The Diamond Formula

Inventions: Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era Collection

By: Alina Simone

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Length: 1 hr and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

A possible genius, a smidgen of madness, a twist of science, and an invention that very nearly changed the world - all collide in a giddy, unbelievably true mystery set in turn-of-the-century Paris.

In 1905, inventor Henri Lemoine claimed that he’d uncovered the secret to a coveted alchemy: creating diamonds in a laboratory. It intrigued a host of investors, and it soon made Lemoine an international celebrity. Then he disappeared.

The Diamond Formula is part of Inventions: Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era, a collection of incredible true stories from the belle epoque, an age of innovation, daring, bluster, and beauty when anything seemed possible. Each piece can be read, listened to, and marveled at in a single sitting.

©2019 Alina Simone (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

A two-carat story

Invention, intrigue, a famous court case, swindlers and plutocrats- all the key elements of a French scandal... even better, it’s true. If you enjoyed Audible Original’s recently published short piece on Madame Curie, you’ll likely enjoy this one as well.

Swines and pearls

Great little slice of scandalous history which I did not know. Recommend to all because it’s was a juicy titter for our fashion forward society.

Neat history

A unique and surprising bit of history I was on the edge of my seat wondering how it would turn out. Wonderful performance.

Fun story

This is a fun essay about a diamond manufacturing fraudster who, ironically, was just ahead of his time and available technology. Great implicit criticism of the wholly manufactured mystique and value of compressed carbon.

Just OK

The story wasn't particularly interesting. The performance was bland and the pacing was poor. Delivery was monotone and without much inflection.

Historical listen that's done in one sitting

Interesting story that entwines itself with historical context. I enjoyed listening to this story because it added to the history I already knew and gives a perspective on an industry where true stories seldom see the light of day. The story evolves from a man (Lemoine) who claims to be able to create artificial diamonds and how he not only conned De Beers but other investors, France, and the rest of the world. It was a story I hadn't heard before concerning the diamond industry and I found it pretty interesting. Lemoine disappears as the truth starts closing in... and justice starts knocking on his door... all while others perfect other artificial gems.

Nice listen that's done in a little over an hour. Recommended for those interested in historical stories and it's well narrated as well.

Interesting story of a con job

Overall, I enjoyed this short slice of history, involving a con on De Beers and others about manufacturing diamonds. The story intrigued me and I would have loved to know more. That said, I'm not sure if this is the narrator or the stories, but my mind wanders during this series in a way it doesn't with other history or nonfiction. Worth a listen at a reasonable price, however.

Entertaining Con Job, Superbly Narrated

This was an entertaining story of a con man who managed to not only dupe the powerful head of De Beers diamonds out of a substantial sum of money, and become the toast of Paris as well. The backgrounds of both are presented, framing how they met and the con was executed. The subsequent trial is the most interesting part. Even the judge was enthralled. The sheer gumption of the con is impressive. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audiobook. The book was interesting, but Amy McFadden's superb narrative stands out and really brings the book alive.