
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE ARTICLE BY NICHOLAS DELRE- JEWELLERY BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Lab-grown diamonds grown using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) could change color for an extended period following exposure to certain light forms, Gemological Science International (GSI) has cautioned.
When testing a 2-carat CVD diamond, GSI exposed the stone to high-powered ultraviolet (UV) rays, during which it went from near colorless to blue. This blue coloring remained despite a week in a vault.
Although CVD diamonds are known to change color under strong UV lighting or extreme heat, they generally return to normal after 30 minutes to an hour of direct sunlight. However, the stone in question took two-and-a-half hours to return to its regular hue, it added, warning that color changes in CVD may occur through casual use.
The stones change color due to photochronism, a process by which the electrons in defects within the CVD diamond cause the energy state to change, thereby affecting the way color is absorbed on the visible spectrum, explained Nicholas DelRe, CIO – GSI
“It is strongly suggested that all laboratory-grown CVD diamonds are placed in a full-spectrum light box for at least 30 minutes before color grading,” Nicholas DelRe explained.
To read more on the article published by Jewellery Business Magazine Febrarury edition click on the link below
Jewellery Business Print- February 2020
Jewellery Business Magazine page 42-44
Digital edition linked here
About the author
Debbie Azar is an experienced executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries. Her entrepreneurial skills and clarity of vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide.
She began her industry career by starting her own successful costume jewelry business. She then expanded her knowledge of the industry with sales, marketing and business development roles at several companies. In 2005, she joined Mark Gershburg to establish GSI. Ms. Azar is an active member of myriad industry organizations and charities; she currently serves as a Board Member of Jewelers for Children. She is also a Forbes Business Council member.
Her strengths include working directly with retail chains and stores to help build their business and brands. She is widely known in the industry for her commitment to meeting customer needs.