Treated Diamonds

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Why Treated Diamonds Exist

For centuries, people have always tried to improve objects that are a result of nature. We've cross bred plants and even animals to produce new species and we prune and shape trees and bushes to make them more pleasing to the eye or to create fancy borders around our yards and in front of our homes. When it comes to diamonds, many become treated diamonds by the jeweler, in order to improve their appearance.

Treated diamonds can have improved clarity, improved color and even be completely coated to improve their overall appearance. On the positive side, treated diamonds can help people with limited budgets have the ability to purchase a gorgeous looking diamond.

Pavé-set Side Diamonds	Princess Diamond Accents	Baguette Diamond Side Stones	Diamond Setting
Diamond Sidestones	Diamond Cathedral Pavé Setting	Princess-cut Diamond	Common-prong Diamond Setting

Clarity Improved Diamonds

In order to improve the clarity of diamonds, sometimes tiny cracks in the diamond are filled with molten glass. This can cause the diamond to move up a grade in the GIA grading system, and it does not affect the overall weight of the diamond. The process was invented by Israeli diamond cutter, Zvi Yehuda, in 1982. Since this invention, some companies have begun a new process that fills the cracks with bromine instead of the molten glass; however, bromine will sometimes discolor the diamond under certain lighting conditions. It's always best to ask what method the diamond has been treated with when considering treated diamonds so that you are not surprised when you view the diamond in light outside that of the jeweler's.

Colored Diamonds

There are a few different types of color treated diamonds. Colored diamonds are actually painted in order to take away a yellowish tinge and make the diamonds appear more white and transparent. Some are colored darker in order to permanently alter a diamond to a different color by using electron bombardment. Others become treated diamonds by way of laser drills. In the 1970's, people began using lasers to drill miniscule holes into the diamonds to reach dark colored spots. Once they reach the dark colored areas within the diamonds, they are able to bleach them with acid so that they are not as noticeable. Sometimes they finish the laser treated diamonds by then filling the tiny holes with molten glass.

Coated Diamonds

Coated treated diamonds are much like a colored diamond except the entire diamond gets a coating of a substance that is designed to make the diamond appear brighter and more translucent to the naked eye. In fact, the coating is so good on most treated diamonds that it can go undetected unless an experienced gemologist studies the diamond for its value.

Treated diamonds are often very beautiful and can be more affordable than diamonds that are not treated. If you decide to purchase a treated diamond, just be sure you inform the jeweler when you bring your diamond in for cleaning, as they may need to use different chemicals to clean it and maintain its treatment.

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