Synthetic diamonds on the way

21 February 2005

BRUSSELS – Synthetic diamonds are about to give authentic stones a run for their money, it emerged on Monday.

Two American companies are poised to introduce the new stones on the Belgian market.

Tests have shown even diamond specialists find it hard to distinguish them from the real thing.

The news has ruffled feathers in Antwerp, the home of a multi-million euro diamond industry, since the synthetic stones cost 30 percent less.

A spokesman for the industry told La Derniere Heure: “A natural diamond is unique and so rare that it has become the symbol of love and eternity. A synthetic stone will never be able to create such a sensation.”

Subject: Belgian news