All About Nothing Important

[andrewfi]

I've been doing more work with AI image creation. Here are some examples that did not end up being published.







This stuff is getting pretty good.

[Manny]

What site or platform are you using for this?

[andrewfi]

What site or platform are you using for this?

I used Midjourney for these, but I use several other tools as well. Midjourney is accessed through their Discord server, until you have done enough images to graduate to their brand new web-based setup.

https://docs.midjourney.com/docs/quick-start

For quick, free images, try Microsoft Image Creator: https://create.microsoft.com/en-us/features/ai-image-generator That platform uses Dall-e, which offers a paid option with more options than Microsoft's freebie.

I am thinking about making Midjourney's version of Taylor Swift my 'house model'

[AvHdB]

What site or platform are you using for this?

I used Midjourney for these, but I use several other tools as well. Midjourney is accessed through their Discord server, until you have done enough images to graduate to their brand new web-based setup.

https://docs.midjourney.com/docs/quick-start

For quick, free images, try Microsoft Image Creator: https://create.microsoft.com/en-us/features/ai-image-generator That platform uses Dall-e, which offers a paid option with more options than Microsoft's freebie.

I am thinking about making Midjourney's version of Taylor Swift my 'house model'

You will be one step away from AI!

[andrewfi]

By house model, I meant for images on several jewellery sites.

Not some kind of ersatz replacement of a real human in my life - although that might sometimes be easier.

[AvHdB]

By house model, I meant for images on several jewellery sites.

Not some kind of ersatz replacement of a real human in my life - although that might sometimes be easier.

While possibly worthy of a stand alone topic, what are the feelings regarding lab grown diamonds versus earth mined diamonds?

[andrewfi]

By house model, I meant for images on several jewellery sites.

Not some kind of ersatz replacement of a real human in my life - although that might sometimes be easier.

While possibly worthy of a stand alone topic, what are the feelings regarding lab grown diamonds versus earth mined diamonds?

Whose feelings? What feelings?

[Manny]

While possibly worthy of a stand alone topic, what are the feelings regarding lab grown diamonds versus earth mined diamonds?[/size][/font]

I looked into this a while back. They are technically the same, but one just costs more. 

Andrew is an authority on diamonds nowadays though. 

[Faux Pas]

While possibly worthy of a stand alone topic, what are the feelings regarding lab grown diamonds versus earth mined diamonds?[/size][/font]

I looked into this a while back. They are technically the same, but one just costs more. 

Andrew is an authority on diamonds nowadays though. 

Mined diamonds aren't rare and there's little to no difference in the quality of man-made vs mined diamonds. Mined diamonds were never actually rare, the mines were owned by a select few who bought and fed the world that they were rare. It's only a perception that they are rare.

[Jonas!]

My younger daughter has a business involving diamonds and lab grown diamonds.  She sells pieces every day.  Seems the lab grown diamonds are more popular nowadays.   My own suspicion is the market will be heading to a race to the bottom on pricing. She gets her merchandise from China and India mainly.  They compete against each other, and it hasn't been a great idea for her to hold onto any piece too long as the price goes down.   I don't see why prices won't continue to go down since more labs are popping up so the market will be oversaturated at some point.   

[AvHdB]

The assessments are correct. Curious though does anyone know why lab grown diamonds were first created?

[Markje]

The assessments are correct. Curious though does anyone know why lab grown diamonds were first created?

because there was a demand for large quantities in non-jewelry applications. (circuits, dentist drill, etc)

[AvHdB]

The assessments are correct. Curious though does anyone know why lab grown diamonds were first created?

because there was a demand for large quantities in non-jewelry applications. (circuits, dentist drill, etc)

Circuits, only problem is carbon conducts electricity in one direction. The idea and different groups, in the United States, the Netherlands and elsewhere attempted to create a ‘bi-polar’ carbon crystal. This would be the foundation of a new computer chip making silica chips obsolete. If ever successful this would be the next quantum leap for computers.

[Faux Pas]

The assessments are correct. Curious though does anyone know why lab grown diamonds were first created?

because there was a demand for large quantities in non-jewelry applications. (circuits, dentist drill, etc)

Circuits, only problem is carbon conducts electricity in one direction. The idea and different groups, in the United States, the Netherlands and elsewhere attempted to create a ‘bi-polar’ carbon crystal. This would be the foundation of a new computer chip making silica chips obsolete. If ever successful this would be the next quantum leap for computers.

The industrial applications for diamond are large and near endless. Diamond is currently the hardest surface known to man. The mined diamond market is unable or more likely unwilling to provide those demands. I could be wrong but the need evolved from cutting and drilling on the industrial scale and then into manufacturing circuits, chips etc.. It would appear technology will eventually catch up in the diamond market as it has many other markets. At some point quality diamonds likely be produced for cheap trinkets as common as plastic beads.

