Understanding Post-Growth Treatments in Lab-Grown Diamonds

The majority of the consumers have not heard about the concept of post-growth treatment. These are the processes, which are used when a diamond is already made to finish the work, to improve its color, clarity, or the integrity. As sales of lab-grown diamonds grow up to 300% compared to 2020, the significance of Understanding Post-Growth Treatments in Lab-Grown Diamonds has never been greater in aiding in a wise decision to purchase a diamond. This guide reveals the science, the trade-offs and the questions you should be asking.

Why Lab Diamonds Need Treatments

Lab-grown diamonds don’t emerge perfect. Here’s why treatments are often necessary:

• CVD Diamonds:
  80–90% show brown or gray tints due to lattice defects from rapid growth. HPHT treatment eliminates these hues.

• HPHT Diamonds:
  These often have graphite inclusions, requiring additional HPHT cycles to clarify them.

• Growth Challenges:
  Atomic vacancies, nitrogen impurities, and internal strain can produce "undesirable" stones without treatment.

Before reading further, check out our collection of lab-grown diamonds at Bliss Diamonds here!

Treatment Methods Decoded

Post-growth treatments fall into three categories. Here’s what they do:

1. Color Correction

2. Clarity Enhancement

• Laser Drilling:
  Burns paths to inclusions, bleached with acid. Leaves tiny tunnels but is permanent.

• Fracture Filling:
  Injects glass-like resin into cracks. Not permanent; degrades with heat or chemicals.

3. Surface Treatments

• Bead Blasting:
  Creates matte finishes for unique designs.

• Coating:
  Temporary masks (e.g., hiding yellow tones) that wear off quickly.

Click here to find out the difference between lab-grown vs. natural diamonds!

The Great Debate: Treated vs. "As-Grown" Diamonds

Pros of Treatments

• Accessibility:
  High-color (D-F) diamonds at 50–70% lower prices.

• Sustainability:
  Rescues unsellable stones, cutting waste.

Cons of Treatments

• Haziness Risk:
  Over-treatment can cause milky clouds, dulling sparkle.

• Durability Concerns:
  Fracture-filled stones can’t handle heat (e.g., jeweler repairs).

• Transparency Issues:
  Some certificates skip treatment details.

Certification & Disclosure: Reading Between the Lines

Check GIA or IGI certificates for:

• "Post-growth treatment detected"

• "As-Grown" (no treatment)

• "Color induced by irradiation"

Detection Tips:
Spectroscopy spots HPHT residue; UV light reveals coatings.

Red Flags:
Sellers dodging treatment talk or vague certificates missing "growth method" notes.

The Verdict: Are Treated Diamonds Worth It?

• Choose Treated If:
  You’re budget-driven, want big or colorless stones, and can tolerate slight haze risks.

• Choose "As-Grown" If:
  You prioritize heirloom quality, optical purity, or mistrust enhancements.

Checklist: Evaluating Treated Lab Diamonds

• Verified GIA/IGI report with treatment type

• No haziness (check under spotlight)

• Treatment warranty from seller

• Price matches enhancement level (e.g., fracture-filled = big discount)

• Full disclosure in sales docs

Final Thoughts

The lab-grown diamond market is formed by post-growth treatments, and it is a balance of affordable and perfect diamonds. Through Understanding Post-Growth Treatments in Lab-Grown Diamonds, translation of the science, recognition of enhancements, and inquiry about your diamond, you will be able to make a clear lifestyle and budget based decision to purchase the diamond that suits your values and wallet either as an enhancement free diamond, or a proud to be post-grown diamond. For further assistance, have a live chat with us or check out our FAQs section!