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Inventions: Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era #1
The Diamond Formula
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 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 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.
In 1905, inventor Henri Lemoine claimed that he’d uncovered the secret to a coveted 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 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.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2019
427 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Alina Simone
7 books22 followersAlina Simone is a critically acclaimed singer who was born in Kharkov, Ukraine, and now lives in Brooklyn. Her music has been covered by a wide range of media, including BBC’s The World, NPR, Spin, Billboard, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal. She is the author of the book You Must Go and Win. Note to Self is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 25, 2025
"One wins nothing without daring."
- Alina Simone, The Diamond Formula (Inventions: Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era collection)
Henri Lemoine. In 1905, in Paris there was a scandal involving him. It was related to diamonds.
This is a story of what happened and how everything played out. You see, Henri claimed he could create diamonds. He said he coyld do alot of things.
Many promises were made, some swindling was done against one of the richest men in the world.
This is a bit of a "Catch me if you can" story and a tale of madness, of lies and gullibility. And I didn't enjoy it.
This is now the second book I've read taking place in France that I did not enjoy. I didn't finish the other one.
There was too much info packed into this one . The whole process of making Diamonds was explained and explained in many pages and I just -- I wasn't into it.
I think had this been a short story of around 20-40 pages and focused just on Henri I'd have enjoyed it more.
I did enjoy the writing style. But maybe I am just not terribly interested in diamonds.
I also found the naivete of the people terribly depressing. In today's times, I see it in politics in my country all around me.
I suppose one thing that never changes through decades, through centuries is how easy it is for people to be deceived.
This is to take nothing away form the writing style which was high quality and well done. It did get more interesting for me toward the end. At least, I finished this one.
None of the events in this story surprised me all that much which is in and of itself ALSO a bit depressing. I did feel a bit for the man he swindled.
But it did make me think of some of our politicians. I suppose the grift will always be here, and that's well -- pretty damn sad.
- Alina Simone, The Diamond Formula (Inventions: Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era collection)
Henri Lemoine. In 1905, in Paris there was a scandal involving him. It was related to diamonds.
This is a story of what happened and how everything played out. You see, Henri claimed he could create diamonds. He said he coyld do alot of things.
Many promises were made, some swindling was done against one of the richest men in the world.
This is a bit of a "Catch me if you can" story and a tale of madness, of lies and gullibility. And I didn't enjoy it.
This is now the second book I've read taking place in France that I did not enjoy. I didn't finish the other one.
There was too much info packed into this one . The whole process of making Diamonds was explained and explained in many pages and I just -- I wasn't into it.
I think had this been a short story of around 20-40 pages and focused just on Henri I'd have enjoyed it more.
I did enjoy the writing style. But maybe I am just not terribly interested in diamonds.
I also found the naivete of the people terribly depressing. In today's times, I see it in politics in my country all around me.
I suppose one thing that never changes through decades, through centuries is how easy it is for people to be deceived.
This is to take nothing away form the writing style which was high quality and well done. It did get more interesting for me toward the end. At least, I finished this one.
None of the events in this story surprised me all that much which is in and of itself ALSO a bit depressing. I did feel a bit for the man he swindled.
But it did make me think of some of our politicians. I suppose the grift will always be here, and that's well -- pretty damn sad.
April 10, 2019
A Quick, Impactful Tale of History
Alina Simone gets to the point quickly with this read-in-one-sitting tale, and she might kick off a new trend with this.
Small time investment on the reader's part, but quite a bit of payoff.
Simone shows the characters here, and then shows what happens.
It's difficult to put down, and when you do - it's over.
And then you want more.
I highly recommend this book, and have already started the next in the series - Jump! (Inventions: Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era collection.
I highly recommend this book, and so far I like this series and new style as a whole.
Alina Simone gets to the point quickly with this read-in-one-sitting tale, and she might kick off a new trend with this.
Small time investment on the reader's part, but quite a bit of payoff.
Simone shows the characters here, and then shows what happens.
It's difficult to put down, and when you do - it's over.
And then you want more.
I highly recommend this book, and have already started the next in the series - Jump! (Inventions: Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era collection.
I highly recommend this book, and so far I like this series and new style as a whole.
April 3, 2019
Maybe it's my optimistic side that doesn't find stories about charlatans compelling. The particular charlatan in this tale hung out with similarly awful people who made their money off of the misery of diamond mines.