Again, mined diamonds have never been rare, just owned by a select few with the capital to muscle their way into a very limited market

[AvHdB]

Again, mined diamonds have never been rare, just owned by a select few with the capital to muscle their way into a very limited market

It should be noted the largest producer of mined diamonds is Russia, in both commercial and jewelry. Oddly enough while the jewelry qua the 3 C’s are identical, Russian diamonds tend to be ‘colder’, this is due to the reality they are more fluorescent than say African diamonds.

[andrewfi]

Circuits, only problem is carbon conducts electricity in one direction.

I'm sorry, but that's just not true. Carbon has several forms, and this is not the case in any of them.

Graphite: Graphite is a good conductor of electricity. It has a layered structure where each layer consists of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The electrons in graphite are delocalized within the planes, allowing electricity to flow easily within the layers. However, this conductivity is not unidirectional; electricity can flow in both directions within the layers.

Diamond: Diamond is an allotrope of carbon that is a very poor conductor of electricity. This is due to its crystal structure, where each carbon atom is tetrahedrally bonded to four other carbon atoms, leaving no free electrons to carry an electric current.

Amorphous Carbon: Amorphous carbon includes forms like carbon black and activated carbon. These materials have varied and typically lower electrical conductivity compared to graphite, and they do not conduct electricity in only one direction.

Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene: These newer forms of carbon materials have unique electrical properties. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and graphene can have high electrical conductivity. Their conductive properties depend on their specific structure and can exhibit ballistic conduction, but they still do not inherently conduct electricity in only one direction.

Faux Pas, to state as a fact that diamonds are not rare is just silly. To start with, what is diamond more or less rare than? Clearly, diamond is far, far rarer than, for example, quartz. But it is much more commonly found than tanzanite. Some forms of diamond are now so scarce as to be almost non-existent in nature (at least as far as we know). I am thinking of red diamonds, which were reliably mined only in Australia. The last Australian mine producing red diamonds closed in 2020. Red diamonds occasionally turn up in Brazil and Africa, but that's a matter of chance rather than planning.

AvHdB, there are four Cs of diamond quality not three: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat.

Also, fluorescence and Russian diamonds? That's a big old NOPE.

Fluoresence is not related to location but to the geological conditions that were part of their creation.

Russian diamonds, especially from Yakutia and the notable Mir and Udachnaya mines, are renowned for their exceptional quality. While some of these diamonds display fluorescence, it's far from being a universal trait. The fluorescence intensity varies, often appearing blue, though it can also manifest in yellow, green, or other hues.

Likewise, diamonds hailing from other key production areas like South Africa, Canada, Australia, and Brazil may display varying degrees of fluorescence. For example, diamonds sourced from South Africa's Premier Mine or Canada's Diavik and Ekati mines often show intense fluorescence.

The 'coldness' to which you refer is a genuine attribute often noticed in Russian diamonds. This is due to their tendency to have high clarity and a lack of colour. A secondary reason for this appearance is the cutting quality that Russian diamonds sometimes receive.

Nowadays, the vast majority of diamonds are cut in India, and diamonds of equivalent colour and cut grade can be relied upon to have similar visual characteristics. So, your 'cold' Russian diamond should be of high clarity and colour grade and be cut in Russia rather than India.

[Faux Pas]

Faux Pas, to state as a fact that diamonds are not rare is just silly. To start with, what is diamond more or less rare than? Clearly, diamond is far, far rarer than, for example, quartz. But it is much more commonly found than tanzanite. Some forms of diamond are now so scarce as to be almost non-existent in nature (at least as far as we know). I am thinking of red diamonds, which were reliably mined only in Australia. The last Australian mine producing red diamonds closed in 2020. Red diamonds occasionally turn up in Brazil and Africa, but that's a matter of chance rather than planning.

Actually it isn't silly. Much of it would depend on one's perception of rare. I'm no geologist and from your statement it's obvious you aren't either. Diamonds are the least rare of precious gemstones. To say they are as plentiful and common as pea gravel would be silly. Diamonds have been monopolized and controlled by a cabal for almost 150 years. A cabal which profits greatly on the perception of diamonds being rare. Diamonds are valuable certainly, rare not so much. The rarest and most valuable of all gemstones as I understand it would be pure red rubies. On the rarity scale diamonds fall below rubies, sapphires and emeralds

[andrewfi]

Faux Pas, please read what I wrote. Ask for clarification of the words you don't understand. When you've figured out what I wrote you'll see that you made the point I made, accepting that what you originally wrote was inaccurate and misleading.

One does not need to be a geologist (although I think you meant geologist given your context) to be able to read and understand. Seemingly though, you are as literate as you are a geologist/geologist.

[Faux Pas]

Faux Pas, please read what I wrote. Ask for clarification of the words you don't understand. When you've figured out what I wrote you'll see that you made the point I made, accepting that what you originally wrote was inaccurate and misleading.

One does not need to be a geologist (although I think you meant geologist given your context) to be able to read and understand. Seemingly though, you are as literate as you are a geologist/geologist.

Fi I do apologize for hurting your little FiFi feelings. I often forget what a sensitive thin skinned err um "man" you can be. You asked the question, I merely answered. I don't apologize for that, you should stop asking questions that upset you so. You are free to believe in the tooth fairy, Easter Bunny and the rarity of diamonds all you wish. I would point you to a dictionary. I'm confident you likely possess one. Hopefully you'll understand it better than you do me. 

