By Mauricio Minotta

GIA has just released the first in a series of books compiled from articles originally published in Gems & Gemology, which will focus on particular topics of interest to the gem and jewelry industry.

Gems & Gemology in Review: Synthetic Diamonds leads the series with a compilation of important articles on the subject dating back to 1971, when G. Robert Crowningshield of the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory first reported on gem quality synthetic diamonds produced by General Electric (GE). 

In addition to the many groundbreaking articles written over the last 34 years, the book includes 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 Symposia.
 
The most recent articles cover the latest information on high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthetic diamonds, their production and identification characteristics. Many of the reports were written by GIA Director of Research Dr. James E. Shigley, who also is editor of the book and will serve as series editor.

“I think this will be a very useful source of information for gemologists, diamantaires and others who are interested in this subject,” Shigley said. “Many of the earlier articles, such as those on the first GE gem-quality synthetics, are out of print. This book gives readers the opportunity to get the full scope of gemological research on synthetic diamonds to date, all in one package.”

The articles covered are organized into five sections, each with introductions written by Shigley. He also wrote the preface, which gives a general historical overview of synthetic diamonds – from the time they were first developed by GE for industrial use in the mid-1950s, to the company’s 1970 announcement of a gem-quality, 1-carat synthetic diamond, and the debut of synthetics in the market.   

The idea for the first book and series came about in early 2004, soon after the Gemesis Corporation introduced its HPHT yellow synthetic diamonds into the jewelry market and Apollo Diamond Inc. announced it would begin producing CVD synthetic diamonds on a commercial level, said Alice Keller, editor-in-chief of G&G.

“The technological advances represented by these new products made the possibility of gem-quality synthetic diamonds in the jewelry market a reality. Recognizing the industry’s need to be prepared with the most comprehensive information, [GIA President] Bill Boyajian approached me with the idea for this book,” she said.

At about 300 pages plus two full-size wall charts, Gems & Gemology in Review: Synthetic Diamonds will debut at GemFest Basel. The next book in the series will focus on colored diamonds, under the editorship of GIA Laboratory Projects Officer John King.

Although no decision has been made on the number of books that will make up the series, there are several important research topics – such as diamond treatments, corundum treatments, and pearls – that have been covered comprehensively in G&G and merit inclusion in the series, said Thomas M. Moses, vice president of Identification and Research Services for GIA.

“While other compendiums have been published on various topics in gemology, to our knowledge there isn’t a similar series of original research publications on the scale that this series represents,” Moses said. “We believe this first installment will be of great value for the trade.”

To order a copy of Gems & Gemology in Review: Synthetic Diamonds for $49.95, call (800) 421-8161.