The Diamond Formula

Inventions: Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era Collection

By: Alina Simone

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

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.

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.

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.

Just OK

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

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.