Understanding HPHT Diamonds
HPHT, an acronym for High Pressure and High Temperature, refers to a technique developed in the 1950s to create exquisite diamonds. This process allows for the creation of genuine diamonds from scratch under controlled conditions and can also enhance the color grade of existing diamonds, making them appear whiter.
HPHT diamonds, unlike diamond simulants like cubic zirconia, moissanite, and white sapphire, are real diamonds. They possess the same chemical and physical attributes as naturally grown diamonds, ensuring they withstand everyday wear while maintaining their beauty.
The Making of HPHT Diamonds
The natural formation of diamonds takes millions of years under extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth. Through the HPHT method, this process is significantly expedited.
Steps in the HPHT Process
- The process begins with placing a small diamond seed into pure carbon.
- Next, the diamond seed undergoes intense pressure and heat.
- As the carbon melts, it begins forming a diamond around the seed.
- The substance is then carefully cooled, forming a diamond.
- Finally, the rough diamond is cut, polished, and set into jewelry, akin to a naturally grown rough diamond.
HPHT Color Treatment for Diamonds
Most natural white diamonds contain subtle yellow or brown hues, affecting their color grade. The HPHT process can be used to permanently enhance a natural diamond’s color, resulting in desirable color grades ranging from D to H.
Because the HPHT process is permanent, you won’t need to pay for upkeep to maintain your diamond’s stunning color. This ensures that your high-pressure, high-temperature diamond remains magnificent, even for future generations.
Suitable Diamonds for HPHT Color Treatment
Many natural diamonds can benefit from HPHT color enhancement. However, not all diamonds are suitable for this process. Diamonds with low clarity grades may crack or break during treatment.
Clarity grade indicates the number of imperfections within a diamond. These imperfections, known as inclusions, may appear as dark spots, small cracks, or cloudy areas. The more inclusions a diamond has, the lower its clarity grade.
For HPHT treatment, a diamond should have a clarity grade of at least VS2, the midpoint of the clarity scale. Diamonds with low clarity grades, like I3, will break under HPHT’s intense heat and pressure due to their numerous internal imperfections that compromise structural integrity. Read more about diamond clarity grades
Advantages of HPHT Diamonds
Whether you’re purchasing an HPHT-formed diamond or having one receive HPHT color enhancement, you’ll enjoy several benefits:
Affordability:
HPHT diamonds tend to be less expensive than their natural counterparts. Naturally formed diamonds go through an extensive supply chain, involving miners, distributors, cutters, polishers, and jewelers. In contrast, HPHT diamonds pass through fewer hands, resulting in lower costs.
Genuine Diamonds:
HPHT diamonds are just as beautiful, strong, and versatile as naturally grown diamonds. They are chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds.
Permanent Results:
The color enhancement achieved through the HPHT process is permanent, so you won’t need to worry about your diamond losing its exceptional color grade. This means less maintenance and more time to admire its brilliance.
Environmental Friendliness:
Lab-grown diamonds typically have a lesser environmental impact since they don’t require mining in mineral deposits.
Identifying HPHT-Treated Diamonds
Since distinguishing between a natural diamond and an HPHT diamond can be challenging for the average person, always reference the diamond’s official certification.
Certification labs, such as the IGI, have expert gemologists who analyze a diamond’s characteristics, including the 4Cs, and provide a certificate detailing the diamond’s information. Certificates from reputable labs will specify if a diamond was created through the HPHT process or underwent any HPHT treatment.
Many diamonds come with certifications, ensuring buyers know precisely what type of diamond they are purchasing. These certificates protect customers from unscrupulous jewelers who might exaggerate grades and inflate prices, enabling confident shopping.
Where to Purchase HPHT Diamonds
At Artful Bracelets, we proudly offer a wide variety of diamonds, including naturally formed and HPHT grown diamonds. All our HPHT diamonds come with an IGI certificate, so you can easily access all your diamond’s characteristics.
Explore our selection of HPHT loose diamonds and lab-grown diamond engagement rings, accommodating every budget and style, from classic round cuts to sleek emerald shapes.
