Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamonds and Fine Wedding Jewelry - Perfect Diamonds
Distinguishing True Diamonds from Synthetic Diamonds
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Fake diamonds (also called synthetic diamonds or faux diamonds) are diamonds produced through chemical or physical processes in a laboratory. Like naturally occurring diamonds they are composed of a three-dimensional carbon crystal. Synthetic diamonds are also called cultured diamonds, manufactured diamonds, and artificial diamonds. A synthetic diamond is not the same as diamond imitation (fake diamond) which can be made of other material such as cubic zirconia.
Fake diamonds are designed to resemble real diamonds as much as possible, in appearance and shape.
Properties of Diamonds
Diamond is a transparent, optically isotropic crystal with a refractive index of 2.417, a high dispersion of 0.044, and a specific gravity of 3.52. Diamonds (also known as adamant) are the hardest known naturally occurring material.
Grading Diamonds
Beyond the clarity grading terms, other considerations include the type, size and location of the "inclusion". Inclusions near or on the surface may weaken the diamond structurally. Depending on where the inclusion occurs in the cut diamond and how it is to be used, it may be possible to hide the inclusion behind the setting.
Laser "drilling" involves using a laser to burn a hole to a colored inclusion, followed by acid washing to remove the coloring agent. The clarity grade is the grade after the treatment. The treatment is considered permanent and both the GIA and AGS will issue grades for laser drilled diamonds. Reputable vendors should disclose that laser drilling has been used.
Enhanced Diamonds
Clarity can also be "enhanced" by filling the fracture much like a car windshield crack can be treated. Such diamonds are sometimes called "fracture filled diamonds". Reputable diamond dealers must disclose this filling and reputable filling companies use filling agents which show a flash of pale color, commonly pink, when viewed closely. There is a significant price discount for fracture-filled diamonds.
The GIA will not grade fracture-filled diamonds, in part because the treatment isn't as permanent as diamond. Reputable companies often provide for repeat treatments if heat causes damage to the filling. The heat required to cause damage is that of a blowtorch used to work on settings, and it is essential to inform anyone working on a setting if the diamond is fracture-filled, so they can apply cooling agents to the diamond and use greater care while working on it.
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Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Solitaires, Loose Diamonds,Diamond Wedding Rings, Fine Designer Wedding Jewelry
