What Are Irradiated Blue Diamonds?

Irradiation

• Irradiation is a process that uses trace elements and high temperatures to create a change in the color of synthetic or natural crystals--such as blue, pink or canary diamonds, as well as other precious stones.

Types

• The color change is synthetically induced on the surface of diamonds, and the process is used on diamonds that are synthetically created or lab-grown, as well as on natural diamonds.

Value

• Although the irradiation process is used on natural diamonds, the results are not highly desired by specialty jewelers, because the color is on the surface of the diamond and not grown throughout the entire crystal, as it would be in a naturally colored gem.

Process

• Using trace elements, the diamonds undergo a process involving extremely high temperatures and high pressure to create a molten mixture that fuses to the outside surface of the diamond. This process is known as HTHP, or high-temperature, high-pressure.

Warning

• Although the irradiation process is generally considered safe for the effective coloring of gemstones, newer irradiation techniques have lowered the pre-existing possibility of radiation contamination. While increased regulations have made the process even safer, previously used irradiation techniques inspired some concern over the safety of handling the gemstones.