OutofFoil wrote:For the gemstones, they do start out as low quality Type IIa diamonds. The aforementioned high pressure and also the unmentioned ludicrous high temperature. We do however make completely synthetic diamonds for industrial use in many different grades along with cubic boron nitride. I've heard of completely synthetic gems being made, but not seen them... Jack Welch, former CEO of GE wrote about DeBeers being the only thing he couldn't beat in his book. We have an agreement with them and the GIA, thus why one doesn't see these stones on the retail market. Pretty much employees only and a few high end Jewelers... They are high end stones, basically I can get and IF, colorless stone for the same price as the same carat size SI1-2 stone g-h color.
Why is it necessary to have an agreement with DeBeers? You can just make them and sell them to whoever you want.