The Diamond Maker by H.G. Wells

The narrator meets a ragged stranger who claims to have perfected the secret of creating real diamonds. As he tells his story, it becomes clear that his success has brought him only misfortune, poverty, and suspicion. The tale poses questions about value, recognition, and the loneliness of genius. The plot is compact, with a slow reveal of tragedy hidden behind achievement. It’s a melancholy glimpse into obsession and the price of brilliance.