Pros and Cons of a Treated Diamond Engagement Ring

Fact: in Western society, a diamond engagement ring, or a jewel of equivalent worth topped by some kind of precious stone, is a virtual requirement when professing unconditional love for someone. Also a fact: not every ring of this type is affordable, and the arguably ridiculous standards set by the diamond industry and the media (which urge buyers to spend between one and three paycheques on a jewel) put them out of reach of a large percentage of the working population.

Fortunately for these ‘working stiffs’, the same diamond industry which put most stones out of their budget in the first place also offers them a solution to the problem of budgets and costs. Couples who cannot afford a highest-quality diamond engagement ring, but are unwilling to settle for a synthetic stone, can opt for a natural stone which has received what are called ‘treatments’. While many diamond experts balk at selling this type of stone, claiming the chemical processing harms the authentic sparkle and purity, it cannot be denied that chemically treated diamonds do have a few advantages.

More For Less

Before launching into an analysis of the pros and cons of buying a chemically treated diamond engagement ring, it is important that we clarify what the term refers to. A ‘treatment’ is a chemical process applied to a pure diamond in order to enhance one of its characteristics. Most of these treatments revolve around changing a stone’s colour or correcting imperfections and cracks through what is known as ‘filling’.

The benefits of these processes, to a lay couple especially, therefore become evident. For less money than they would usually spend, they can have a more ‘perfect’ stone, with fewer cracks and irregularities, and often in fancier colours than would be found ‘in the wild’. At the same time, they are also still purchasing a natural stone, an important distinction for many couples who balk at synthetic diamonds.

A ‘Lesser’ Stone

With these upshots, however, come a few downsides as well. As noted above, most specialists tend to turn up their noses at chemically treated diamonds, claiming they are less pure and their value is diminished as a result of the interventions. While the truth in this statement is open to interpretation, the fact remains that chemically treated diamonds are more prone to losing their lustre or incurring damage as time goes by, and should be bought with this knowledge. Unfortunately, many jewellers tend to ‘neglect’ to tell customers when a diamond engagement ring contains a treated stone, so brides and grooms should take time to quiz the specialist about any treatments the stone may have incurred, as well as any particularities stemming from them.

If they are bought entirely consciously, however, treated diamonds can constitute an excellent ring option for lovers on a budget.

Laura L Bolick is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From a diamond engagement ring to princess cuts and engraved bands, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.