Enhanced colored diamonds are an affordable way to add a splash of color to any design. These color enhancements are done through one of two methods –irradiation or high pressure/high temperature (HPHT).
The chart below shows which stones are enhanced using what method(s):
|
Color |
Irradiation |
HPHT |
||
|
Aqua Blue |
✓ |
– |
||
|
Teal Blue |
✓ |
– |
||
|
Dark Green |
✓ |
– |
||
|
Apple Green |
✓ |
– |
||
|
Yellow |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Canary Yellow |
✓ |
√ |
||
|
Pink |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Purple |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Burnt Orange |
✓ |
– |
||
|
Garnet Red |
✓ |
– |
||
If you’re going to suggest these diamonds to your customers or use them in your designs, you should know how to care for them. Here are some tips to help you work with and maintain the brilliance of these stones:
Irradiated Diamonds
Irradiated enhanced color diamonds are known for:
- Their hardness and durability
- Their resistance to general wear and tear
- Their ability to maintain vibrant color over time
Therefore, they require no special attention in daily use. It’s only when they are subjected to temperatures above 450°C (900°F) that great care is needed. Generally, the only time this happens at a jeweler’s bench is during the resizing of a ring.
When resizing a ring with an irradiated enhanced color diamond, the stone needs to be protected from direct exposure to high temperatures. Covering the stone with Heat Shield, or another protective solution does the trick. After the diamond is cooled, the protective solution can be removed in a pickle pot.
Setting: Irradiated enhanced colored diamonds can be set in most ways, including channel-set, prong-set, invisible-set, bezel-set, flush-set or used in pavé. However, these stones cannot be wax-set because that process involves higher temperatures.
Cleaning: Irradiated enhanced colored diamonds can be cleaned just like regular white diamonds, using steam, an ultrasonic, acid or any jewelry cleaner. To clean a colored diamond at home, use a soft toothbrush and soapy water.
HPHT Diamonds
HPHT enhanced colored diamonds require the least care. Like irradiated, HPHT diamonds are known for:
- Their hardness and durability
- Their resistance to general wear and tear
- Their ability to maintain vibrant color over time
They require no special attention in daily use, and can also be subjected to higher temperatures.
Setting: HPHT enhanced colored diamonds can be set in all ways including channel-set, prong-set, invisible-set, wax-set, bezel-set, flush-set or used in pavé.
Cleaning: HPHT enhanced colored diamonds can be cleaned just like regular white diamonds using steam, ultrasonic, acid or any jewelry cleaner. To clean a colored diamond at home, use a soft toothbrush and soapy water.