A cultured pearl is artificially produced by man by introducing a nucleus (a kind of small nucleus) inside the oyster. The oyster reacts to this foreign body by producing nacre.
Producing a cultured diamond* is somewhat the same process. A seed (a germ or substrate depending on the production method) is placed in a chamber that will reproduce the conditions necessary for the growth of the diamond.
ANNUAL GROWTH OF THE CROP DIAMOND*~20% PER YEAR
A NATURAL DIAMOND IS EXCHANGED 10 TO 15 TIMES BEFORE IT REACHES ITS OWNER
What about natural diamonds?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.............
At Ôkami, we have chosen cultured diamonds* because we consider them as a material in their own right and we work mainly with small diameters of stones. These so-called "mixed diamonds" do not have perfect traceability. Moreover, it is known in the profession that there is, or has been, the insertion of synthetic diamonds in lots of natural diamonds.
We have also taken into account a number of elements concerning the extraction of natural diamonds: the environmental impact of the mines, the quantity of minerals to be extracted to produce 1 carat of diamond of jewellery quality as well as the traceability of the origin of the stones, in particular those coming from countries in conflict which, in our opinion, still arrive on the market, in spite of safeguards such as the Kimberley process. In addition, there are the conditions of the workers, but we will have the opportunity to return to these different aspects in other articles.
The diamond mines
BIG HOLE
Big Hole is the oldest diamond mine in South Africa and is located in Kimberley. By clicking on the image, you will be redirected to the futura-sciences website where you can discover its history. It was mined out in 1914 and is now a deep water and tourist attraction.
Udachona
"LUCKY DEPOSIT".
The third largest diamond mine in the world, it is located in Russia near the Arctic Circle. It is over 600m deep and has been in operation since 1955. The picture shows the environmental impact. You can find more pictures by clicking on them.
Udachona
"LUCKY DEPOSIT".
The third largest diamond mine in the world, it is located in Russia near the Arctic Circle. It is over 600m deep and has been in operation since 1955. The picture shows the environmental impact. You can find more pictures by clicking on them.
THE DIAMOND CARAT, BUT AT WHAT PRICE?
To understand the impact of diamond mining, one must be aware of the following calculation. Out of every 100 tonnes of ore that is mined, an average of 25 to 50 carats of diamonds will be found. Of these diamonds, only 5 carats will be of the quality required to be used in jewellery.
To clarify the subject, 1 carat weighs 0.2g. A diamond mine therefore produces 1 gram of jewellery diamond for every 100 tonnes of material that is mined.
Even if nature offers us magnificent diamonds, is it not necessary to question the value of the carat? Is its current price really in line with the exploitation of resources?
THE REASONED CHOICE
With Ôkami, we have made the reasoned choice to work with cultured diamonds* so as not to renounce the magic of this stone that nature has helped us discover and that we have learned to reproduce identically.
QUALITY CRITERIA
The quality of diamonds, whether cultivated or natural, is governed by the same rule, the 4Cs, namely
- Carat, the weight of the stone
- Color, from D for whitest to Z for yellowish
- Clarity, which defines the presence or absence of inclusions
- Cut, which qualifies the quality of the cut
YOUR DIAMONDS
We work exclusively with diamonds between 0.005 and 0.250 carats. They are also F/VVS, i.e. close to pure white and almost without inclusions. Generally, the market offers G/VS stones.
Our partner produces its diamonds in Switzerland and meets our desire for a short circuit.
OUR VISION
From our point of view and also from visiting former mining towns in South Africa, we have come to realise that natural diamonds, which are something rare on our planet, are probably not sold at the right price. In addition to the traceability of the stone, which should be exemplary, we believe that the price would need to include the notion of "reclamation" of the site.
Exploiting a natural resource should not be a problem in itself. Ethics and ecological responsibility cannot be separated.
*The French law on diamond terminology is clear and does not allow the term "cultured" to refer to a synthetic diamond.