GIA compiles synthetic diamond research book

The Gemological Institute of America has compiled more than 30 years of synthetic diamond research and published it in a single comprehensive volume. Gems & Gemology in Review: Synthetic Diamonds is the first in a series of books that will focus on particular topics of interest to the gem and jewelry industry.

The 300-page book is a compilation of articles on synthetic diamond characterization originally published in GIA’s magazine, Gems & Gemology. It includes two full-size wall charts, entries from G&G’s “Lab Notes” and “Gem News” sections, relevant editorials, and reports presented at the Institute’s 1991 and 1999 International Gemological Symposiums.

The articles covered are organized into five sections, each with introductions written by GIA Director of Research Dr. James E. Shigley, who is editor of the book and will serve as series editor. He wrote many of the original reports as well as the preface, which gives a general historical overview of synthetic diamonds—from the time they were first introduced by General Electric Co. (GE) for industrial use in the mid-1950s, to the company’s 1970 announcement of a gem-quality one-carat synthetic diamond, to the debut of synthetics in the market.

The most recent articles provide the latest information on high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthetic diamonds, their production and identifying characteristics. The two wall charts cover the separation of HPHT-grown synthetic diamonds from their natural counterparts, and characterization of the HPHT-grown material in the many colors that are now available.

The book is the first in series of books that GIA plans to produce. The next volume in the series will focus on colored diamonds, under the editorship of GIA Laboratory Projects Officer John King. Several other important research topics, such as diamond treatments, corundum treatments and pearls, have been covered comprehensively in G&G and undoubtedly will be included in the series, said Thomas M. Moses, vice president of Identification and Research Services for GIA.

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