[Bodine]

On the subject of diamonds, I'm still somewhat wrestling with the notion that the only difference between a mined diamond from a lab diamond is the obvious fact of its creation.

But be that as it may I recently read somewhere they (De Beers) have been trying to 'downgrade' the 'value of lab diamonds as its popularity had grown exponentially in the engagement market. Thus it appears the prices for lab diamonds had actually gone down a bit. This was unfortunate as I recently bought wifey a nice marquise 3.12 carat, VS1, 'E' color with 'excellent' cut grade for less than $3,000.00. It's a beautiful piece of stone despite it being a 'lab' diamond. I had it mounted on an 18 kt white gold split-shank ring with small stones. Very nice actually.

Yet, there's still that pesky lingering little 'thought' that the diamond isn't really a 'diamond' in my mind despite my wifey was so happy about it.

[Faux Pas]

On the subject of diamonds, I'm still somewhat wrestling with the notion that the only difference between a mined diamond from a lab diamond is the obvious fact of its creation.

But be that as it may I recently read somewhere they (De Beers) have been trying to 'downgrade' the 'value of lab diamonds as its popularity had grown exponentially in the engagement market. Thus it appears the prices for lab diamonds had actually gone down a bit. This was unfortunate as I recently bought wifey a nice marquise 3.12 carat, VS1, 'E' color with 'excellent' cut grade for less than $3,000.00. It's a beautiful piece of stone despite it being a 'lab' diamond. I had it mounted on an 18 kt white gold split-shank ring with small stones. Very nice actually.

Yet, there's still that pesky lingering little 'thought' that the diamond isn't really a 'diamond' in my mind despite my wifey was so happy about it.

It really is a diamond. I believe, in the creation of your diamond the duplication is the same. The first lab was the earth and the synthetic lab is in an industrial park in Roosterpoot, Mississippi. The outcome is certainly the same. Eventually the technology will catch up and that $3k stone will be $300 or less. Diamonds have been duplicated, end of story. Like anything else technology has affected, who knows where it will end up?

De Beers is continuing to do what that have always done. Generating value and revenue through monopoly and marketing. I would expect to hear of the value of "organic" diamonds before it's all said and done. Probably the bigger question is, will the desire for diamonds continue when they become cheaper and more available?

[Jonas!]

Yet, there's still that pesky lingering little 'thought' that the diamond isn't really a 'diamond' in my mind despite my wifey was so happy about it.

My understanding is FP is right the diamond is real.  If I remember correctly my daughter told me she can identify a lab diamond from a natural diamond...I can't remember why but it might have been something about growth patterns.  It is definitely a good time to be in the business of selling lab diamonds right now.   My little girl is making great money at it...I keep telling her to diversify and adjust because it can't last forever. 

Jonas! 

[andrewfi]

Jonas! There are established methods that quickly and reliably identify lab-grown diamonds. Those methods are available to casual viewers of sparkly stuff. Your daughter will have spent a lot of money on equipment and the relevant training. And yes, its a lot of money - not side hustle money.

But a lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, chemically, physically and legally.

The value of a thing is based on our belief. The future for the diamond industry is challenging. In as world where lab diamonds for jewellery are being given away for free one really has to believe that the sparkle of a diamond of any type is inherently better than that of a moissanite or cubic zirconia. Hint, it isn't.

So we will find something else that we can use as a way to display the value a man places on his woman. In China they're returning to gold for that purpose.

[B.B.]

So we will find something else that we can use as a way to display the value a man places on his woman. In China they're returning to gold for that purpose.

Interestingly enough, there is a relatively new theory about why women like this sort of stuff - same with Birkin Bags and other "rare" or "exclusive" items: They demonstrate "partner investment."  It serves as a warning to potential interloping women: "Yes, my man is wealthy, but look how he spent $xxx,000 on these little baubles.  THAT is how into me he is - and YOU have ZERO CHANCE with him, you little tramp."

All of this takes place on the fringes of (straight) male consciousness, if we notice it at all.  Or, as a (female) commentator said once "Some things are for the gals and the gays."

B/B

[andrewfi]

bb, you're correct, the effect has various names, but is real. Vendors of 'luxury' goods are well aware of the effect and play into it.

I don't think it is a particularly new insight. But the nomenclature probably is.

The trick for jewellers is to find a replacement for diamonds. They're already working on the problem and we can see jewellery designs changing. I'm sure that a new standard form will be found at some point. From what I can see, it looks like intricate workmanship, mixed metals and mixed gemstones are going to take the place of big, blingy stones. The form of statement pieces will be quite different in a few years.

What's the point of spending big money on big diamonds when one can buy similarly big diamonds, but probably of higher quality for a fraction of the price. It doesn't work for the women who wear the signals or the men who pay for them.

Women will still enjoy wearing sparkly things but diamonds will become little more than costume jewellery.