Then we have a cameo by Edison elecrocuting a dog. What a monster.
No inventions here, no real ingenuity. While this short work is not poorly written, neither is it enjoyable. Rather, it's a reminder of human cruelty and greed.
Then we have a cameo by Edison elecrocuting a dog. What a monster.
No inventions here, no real ingenuity. While this short work is not poorly written, neither is it enjoyable. Rather, it's a reminder of human cruelty and greed.
May 3, 2022
Heh! We say necessity is the mother of invention, but sometimes greed feeds that need.
I know I would feel differently if the victims were not wealthy, self-important men. I mean, a con is a con, and scams are inherently wrong. But this one is still powering the homes of thousands of families, giving it a sort of Leverage* vibe in the end. *()
I know I would feel differently if the victims were not wealthy, self-important men. I mean, a con is a con, and scams are inherently wrong. But this one is still powering the homes of thousands of families, giving it a sort of Leverage* vibe in the end. *()
November 26, 2019
Interesting but dull
The history of the diamond market was interesting but the story as a whole was very dull. The characters had no dimension and it reads like a newspaper article.
The history of the diamond market was interesting but the story as a whole was very dull. The characters had no dimension and it reads like a newspaper article.
September 9, 2020
Before the story begins to be even remotely interesting, you're at least 40% into the book. Interesting, and I use the term loosely here, facts about the general invention of simulated diamonds. But more than anything, the story of Henri Lemoine, a scam artist who somehow managed to conjure fake diamonds and ensure the trust of money of rich financiers, is actually the meat of this story. So, if you were only looking for the history of man made diamonds, this isn't it. If you're looking solely for true crime, this isn't it. It's as if the author started on one genre, forgot, and started another.
July 13, 2019
Amazon’s Inventions: Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era collection may be my favorite discovery of 2019. It consists of three nonfiction novellas covering the inventions and discoveries of the early 1900s. I listened to the audiobook versions which were an interesting mix of audiobook and podcast. Actually, I often felt as if I was listening to a radio broadcast of the events. I enjoyed the format as a nonfiction lover and I feel it will make nonfiction more accessible for those new to the genre.
The Diamond Formula was the second story I read in the Inventions series; it was also my least favorite. Now, that doesn’t mean this review is going to be negative. I just don’t typically enjoy stories about con-men and that is probably the nicest way to describe Henri Lemoine. I just couldn’t make myself care about his life or the outcome of his actions. And well, it is hard to get past that when the audiobook is only an hour long.
The Diamond Formula discusses the initial attempts to create artificial diamonds and covers the development of the De Beers diamond dynasty. So in this story, readers are exposed to the blood diamond trade, often questionable acquisition techniques used by big business to control the competition, and the implications that basic lying has on the scientific community. So it was kinda a rough read guys. I love how this series doesn’t attempt to lessen the good and bad effects of actions but instead focuses on how this moment in time resulted in eventual positive developments for society/art/science/safety/technology…and Simone does a wonderful job with this. I still struggled with finishing the book in a positive frame of mind.
The good thing is this story reminded me of perusing the gem stone section of Natural History Museums visited in my childhood. Thinking about museums always makes me happy! And The Diamond Formula pushed me to realize there are aspects of history I still need to explore, no matter how tough the content. Read it, and then go dance in the rain just for the sheer joy of doing so.
Lindsay
Check out more reviews at History and Mystery!
The Diamond Formula was the second story I read in the Inventions series; it was also my least favorite. Now, that doesn’t mean this review is going to be negative. I just don’t typically enjoy stories about con-men and that is probably the nicest way to describe Henri Lemoine. I just couldn’t make myself care about his life or the outcome of his actions. And well, it is hard to get past that when the audiobook is only an hour long.
The Diamond Formula discusses the initial attempts to create artificial diamonds and covers the development of the De Beers diamond dynasty. So in this story, readers are exposed to the blood diamond trade, often questionable acquisition techniques used by big business to control the competition, and the implications that basic lying has on the scientific community. So it was kinda a rough read guys. I love how this series doesn’t attempt to lessen the good and bad effects of actions but instead focuses on how this moment in time resulted in eventual positive developments for society/art/science/safety/technology…and Simone does a wonderful job with this. I still struggled with finishing the book in a positive frame of mind.
