Gems and GemologyGems and Gemology
Home
Wednesday, November 19, 2008Printer-Friendly Page
Service Center
Search
My GIA
Current Issue

Spring 2008, Volume 44, Issue 1


Click to Print

A History of Diamond Treatments
Thomas W. Overton and James E. Shigley


Although various forms of paints and coatings intended to alter the color of diamond have likely been in use for almost as long as diamonds have been valued as gems, the modern era of diamond treatment—featuring more permanent alterations to color through irradiation and high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) annealing, and improvements in apparent clarity with lead-based glass fillings—did not begin until the 20th century. Modern gemologists and diamantaires are faced with a broad spectrum of color and clarity treatments ranging from the simple to the highly sophisticated, and from the easily detected to the highly elusive. The history, characteristics, and identification of known diamond treatments are reviewed.

Back to Table of Contents

Click Here to Buy This Issue or to Subscribe to Gems & Gemology


Home | About GIA | Ethics Helpline | Education | Laboratory | GIA Reports | Research | Instruments & Books | Alumni Association
Gems & Gemology | Employment at GIA | Careers Available | Newsroom | Publications | Library | Events & Trade Shows | Support GIA | GIA History | How to Buy a Diamond
Contact | Search | Site Map | Help
This page was last updated 04/21/08 03:28 PM
Use of this site signifies your agreement to its terms of use.
©2002 - 2008 Gemological Institute of America Inc.
GIA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
All rights reserved.
World Headquarters and Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, California 92008
Tel: 760-603-4000