Diamond Treatments

A diamond is one of the finest creations of nature. The precision with which these diamonds are formed in the core of the earth is admirable. But, these spectacular diamonds are often tainted with imperfections. These flaws are either in the form of color or clarity characteristics. Imperfections  which pertain to the color of the diamond is due to the impurities present in the gem or due to distortions in the crystal structure.  

Mostly, yellow or brown diamonds are treated to transform them into colorless diamonds. The yellow or brown tint is due to the presence of nitrogen. Similarly blue/greyish diamonds are also treated which owe their color to boron. On the other hand are the inadequacies in the clarity of a diamond. Treatments for clarity either conceal the flaws or remove them.

This post will talk about in detail the various treatments carried out on diamonds.

Treatments for color enhancement:

Irradiation: under this process the diamonds are exposed to radiation to alter their color. Radiation is a process of transmitting energy in the form of waves or particles. In the laboratories diamonds are bombarded with neutron or electron particles which causes distortions in the crystal system of a diamond. This distortion often results in beautiful colors. Common colors which irradiation produces are blue, green, yellow, orange and black. Irradiated diamonds are further heated at times to achieve particular colors. The treatment can be identified by gem testing labs.

 

IRRADIATED DIAMONDS

Coating:  it is a procedure in which thin films are applied on the diamond, specifically on the pavilion areas which affects the face up look of the diamond. This treatment can be stimulating for the gemologists to find out. The loop holes of this treatment are, when it is viewed under high magnification sometimes the air bubbles trapped between the diamond surface and film is visible and also if the coating has got scratched due to wear and tear, it is identifiable.

 

COATED DIAMONDS

High Pressure High Temperature: this is the most commonly used method for modifying the color of diamonds. This technique is applied mostly to Type 2A diamonds which usually have a yellowish or brown tint, to produce more marketable colorless diamonds. This treatment is equally challenging for the gemologists to identify.

 

HPHT TREATMENT

Treatment for clarity enhancement:

Laser Drilling: this procedure uses lasers to reach the inclusions in the diamond which have a negative impact on the visual appeal. Once the laser reaches the inclusion either it is bleached with acids or filled with substances that can conceal the inclusion. This treatment often leaves “drill-holes” which helps in identifying the treatment. These drill holes are basically tiny openings at the surface.

 

LASER DRILLED DIAMOND UNDER MAGNIFICATION

Fracture-Filling: feathers are one of the most common inclusions seen in the diamonds and they affect the appearance to a great extent. To improvise the appearance of the diamonds fractures are often filled high RI glass filling which makes it difficult for the gemologists to identify the treatment. But, in dark field illumination often the flash-effect can be noticed. Flash effect displays combination of colors like orange and blue, orange and yellow or sometimes pink and purple.

IMPROVED APPEARANCE OF A DIAMOND

FLASH-EFFECT IN A FRACTURE FILLED DIAMOND

Enhancement of gem material in todays’s time is a common affair, but what’s not common, is the disclosure. Disclosing a treatment will always prove to be beneficial for a trader. It not only instils confidence in the consumer, it even helps them understand the reason why the gem material was treated and how the treatment has made the gem more appealing and durable. Some treatments fade away with time, so it is the responsibility of the trader to inform the consumers about any such treatments. Ethical treatments and disclosure will always have a positive impact on the gem market and the end users.