Understanding Why Your Diamond is Turning Green
Understanding Why Your Diamond is Turning Green. If you’re noticing that your cherished diamond seems to be taking on a green hue, you might be wondering what’s going on. In this article, “Understanding Why Your Diamond is Turning Green,” you’ll learn about the potential causes behind this surprising transformation. Discover the various factors that can affect a diamond’s color, from treatments and light exposure to underlying impurities. Understanding these can help you better maintain your precious gem and perhaps even restore its original sparkle.
Understanding the Value of a Natural Diamond
Diamonds are precious and valuable. Their allure lies not only in their visual beauty but also in their natural perfection which is a symbol of luxury and status. The quality and value of a diamond depend on several factors that can have significant impacts on its appearance and cost.
Determining the quality of a diamond
When it comes to diamonds, the quality is a major determinant of its value. This quality is often assessed using the “Four Cs” — Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut. The carat measures the size of the diamond, the color is rated on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow), the clarity reflects the lack of inclusions or blemishes, and the cut refers to how well the diamond has been cut from its raw form.
Features that attribute to diamond pricing
The overall diamond pricing depends largely on the four Cs mentioned above. Other features such as shape and fluorescence can also play a part in determining a diamond’s price. For instance, a round brilliant cut diamond is usually higher in price due to its high demand and the amount of waste created when cutting it from a rough stone.
Identifying Color Changes in Diamonds
Color is one of the defining features of a diamond. However, sometimes, you may notice changes to your diamond’s color, making it important for you to recognize the normal color spectrum and identify unusual color changes.
Normal color spectrum of diamonds
Natural diamonds come in a wide range of colors, with the most common being yellow and brown due to the presence of nitrogen. However, diamonds can also occur in every color of the spectrum, including blue (from the presence of boron), black, and even very rare colors like green and red.
Signs of unusual coloration
Unusual coloration in a diamond can often be a sign of treatment or damage. For instance, a diamond that has turned green from its original clear shade could suggest that it has been exposed to radiation treatments or certain environments.
Possible Reasons for a Diamond Turning Green
While green diamonds exist naturally and are highly coveted, there are several reasons your diamond might have turned green aside from it being a natural green diamond.
Natural green diamonds and their rarity
Natural green diamonds owe their hue to the exposure to radiation within the Earth over an extended period. Due to the need for specific natural conditions for these diamonds to form, they are quite rare and expensive.
Artificial treatments causing color changes
Artificial treatments, like irradiation or high-temperature annealing, can also cause color changes in diamonds. These treatments might be employed to improve a diamond’s color or to create fancy color diamonds.
Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation
Lastly, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation could also be a reason for the diamond to turn green. For example, if worn during radiation therapy or if it comes into contact with certain strong chemicals, it can affect its coloration.
The Science Behind Color Changes in Gems
Understanding the science behind color changes in gems, particularly diamonds, can help demystify the coloring process and explain why your diamond might have turned green.
How color is formed in diamonds
Color in diamonds is formed due to the presence of specific trace elements or structural defects. For example, the presence of nitrogen results in a yellow hue while boron leads to a blue one. Green coloration in natural diamonds is due to natural radiation exposure.
The impact of impurities on diamond coloration
Impurities have a significant impact on diamond coloration, changing the hue based on the specific impurity in question. These impurities are called colorants and typically comprise a tiny portion of the diamond. Nevertheless, their influence on the diamond’s absorption and reflection of light is profound.
Impact of Environment on Diamond Coloration
Beyond impurities and treatments, the environment in which a diamond is stored and worn can also impact its coloration.
Role of temperature on diamond color
Exposure to extreme heat could potentially alter the color of a diamond. This can occur if a diamond is left within a hot car, exposed to a blowtorch, or even during some jewelry repairs that involve heat.
Effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight
Prolonged exposure to sunlight in everyday wear could potentially impact a diamond’s color. The UV radiation from the sun can cause certain types of diamonds to change color temporarily or even permanently.
Impact of water and humidity
While diamonds are resilient and water alone will not impact its color, continuous exposure to a high humidity environment can cause physical damage to the diamond which might precipitate changes to its appearance or color.
Assessing a Green Diamond
If you discover that your diamond has turned green, it’s essential to have it assessed by a professional.
Importance of professional appraisal
A professional gemologist or jeweler can offer an accurate assessment of your diamond. They can use specific tools and expert knowledge to determine if the color change is due to natural causes, treatments, or environmental exposure.
Understanding the GIA grading system
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grading system is a trusted standard in assessing diamonds. It rates diamonds on a scale for color, clarity, cut, and carat. Knowing how to interpret GIA grades can help you understand the quality and value of your green diamond.
Treating a Discolored Diamond
If your diamond has become discolored, there may be ways to restore its original color.
Methods of reversing discoloration
Potential methods of reversing discoloration include professional cleaning, high-temperature annealing, and recutting or repolishing the diamond. However, not all discoloration can be reversed and some methods might involve risks.
Potential risks of jeweler treatments
Jeweler treatments, while sometimes effective, can carry risks. These treatments might result in further color changes or even damage to the diamond. Therefore, it’s always best to consult with a trustworthy and professional jeweler.
Preventative Measures for Diamond Discoloration
To prevent discoloration of your diamond, it’s essential to take proper care of it.
Secure storage options for diamonds
Storing your diamond securely is essential. It should be kept in a dry, temperature-controlled environment and separate from other jewelry to prevent scratches or damages.
Importance of regular cleaning and maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance can keep your diamond looking its best. It’s important to clean your diamond with a soft brush and mild solution of soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could potentially damage the diamond.
Avoiding exposure to harmful substances
Try to avoid exposing your diamond to harsh substances or environments. This includes everything from strong cleaning products to prolonged sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Buying Guide for Green Diamonds
If you are considering buying a green diamond, there are important factors to consider.
Distinguishing natural green diamonds from discolored ones
Learning how to distinguish natural green diamonds from artificially treated or discolored ones is critical. Natural green diamonds are significantly more valuable than discolored ones, regardless of how similar they may look.
Factors affecting the price of green diamonds
The price of a green diamond depends on a range of factors including its hue, tone, and saturation of color. Other factors like clarity, cut, size, and whether the color is natural or artificially induced will also impact the price.
Where to purchase authentic green diamonds
Due to the rarity of natural green diamonds, it is important to purchase from reputable dealers and jewelers. Always ask for a GIA report or similar certification to ascertain its quality and color origin.
Restoring the Value of Your Diamond
If your diamond has lost value due to discoloration, it might be possible to restore it. Unraveling the Truth: Are James Allen Rings Real Diamonds?
Process of diamond recertification
A diamond can be re-certified through institutions like GIA to verify if treatments to restore its color and value have been successful.
Impact of discoloration on diamond resale value
Discoloration can greatly impact the resale value of a diamond. Buyers often prefer natural colors or carefully treated colors over discoloration due to environmental conditions or mistreatment.
In conclusion, while the wonder of diamonds lies in their natural beauty, keeping them in their best condition requires active effort. Remember to store them well, clean them correctly, avoid exposure to high temperatures and harmful substances, and ensure they are inspected and appraised by professionals regularly.
