What are treated diamonds? Are Diamonds Treated? natural vrs treated diamonds

Diamond treatments have been around for many years.  They were invented to make less expensive diamonds look better and make them look more expensive!  These are great options for those who want a bit more bang for their buck and want to go with a natural diamond.

Diamonds can be treated a whole host of different ways. to do many things to a diamond.  Lets talk about a few.

• irradiation: this process is permanent and changes the color of a diamond
• laser drilling:  This process can be completed a few different ways however the general idea is to use a laser to literally drill out inclusions inside the stone.  This process is also permanent
• fracture filling: fracture filling is another popular diamond treatment.  This treatment fills in either where a laser was, or where cracks or feathers are inside of a diamond using a viscous lead glass type material in many cases.  It makes these features harder to see however this treatment is not permanent
• hpht: HPHT stands for high pressure high temperature.  In this case diamonds can be placed in an HPHT chamber and their color changed.  This process is also permanent.
• surface coating:  This process basically coats the outside of a diamond however is not permanent 

Permanent changes to a stone generally are worth more than non permanent changes .

Today there are also other affordable diamond alternatives to natural diamonds that may be worth considering, though a treated natural diamond is still a great option. There are, however, other options and each have their benefits and detriments 

• Moissanite: a much less expensive stone that will look similar to a diamond however cost less, even less than a natural treated diamond 

• Lab Created Diamonds:  Laboratory grown diamonds, man made diamonds, or synthetic diamonds are more affordable than their naturally mined diamond counterparts.  Typically about 30% for a diamond of similar size and quality to go with a laboratory grown stone (atleast for now- read more in our lab grown diamond blog). Unlike moissanite, lab created diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. They exhibit the same properties of sparkle, fire, and scintillation.  The are a are great alternative if you'd like to save some money.  The one consideration is price now as opposed to future price.
• Treated diamonds: as mentioned above there are a whole host of different treatments and each will change the price of a natural stone.  One nice thing to note is these are still natural diamonds that came out of the ground.  So just as some wear makeup these diamonds have been improved
• Cubic zirconia: also know as CZ.  A cz is an attractive stone that could be used as an alternative as the cost of a cz is dramatically less than that of any of the above options.  So if you are considering putting in a stone until you can afford a natural diamond a cz is probably a great choice as the cost savings in comparison to a moissanite is amazing
• White Sapphire: (or other natural clear stone)  This is a good choice if you believe in natural and do not want to use a stone grown in a laboratory.  These are affordable options and are stones mined out of the ground,  Though they will not have the same sparkle and scintillation of a diamond they do have a great look and the idea of going with something natural is always a good thought
• A colored stone: That's right consider using a colored stone instead! It will change the look and often times in a great and meaningful way!

There are many other options to consider as well! Such as a rough diamond, or a salt and pepper diamond, or one of the many many other options.  We are happy to help or advise should you need it!

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