How much does it cost to make a diamond?

Question

I have read about the CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) and various other reent techniques, and wondered what it would cost for the actual process itself, albeit for industrial diamonds I think.

Answer 1

Synthetic diamond has been used for industrial processes for years and is now a little cheaper than natural material. It is often better than natural as the grain size and shape can be controlled. In recent years a large number of synthetic gem diamonds have been coming onto the market from Russian producers. Finished cut stones are wholesaling for something like $60 - $80 per carat.

Answer 2

the cost of materials to make diamonds is fairly low... carbon in one form or another. the equipment and energy are the expense.

Gem quality diamonds are grown by dissolving carbon in iron and then cooling very slowly. Rather like making rock candy with sugar dissolved in water. A small "seed" diamond is sometimes used to start the crystalization.

This must take place at high pressure, usually in a containment vessel costing $500,000.

High quality red synthetic diamonds are sold for about $20,000 per caret. White diamonds are found laying about in the ground and are relatively cheap. The price is artificially maintained by DeBeers, who release a tiny fraction od the tonnage produced every year.

Answer 3

Hi. Almost nothing if the diamond is small enough. Pointing an acetylene torch at a cold iron plate will make microscopic diamonds in the soot. (Fact!)

Answer 4

There are currently two methods of synthesizing diamonds. ... at ever higher growth rate and low cost, large blocks of diamond should be ...