Treated Diamonds

You decide if this is an option for you. Some treatments can provide a solution to the cost of a diamond, making it more affordable. Your jeweller should disclose any treatments or enhancements, ASK if the diamond you are considering is treated. Most reputable jewellers will disclose this fact.

Clarity Enhanced / Fracture Filled Diamonds
The clarity enhancement process was developed in 1982 by Israeli inventor and diamond cutter Zvi Yehuda, and involves filling cracks in diamonds with molten glass to improve their clarity. Only diamonds with small cracks can be treated, and improves a diamonds clarity by one grade without affecting the color or weight of the diamond.
Not all clarity enhanced diamonds are created equal, nor do they all come with a guarantee. Some companies use bromine to enhance their diamonds because the process is cheaper than using glass. Diamonds treated with bromine have been known to discolor and cloud with exposure to the ultra violet radiation found in sunlight.

Laser Drill
Since the 1970's lasers have been used to burn minute holes in diamonds to reach dark inclusions and bleach them with acid so they are less visible. Some are then filled with a glass like substance.

Irradiated Diamonds
The affordable Fancy colored diamond. Artificially coloured by electron bombardment. The colouration is permanent.

Painted for color
Can be painted to offset a yellow tinge.

Coated Diamonds
Some diamonds are coated to enhance or improve their color. A coated diamond might go undetected for years if the diamond is not examined by an experienced grader, gemologist.

If you decide to buy a diamond that has been treated, and later that item needs to be cleaned or repaired be sure you disclose the type of diamond treatment to your jeweller to avoid any damage to your jewellery or misunderstandings. Find out more about treated diamonds to help you decide if this is a choice you really want to make.