The good thing is this story reminded me of perusing the gem stone section of Natural History Museums visited in my childhood. Thinking about museums always makes me happy! And The Diamond Formula pushed me to realize there are aspects of history I still need to explore, no matter how tough the content. Read it, and then go dance in the rain just for the sheer joy of doing so.
Lindsay
Check out more reviews at History and Mystery!
February 28, 2022
As the world of chemistry was unlocking the possibility of synthetic gemstones, Julius Wernher was shown a demonstration by Henri Lemoine. From a rapidly heated and cooled crucible of charcoal, industrial grade and one or two higher quality diamonds were extracted. While the company balked at the potential threat, Wernher decided to purchase the formula and fund Lemoine to keep the De Beers monopoly. Only Lemoine never produced a line of synthetics and begins attracting a host of other investors and followers. As the court case over the formula unfolds in Paris, Lemoine becomes an international celebrity who runs away rather than repeat his demonstration in public.
This is a short tale about a daring swindler, global markets, and alchemical magic. It should be riveting and yet there is a distanced tone that keeps everything at arm’s length. I think this was done to keep factual objectivity, but it definitely diminishes some of the more thrilling elements. If you are unfamiliar with the material, the narrative it still interesting just missing the embellishment of fictional prose that leaves it feeling a bit dry.
This is a short tale about a daring swindler, global markets, and alchemical magic. It should be riveting and yet there is a distanced tone that keeps everything at arm’s length. I think this was done to keep factual objectivity, but it definitely diminishes some of the more thrilling elements. If you are unfamiliar with the material, the narrative it still interesting just missing the embellishment of fictional prose that leaves it feeling a bit dry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2019
In the beginning of the 20th century, as the new alchemy is creating diamonds. This book explores an incident in the DeBeers history, where a charismatic scientist purported to create synthetic diamonds. While the outcome of the case is pretty clear from early on, Simone tries to keep the suspense up. She does a good job giving a quick introduction to the key characters and events, but it does suffer a bit from trying to keep the results a surprise for as long as she does. But otherwise, this story is fascinating, full of colorful characters and it highlights how personalities are sometimes more important than facts. It was another quick read in a good series and definitely worth the brief time it took; it made me interested in finding out more about the diamond industry and its sordid past (and present).
April 13, 2019
An Interesting Con, Nearly Perfect
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.
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.
March 9, 2020
* I borrowed this book from Amazon Prime and I just finished listening to it. *
Here is what the book is about:”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.”
I liked this book. I thought it was interesting.
Here is what the book is about:”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.”
I liked this book. I thought it was interesting.
June 13, 2019
Glad for the Audible track
This was an interesting quick history of the diamond trade and the subsequent creation of synthetic diamonds. I am glad that the Audible listening track was available for this title as I dont know if I would have finished it without switching to audio book format. I enjoyed it for its historical relevance but lost interest in the presentation of the information a couple times. Still as a free download from Amazon's inventions collection it was worth the listen!
This was an interesting quick history of the diamond trade and the subsequent creation of synthetic diamonds. I am glad that the Audible listening track was available for this title as I dont know if I would have finished it without switching to audio book format. I enjoyed it for its historical relevance but lost interest in the presentation of the information a couple times. Still as a free download from Amazon's inventions collection it was worth the listen!
January 12, 2021
Snooze-fest...zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I was completely bored during this short story. It is very well researched and well written. The topic of diamonds and the quest for making manmade diamonds could be interesting but it just wasn't. No part of the story grabbed me and pulled me in. There were interesting elements to the story yet I remained bored. This was my first read in the short story collection by Amazon "Inventions - Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era". I will try another one but only to see if the others can redeam this collection.
I was completely bored during this short story. It is very well researched and well written. The topic of diamonds and the quest for making manmade diamonds could be interesting but it just wasn't. No part of the story grabbed me and pulled me in. There were interesting elements to the story yet I remained bored. This was my first read in the short story collection by Amazon "Inventions - Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era". I will try another one but only to see if the others can redeam this collection.
January 7, 2022
The Diamond Formula, Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era by Alina Simone (2019, Audible Original - free to subscribers). This is a fun essay about an early 20th century 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. Not a bad use of 72 minutes of listening why packing for a rafting trip.
May 28, 2019
I have a bit of a weakness for books like these, particularly when they tell the story of some famous historical swindler. This one was weird and interesting, and though it's specific to the Belle Epoque, it could have been written today and been just a relevant, as far as tales of corporate greed go.
