Care of Enhanced Color Diamonds

Enhanced color diamonds are an affordable way to add a splash of color to any design. These color enhancements are done through one or two methods, irradiation or high pressure/high temperature (HPHT).

This chart highlights which stones are enhanced using each of these methods.

Another important aspect of educating yourself on enhanced color diamonds is understanding how to care for them. Knowing this, we have some tips to help you work with and maintain the brilliance of these stones.

Irradiated Diamonds

Irradiated enhanced color diamonds, like all diamonds, are legendary for their hardness and durability, resistant to general wear and tear, and not subject to change over time. Therefore, they require no special attention in daily use. It is only when they are subjected to temperatures above 450°C (900°F) that great care is needed. Generally, the only time this happens at a jeweler’s bench is during the resizing of a ring.

When resizing a ring with an irradiated enhanced color diamond, the stone needs to be protected from direct exposure to high temperatures. Covering the stone with Heat Shield, or another protective solution does this. After the diamond is cooled, the protective solution can be removed in a pickle pot compound.

Setting: Irradiated enhanced colored diamonds can be set in most ways, including channel-set, prong-set, invisible-set, bezel-set, flush-set or used in pavé. However, these stones cannot be wax-set because that process involves high temperatures.

Cleaning: Irradiated enhanced colored diamonds can be cleaned just like regular white diamonds, using steam, ultrasonic, acid or any jewelry cleaner. To clean a colored diamond at home, use a soft toothbrush and soapy water.

HPHT Diamonds

HPHT enhanced colored diamonds require the least care. Like all diamonds, HPHT colored diamonds are known for their hardness and durability, resistant to general wear and tear, and not subject to change over time. They require no special attention in daily use, and can also be subjected to high temperatures.

Setting: HPHT enhanced colored diamonds can be set in all ways including channel-set, prong-set, invisible-set, wax-set, bezel-set, flush-set or used in pavé.

Cleaning: HPHT enhanced colored diamonds can be cleaned just like regular white diamonds using steam, ultrasonic, acid or any jewelry cleaner. To clean a colored diamond at home, use a soft toothbrush and soapy water.