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Why is it best not to buy treated diamonds?

Did you know there are techniques for manipulating the colour and purity of a diamond? These ‘improvement techniques’ are referred to as ‘diamond enhancements’ and serve to upgrade the stones.

However, the enhancement comes at a cost. The diamond loses its superlative qualities and is no longer resistant to extreme conditions, high heat and high pressure, or corrosive substances such as acid. Natural diamonds stay strong and will always maintain their natural beauty no matter the circumstances. Treated diamonds are quite common and may appease a less cautious customer. In this article, we’ll help you recognize these diamond enhancements, so you can rest assured that you’ll buy a high-quality natural diamond that is completely untouched.

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Why Should You Avoid Treated Diamonds?

Did you know that some diamonds undergo treatments to artificially enhance their appearance? While these "diamond enhancements" may improve color and clarity, they significantly compromise the stone's quality and durability.

Treated diamonds lose their exceptional resistance to extreme conditions, heat, pressure, and corrosive substances that natural diamonds maintain. These treatments—including laser drilling to remove impurities, fracture-filling to hide cracks, and High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) processing to alter color—may create a more appealing appearance initially, but at a substantial cost to the diamond's integrity.

Though treated diamonds typically sell for 30-50% less than their natural counterparts, this discount reflects their inferior quality. An experienced eye can identify these enhancements by looking for drill holes, unusual light reflections (like purple-blue flashes), or checking for "CE" (Clarity Enhanced) on certificates.

For lasting beauty and value, natural, untreated diamonds remain the superior choice.

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What exactly does it mean when a diamond has been ‘treated’?

Diamond enhancements are specific treatments for polished diamonds that attempt to improve the appearance of lower quality diamonds. Examples are drilling to remove black carbon impurities, filling internal ruptures and heating a diamond to improve colour performance, frequently used for fancy diamonds. These techniques to improve diamond quality are used to have a better chance of selling lower quality diamonds. A well trained eye can easily spot the difference. You might even see it yourself.

What type of diamond treatments exist and how are they recognised?

a man carefully investigating a diamond with his eyes, looking to see if he can recognize diamond treatments
In our exploration of diamond treatments, we shall delve into three prominent methods that have garnered attention in the industry: drilling, filling, and High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) treatment. Each of these techniques plays a vital role in the enhancement of a diamond's appearance, albeit at the cost of its intrinsic value. By understanding the intricacies of these processes, we can better appreciate the implications they hold for both consumers and connoisseurs alike. Join us as we unpack these methods and their distinguishing characteristics, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in the realm of diamonds.

Laser drilling

One of the first techniques used is laser drilling, for the removal of inclusions. This technique involves drilling a microscopic hole up to the black carbon remnants, after which the diamond is placed in an acid which eats away the inclusions. This allows you to buy diamonds which look clearer.

How do I recognize drilled diamonds?

The drill holes resulting from the laser drilling can sometimes be seen with the naked eye. However, the filling used to fade these holes or certain tears are difficult to see. You need to see how the light hits the diamond in order to determine this.

Fracture-filling

Filling up small tears or breaks in the diamond, in order to make it look better optically, is another technique used to upgrade the stone.

How do I recognize fracture-filled diamonds?

Can you see purple-blue or green reflections when the light hits the diamond in a certain way? This so-called flash effect indicates the use of fillings. So always take your time to take a good look at the diamond yourself.

Take a look at the certificate too! If this includes the term ‘CE’ (Clarity Enhanced), you will know the diamond has been treated.

High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) treatment

This technique involves heating up the diamonds to make them whiter. This technique is also used to give naturally coloured diamonds a livelier colour.

How do I recognize an HPHT diamond?

To recognize HPHT treated diamonds, look for specific indicators such as a lack of inclusions or the presence of unique crystal growth patterns that are not typically found in natural diamonds. Additionally, specialised gemological labs can provide certifications that confirm whether a diamond has undergone HPHT treatment.
Take a look at our extensive collection of top quality untreated diamond jewellery for unbeatable prices or contact our diamond experts for extra advice and information.

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