March 18, 2020
Just ok
Interesting story, but not sure how accurate it is considering by her own account, that there was not much research available and based on one actual book detailing the history. Also she doesn't know what happened to Lemoine after his prison sentence. It just felt incomplete to me
Interesting story, but not sure how accurate it is considering by her own account, that there was not much research available and based on one actual book detailing the history. Also she doesn't know what happened to Lemoine after his prison sentence. It just felt incomplete to me
May 17, 2021
Good short history of a synthetic diamond scam from the Belle Epoque (~1880-1914) period in Paris. The time period and setting are more interested than the characters and swindle, though. It's really tragic how Europe died in 1914 and was replaced with something far worse.
As for the diamond scam -- typical con, the interesting part being the victim was De Beers.
As for the diamond scam -- typical con, the interesting part being the victim was De Beers.
February 23, 2023
I love stuff like this!
I thought I'd downloaded a short story that was part of a trilogy that was some fantasy fluff. Turns out, it's a true story/historical tale about some diamond madness!
What a delightful swindle of the DeBiers company(ish) that have been swindling people over diamonds for decades.
I thought I'd downloaded a short story that was part of a trilogy that was some fantasy fluff. Turns out, it's a true story/historical tale about some diamond madness!
What a delightful swindle of the DeBiers company(ish) that have been swindling people over diamonds for decades.
April 6, 2019
Man-made diamonds or an elaborate hoax?
This was my favorite of the "Belle Epoque" series as a humble man claims to have created man-made diamonds and the potentially catastrophic effects such a talent would have on the diamond industry.
This was my favorite of the "Belle Epoque" series as a humble man claims to have created man-made diamonds and the potentially catastrophic effects such a talent would have on the diamond industry.
April 11, 2019
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 “A Mind of Her Own,” Paula McLain’s piece on Madame Curie, you’ll likely enjoy this one as well.
May 6, 2019
I probably found this more enjoyable than most would with the nice parable/commentary on economics and gems, couched in a true crime/con narrative because of my brother's work as a gemologist and diamond hawker and my work in consumer based financial trauma.
June 9, 2019
Fun. Very interesting.
Snippet of unknown, or little known, man-made diamond hoax. Historical treatment of story with citations made the fraudster’s shenanigans funnier then if it was fiction.
Snippet of unknown, or little known, man-made diamond hoax. Historical treatment of story with citations made the fraudster’s shenanigans funnier then if it was fiction.
November 1, 2019
The Diamond Formula (3.5) is an interesting story well told. There’s a kind of glossing over of many cruelties here that I felt could have been illuminated, but that would have probably sunk the tale’s obvious intent to charm. A good con, like its protagonist, and entertaining.
February 14, 2021
Diamond Hoax?
Past history of a young man, fooling a diamond king into believing he could make diamonds. This is a true story, plenty of facts and newspaper articles to back it up. The author does a good job of telling the story. Read and enjoy!
Past history of a young man, fooling a diamond king into believing he could make diamonds. This is a true story, plenty of facts and newspaper articles to back it up. The author does a good job of telling the story. Read and enjoy!
March 6, 2023
diamond in the rough
Nice bit of history about artificially created diamonds.
Also the scandal that surrounded it and the rulings that resulted to ensure the diamond market kept their monopoly
Nice bit of history about artificially created diamonds.
Also the scandal that surrounded it and the rulings that resulted to ensure the diamond market kept their monopoly
March 29, 2023
The beginning is tough to get through as it lays out some truly horrible things done by high level members of the De Beers company, but gets interesting once the court case begins and we follow along to see if these diamonds are artificial -or fake.
November 4, 2024
interesting little tale-
This was an interesting little footnote in history. But as it was all a scam, I wouldn’t call it an invention like the title does. It’s a quick read, but it didn’t draw me in. I found myself skimming it more than reading it.
This was an interesting little footnote in history. But as it was all a scam, I wouldn’t call it an invention like the title does. It’s a quick read, but it didn’t draw me in. I found myself skimming it more than reading it.
April 2, 2019
Charming story of how a turn of the century con man convinced the DeBeers diamond company he could manufacture synthetic diamonds. Recommended.
April 2, 2019
Ha! He got ya
A tale of a confidence trixter and how he got away with it. Interesting reading well told. Recommended for all readers type
A tale of a confidence trixter and how he got away with it. Interesting reading well told. Recommended for all readers type
April 13, 2019
Interesting,quick little read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews