Diamonds Enhancements & Treatments
Treated diamonds are ones that have gone through some form of treatment to alter and enhance their appearance. It can include anything from diamond clarity enhancements to artificial colour enhancements.
These treatments include irradiation (colour treatment), high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), clarity enhancement by laser drilling, fracture filling, and coating. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades and identifies all treated diamonds so consumers know and can trace the alterations that have been done to the stone.
While these methods can enhance the visual appeal of a diamond, it's important to note that they can also affect the diamond's value, durability, and overall quality.
Methods of Treatments
Irradiation
Irradiation is a process used to enhance the colour of diamonds, primarily to create yellow, blue, green, and black stones depending on the type of irradiation and the initial color of the diamond. The process involves exposing the diamond to gamma rays or energetic electrons, which can change the colour of the stone’s internal molecular arrangement to make the stone absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light, altering the diamond's perceived colour.
It's worth noting that not all diamonds are suitable for irradiation, and the process must be carefully controlled to avoid damaging the diamond. Only Type IIa diamonds can be used for this process. Additionally, irradiation is typically followed by annealing which involves heating the diamond to remove any residual radiation damage and stabilize the color change.
It's worth noting that not all diamonds are suitable for irradiation, and the process must be carefully controlled to avoid damaging the diamond. Only Type IIa diamonds can be used for this process. Additionally, irradiation is typically followed by annealing which involves heating the diamond to remove any residual radiation damage and stabilize the color change.
HPHT
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) is a process used to enhance the colour and/or the clarity of a diamond. The process involves subjecting the diamond to extremely high temperatures and pressures, simulating the conditions of the Earth's mantle. This can change the molecular structure of the diamond and alter its colour, clarity, and other physical characteristics.
Laser Drilling & Fracture Filling
Laser drilling and fracture filling is a common treatment for diamonds with visible fractures or inclusions. A laser beam is used to drill a small hole within the diamond, allowing a solution to be injected into the stone to lighten or remove the inclusion. The holes where the inclusions or fractures were removed are then injected with a substance to improve the appearance of the diamond. This treatment can make the fractures less visible and improve the brightness of the diamond. It should be noted, however, that fracture filling is not a permanent treatment and can reduce the diamond's value. Another major downside to these methods is that heat can discolour the filling substance making the fracture or spots extremely visible making the diamond look much worse.
Coating
Coating treatment is a process of applying a thin protective coating to the outside of a diamond to enhance its appearance. This process involves applying a thin layer of metal or colourless substance to the surface of the diamond, which serves to protect the diamond from dirt, dust, and other contaminants, while also providing additional sparkle and brilliance. The coating absorbs light, making the diamond appear brighter
Pro’s and Con’s of Treatments
Pros:
Improved appearance: Diamond enhancements and treatments can improve the appearance of a diamond by removing or reducing the appearance of inclusions, improving the color, or increasing the clarity.
Increased value: Enhancements and treatments can increase the visual value of a diamond by improving its appearance and making it more desirable to potential buyers.
Lower cost: Diamonds that have been enhanced or treated may be more affordable than natural diamonds with similar characteristics.
Wider Selection: Natural coloured diamonds are extremely rare. Treated diamonds especially HPHT or irradiated diamonds allow for a large selection of great coloured stones that wouldn't otherwise be available and affordable. These coloured diamonds are often used as birthstone alternatives.
Increased value: Enhancements and treatments can increase the visual value of a diamond by improving its appearance and making it more desirable to potential buyers.
Lower cost: Diamonds that have been enhanced or treated may be more affordable than natural diamonds with similar characteristics.
Wider Selection: Natural coloured diamonds are extremely rare. Treated diamonds especially HPHT or irradiated diamonds allow for a large selection of great coloured stones that wouldn't otherwise be available and affordable. These coloured diamonds are often used as birthstone alternatives.
Cons:
Reduced value: Some diamond treatments can decrease the value of a diamond. For example, if the treatment is not permanent, the diamond may eventually lose its improved appearance, reducing its value.
Difficulty in assessing value: It can be difficult to accurately assess the value of a treated or enhanced diamond. Potential buyers may be wary of purchasing a diamond that has undergone treatments, as they may not be able to determine its true value.
Ethical concerns: Some diamond treatments involve the use of chemicals or processes that are harmful to the environment. Additionally, some treatments may be used to conceal the origin of a diamond, which can raise ethical concerns about the diamond's authenticity and potential ties to conflict or exploitation.
Difficulty in assessing value: It can be difficult to accurately assess the value of a treated or enhanced diamond. Potential buyers may be wary of purchasing a diamond that has undergone treatments, as they may not be able to determine its true value.
Ethical concerns: Some diamond treatments involve the use of chemicals or processes that are harmful to the environment. Additionally, some treatments may be used to conceal the origin of a diamond, which can raise ethical concerns about the diamond's authenticity and potential ties to conflict or exploitation.
Diamond Types
Diamonds can be classified into four types based on the type and level of impurities present in their crystal lattice structure. These are:
Type I
Type Ia - A type Ia diamond contains a high level of nitrogen impurities, which often give the diamond a yellow or brownish colour.
Type Ib - A type Ib diamond also contains nitrogen impurities, but at a much lower level than Type Ia diamonds. These diamonds are often brown or yellow in colour but can also be nearly colourless.
Type II
Type IIa - A type IIa diamond contains very few impurities and is often considered to be chemically pure. These diamonds are generally colourless and are highly valued for their clarity and brilliance.
Type IIb - A type IIb diamond contains a small amount of boron impurities, which can give the diamond a blue or gray colour. These diamonds are relatively rare and highly valuable as well.
More Information:
Type Ia and Type Ib diamonds are more common, and can be used in jewellery as well. They end to have a yellow or brownish color due to the nitrogen impurities but can also be treated to enhance their color.
Type IIa diamonds are considered to be the purest and most chemically uniform and are highly valued for their rarity and exceptional optical properties, including high transparency and brilliance. This type of diamond can be treated by HPHT.
Type IIa diamonds are also the most commonly produced type of lab-grown diamond. This is because Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure and do not contain significant levels of impurities that can affect their optical and mechanical properties. In addition, the production methods used to create lab-grown diamonds often involve high-temperature, high-pressure conditions that favor the growth of Type IIa diamonds. As a result, many lab-grown diamond producers intentionally produce Type IIa diamonds to meet the demand for high-quality, colorless diamonds in the jewellery market.
Type IIb diamonds are more common and are used in jewellery production. They tend to have a yellow or brownish color due to the nitrogen impurities but can also be treated to enhance their color.