Diamond TreatmentsTreatments to Enhance Clarity
Laser Drilling :
Diamond manufacturers can employ lasers to remove or lighten a dark-appearing inclusion by drilling a tiny hole to the site of the inclusion. The laser may cause the inclusion to vaporize or the treater may apply bleach or acid to lighten the inclusion further. Laser drilling can make included diamonds more marketable, but the laser drill hole is considered a clarity characteristic. The drill-hole can fill with foreign material and become more visible. Laser drilling is considered a permanent treatment as the drill hole cannot be removed. Sometimes after drilling, the diamond may be fracture filled.
Fracture Filling :
Infusing molten leaded glass-like substance into a diamond’s fractures – is the most common diamond treatment used to enhance clarity. Fracture filling of surface reaching breaks can effectively disguise these features. It might also benefit a customer who accidentally cracks a diamond. The treatment can last for years with proper care, but the filling can be damaged during common jewelry repairs, or if subjected to repeated cleanings with steam, acid or ultrasonics. If the filler melts and leaks out, there is a possibility that it can be retreated. If the filler turns dark, it cannot be made colorless again. Fracture filling can make a diamond look more attractive, but also slightly lower its color.
Treatments to Enhance Color
Irradiation :
Irradiation can produce green, blue, brown, yellow, black and other colors. Sometimes this process will be followed by annealing. Irradiated diamonds are sensitive to heat and jewelry repair procedures, recutting, and re-polishing can change their colors.
Annealing :
This is a controlled heating and cooling process which is often used after irradiation to change a diamond’s color to brown, orange, or yellow. It has been reported to produce pink, red, and purple colors as well. When annealing is used by itself, it can change the color in a series – generally blue to green to brown to yellow. The treatment is stopped when the desired color is reached. If heat is later applied to an annealed diamond during routine jewelry repairs, it can drastically alter its color.
High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) :
HPHT treatment uses machines that are essentially the same as those used to grow synthetic diamonds. The HPHT process can turn some brownish diamonds colorless or transform these brownish stones into other colors like yellow, greenish yellow or green. This process is also associated with pink, blue, and orange-yellow diamonds. HPHT is considered a permanent process. Sometimes it is followed with annealing and irradiation which can yield pink-to-red to purple colors.
Coatings :
Silica coatings can be applied to polished colorless or near-colorless diamonds to produce a variety of natural-looking fancy colors, including pinks, oranges, yellows, blues, and purples. The coating is fairly durable but not permanent. Coated diamonds can be damaged by heat and chemicals during jewellery repairs and polishing. They can also be scratched.
Conclusion
In conclusion, diamond treatments for color and clarity offer a unique opportunity to enhance the natural beauty of diamonds, making them more brilliant and visually appealing. While these treatments can significantly improve a diamond’s appearance, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the methods used, such as laser drilling, fracture filling, or HPHT (High-Pressure High-Temperature) processing. Transparency in disclosure is key—whether you’re buying or selling treated diamonds, understanding their origins ensures confidence and trust. Treated diamonds are an excellent choice for those seeking affordability without compromising on elegance. However, always seek certification from reputable organizations to verify the authenticity and nature of the enhancements. With the right knowledge, treated diamonds can be a sparkling addition to your jewelry collection, combining beauty and value seamlessly.