Color Enhanced Diamonds – High Temperature, High Pressure Technique
Thursday, December 30, 2010 by admin
Another process which is used to transform yellowish diamonds into fanciful colored diamonds is the high temperature, high pressure technique (HPHT). Not only it is used for vibrant colors but it is now being used to change brownish diamonds into more valuable colorless diamonds.
HPHT is a very controversial topic among sellers because some feel that it is not a treatment, but a way to finish what nature started. It is virtually undetectable, making it relatively unknown on how many HPHT color enhanced diamonds are out there. Grading labs are trying to find ways in order to detect this process, especially if a stone is not labeled as a HPHT, as it is required to be.
The process includes using the high pressure and high temperature, similar to nature, causing imperfections in the crystal lattice to be repaired. This essentially changes the color, depending on the stone. It will either become more colorless, or can make a stone appear blue, yellow orange, yellow green, pink, or even brown diamonds.
The diamonds are gorgeous, and look almost perfect to the naked eye. Since it is a controversial topic they are sold frequently, but only you can decide if you want a HPHT diamond or a natural diamond. Any reputable dealer will be able to tell you if the HPHT technique was used. It is a permanent process making your diamond safe and durable, but they should cost less then natural diamonds. Make sure you see a certificate of authenticity before you purchase any diamond.
HPHT is a very controversial topic among sellers because some feel that it is not a treatment, but a way to finish what nature started. It is virtually undetectable, making it relatively unknown on how many HPHT color enhanced diamonds are out there. Grading labs are trying to find ways in order to detect this process, especially if a stone is not labeled as a HPHT, as it is required to be.
The process includes using the high pressure and high temperature, similar to nature, causing imperfections in the crystal lattice to be repaired. This essentially changes the color, depending on the stone. It will either become more colorless, or can make a stone appear blue, yellow orange, yellow green, pink, or even brown diamonds.
The diamonds are gorgeous, and look almost perfect to the naked eye. Since it is a controversial topic they are sold frequently, but only you can decide if you want a HPHT diamond or a natural diamond. Any reputable dealer will be able to tell you if the HPHT technique was used. It is a permanent process making your diamond safe and durable, but they should cost less then natural diamonds. Make sure you see a certificate of authenticity before you purchase any diamond.
2011 All Rights Reserved