The negative implications of companies thriving in the diamond industry through blood diamonds, along with the incredibly expensive price to get your hands on the beautiful stone means companies like Lockheed Martin, aerospace and defense corporation and big name in metal 3D printing, are serious about an alternative.
Lockheed Martin are trying to patent a 3D printer that prints diamonds, using poly(hydridocarbyne), a carbon-based pre-ceramic polymer producing the same fundamental similarities to diamonds. The price of these printers is anticipated to of course be very expensive but there‘s no telling what the price of these diamonds could cost from retailers.
Lockheed’s intention is to be able to 3D print diamond drill heads with complex geometries, as well as super-strong, lightweight saws, knives and armor, but in theory, such a printer could be used to print diamond jewelry, according to Clare Scott 3Dprint.com
The diamonds would be able to be printed in any shape and size you want, but there’s no guarantee this printer will become real. It’s an intriguing idea to debate whether the 3D printed diamond jewellery will catch on.
Author: Canadian Jeweller Magazine Staff
Canadian Jeweller Magazine Staff is the shared byline for reporting filed by the magazine's editorial desk. Founded in 1879, Canadian Jeweller is the longest running jewellery business publication in Canada, covering market reporting, retail strategy, watches, diamonds, coloured gemstones and the commerce of the Canadian jewellery trade. Work published under this byline is edited and verified by the Canadian Jeweller editorial team in Toronto.
