Diamond Treatments & Enhancements Flashcards

According to FTC guidelines, how must a treated diamond be described in retail advertising?

Answer: The treatment must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed

FTC regulations require that any material treatment affecting value or appearance must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed to consumers in all advertising and sales communications.

Which of the following correctly describes the effect of HPHT treatment on a diamond's crystal structure?

Answer: It rearranges nitrogen aggregates to reduce brown coloration

HPHT treatment reorganizes nitrogen atom aggregates within the diamond's lattice, which reduces or eliminates the brown color caused by crystal lattice distortions.

How do treated diamonds generally compare to untreated diamonds of similar apparent quality in terms of resale or trade-in value?

Answer: Treated diamonds typically sell for less than untreated stones of similar apparent grade

The trade recognizes that treated diamonds are enhanced stones, so they generally carry a lower per-carat value than naturally occurring untreated diamonds of comparable visible quality.

What notation does a GIA grading report use to indicate that a diamond has undergone fracture filling?

Answer: GIA does not grade fracture-filled diamonds and returns them without a report

GIA does not issue standard grading reports for fracture-filled diamonds; it returns them to submitters with a letter indicating the treatment was detected.

Which safe cleaning method is recommended for fracture-filled diamonds to avoid damaging the treatment?

Answer: Warm water with mild soap and a soft brush

Warm water with mild soap and gentle brushing is the safest cleaning method for fracture-filled diamonds, avoiding the heat and vibration that can dislodge or discolor the filler.

What is the most reliable instrument a gemologist uses to detect HPHT treatment in a colorless or near-colorless diamond?

Answer: Spectroscopic analysis (e.g., UV-Vis or FTIR spectroscopy)

Spectroscopic analysis, such as UV-Vis or FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), can reveal characteristic absorption patterns that indicate HPHT treatment.

A customer brings in a diamond ring and mentions the stone looks 'less clear' than when purchased. The jeweler notices a previous repair was done. Which treatment was most likely applied to the original stone?

Answer: Fracture filling

Heat from a prior repair likely damaged the fracture filler, causing the previously hidden cracks to reappear and the diamond to look less clear than when first purchased.