What is...High-pressure high-temperature treatment

A small number of otherwise gem-quality stones that possess a brown body color can have their color significantly lightened or altogether removed by HPHT treatment, or, depending on the type of diamond, improve existing color to a more desirable saturation. The process was introduced by General Electric.
Type Ia diamonds, which have nitrogen impurities present in clusters that do not normally affect body color, can also have their color altered by HPHT. Some synthetic diamonds have also been given HPHT treatment to alter their optical properties and thus make them harder to differentiate from natural diamonds. Pressures of up to 70,000 atmospheres and temperatures of up to 2,000 °C (3,632°F) are used in HPHT procedure.

In 1999, a Provo, UT manufacturer accidentally discovered that the color of diamonds could be changed by the HPHT process. When applying heat and pressure to natural stones, it would turn brown Type I diamonds light yellow, greenish yellow, or yellowish green; improve yellowish Type IIa diamonds by several color grades, even to white; intensify the color of yellow Type I diamonds; and make some bluish gray Type I and Type IIb colorless (although in some cases natural bluish gray diamonds are more valuable left alone, as blue is a highly desired hue).

Diamonds treated to remove their color by General Electric are given laser inscriptions on their girdles: these inscriptions read "GE POL", with "POL" standing for Pegasus Overseas Ltd, a partnered firm. It is possible to polish this inscription away, so its absence cannot be a trusted sign of natural color. Although it is permanent, HPHT treatment should be disclosed to the buyer at the time of sale.

What are DNA2Diamonds?
The DNA2Diamonds laboratory is one of the most innovative in the world. Our proprietary HPHT process creates personalized, certified diamonds that are chemically, physically and optically identical to earth-mined.

How are DNA2Diamonds created?
Step 1: The creation of your diamond begins when we receive your Signature Hair Cremated Ashes Collection Kit. You will receive a personal identification number that allows you to follow the step-by-step process.

Step 2: Using a proprietary process, we extract the carbon signature from the hair (or ashes) you provide. This is then added to a real diamond seed, and the mixture is placed in a custom-designed incubator.

Step 3: The incubator uses a unique and complex High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) process to duplicate the earth’s natural diamond-growing conditions. Temperatures exceed 2000°C and pressure is greater than 60,000 atmospheres. This replicates, in a matter of weeks, a process that takes hundreds of thousands of years below the earth’s crust.

Step 4: After the growth phase is completed, a genuine diamond “in the rough” results. It is chemically, physically and optically identical to a natural, earth-mined diamond. Born molecularly, with the unique carbon signature from you or a loved one, your DNA2Diamond is one-of-a-kind – the most personal diamond in the world!
Step 5: Our master gem cutters cut and polish your diamond in accordance with the highest industry standards to fulfill your custom request. Your DNA2Diamond will be individually identified with a laser-engraved ID number on the girdle of the diamond. In addition, a personal message can be laser-engraved. (Additional fees apply for personal messages – please see order form.) These laser-inscriptions do not affect the fire and luster of your diamond. They are visible only under x20 magnification.

Step 6: Your diamond is then independently authenticated, inspected, measured and graded by the Gemological Institute of America.

Step 7: Your personal diamond is placed in our luxurious gift box. Included with your diamond is the original GIA Certification, a Certificate of Authenticity and additional documentation. The package is shipped to you via certified mail. All shipments are fully insured.

Discover a diamond as unique as you...DNA2Diamonds.