[Jewelry making - Article 00494] - Re: [Orchid] Green diamonds - natural & treated?

[The Doctor]

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Hi Steve,

    Naturally colored green diamonds are extremely rare. Because of
    that, and the very real possibility of treatment, they are always
    regarded with suspicion. Unless you are appraising the Dresden
    Green, which is naturally colored throughout, any color displayed by
    nearly all natural green diamonds will have the color confined to a
    "natural" on the girdle that reflects throughout the stone. In other
    words, a diamond that has been irradiated (the only treatment to
    create green color in diamond) to a green color will usually have a
    uniform color with no zoning, whereas a natural green's color is
    confined to the skin of the rough from which it is cut. That's why
    the color will be confined to a natural on it's girdle, a sign of a
    very skilled cutter. Since you're appraising the diamond, I'll
    assume you know what a natural is. 

    Sorry, there are no diagnostic inclusions from irradiation. The only
    mark you may find will be the above mentioned natural. Sometimes,
    irradiated diamonds will trigger a geiger counter, but most are kept
    in storage until their half-life has expired to safe levels for
    humans. 

    The really bad news is that most irradiated green diamonds are
    almost impossible for even a well-equipped gemological laboratory to
    detect. The reason is that all green diamonds are irradiated, either
    in the earth before mining, or by a technician in a laboratory. even
    the clues I mention in the first paragraph aren't totally
    conclusive. Unless you've had a lot of experience grading green
    diamonds, you might consider outsourcing the appraisal to someone
    who has. 

    You're asking for pricing info, but you don't list any
    characteristics. Most price guides list green diamonds only as
    irradiated, which should give you an indication of their rarity. An
    IF green diamond over 1ct can wholesale for over $2k, if irradiated.
    A natural green diamond is so rare, you can practically name your
    price. Many argue that treated stones are worth the same (or more,
    because of the costs involved) as natural stones, but, believe me,
    you'll get a LOT more for a (certified) natural green diamond than
    an irradiated one. 

    Finally, I can only assume that, since you're asking how to separate
    treated from natural, that you don't have a certification from a
    reputable gem lab. A stone of that (possible) magnitude should at
    least be sent off to a reputable lab (EGL, GIA, etc.) to determine,
    if possible, whether it is natural or not. Sure, it costs a good
    deal, but if it IS a "natural green diamond" a certificate stating
    so will not only remove all doubt, but will increase the value of
    the owner's estate significantly. I would like to know who makes the
    claim that the stone in question is natural. That claimant should be
    willing to have it certified, if only to get the most for their
    money. Then again, a lab still may not be able to tell for sure.
    After considering all of the clues, if the possibility exists, I'd
    suggest sending it off for evaluation. 

James in SoFl

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