But rather than natural diamond, Silvera and Dias used two small pieces of carefully
polished synthetic diamond which were then treated to make them even tougher and then mounted opposite each other in a device known as a diamond anvil cell.
By exposing basic chemicals to extremely high temperatures scientists were able to create the
Synthetic Spinel, Corundum and Cubic Zirconia crystals to perfectly mimic the priceless gems — including the Black Prince Ruby; Stuart Sapphire; and the Cullinan II (the fourth largest
polished diamond in the world).