DIAMOND
Diamond is the most well-known gemstone in the world. Diamonds are widely used in jewellery and watchmaking. Nowadays it is possible to find it in nature or to produce it in a laboratory. According to some research, laboratory-produced diamonds have a lower carbon footprint than natural diamonds. However, diamonds produced in laboratories are still sometimes difficult to accept by some customers.
Diamonds have been used for centuries in watchmaking. This when we go back in time, for example in the 19th century the sizes were quite different from the standardized sizes existing today.
Diamonds are mainly used in watchmaking for decoration. Diamonds can be added to a case by professionals called setters. Diamonds can also be found in the decoration of dials by replacing for example the indexes. In a few rare cases, a diamond can be seen as a counter stone on the balance wheel of some movements. Diamonds can also be used as tools. It is for example used to make the print which is used to measure the Vickers hardness. In powder form it is used to make a polishing paste called diamantine.
Advantages:
Diamond is a stone known for its rarity and its importance in luxury. The size and diversity of diamonds allow a variety of decorative applications in watchmaking. Diamonds are also a safe investment.
Disadvantages:
Diamonds are no longer rare in a way, because they can be produced in a laboratory. In addition, the origin of diamonds has already posed an ethical problem with diamonds linked to wars or bad excavation conditions.