ASA to Offer Webinar on Distinguishing Natural Versus Synthetic Diamonds

By Sharon Reed

Q&A with Branko Deljanin, Gemologist & Instructor

Advances in technology have led to the development of synthetically grown diamonds which are virtually indistinguishable from naturally grown diamonds—posing challenges to appraisers. The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is offering an online webinar/practical workshop on March 28, 2019 to help jewelry and gem appraisers, dealers and gemologists learn about detecting treatments of natural and synthetic diamonds.

Taught by Branko Deljanin, President and Head Gemologist at CGL-GRS, Vancouver and Director of  Gemmological Research Industry Inc., the course: GJ119-WEB: Treatments of Natural and Synthetic Diamonds, will teach participants to learn to identify different types of diamonds, and to detect coated and heated diamonds. Participants will also learn how to screen for High Pressure, High Temperature “HPHT” enhanced type IIa diamonds.

Deljanin is a research gemologist with extensive experience in advanced testing of diamonds and gems. Since 1999 after detecting the first colored HPHT enhanced diamonds on the market, Deljanin has spent a great deal of time studying HPHT treatments of natural diamonds and ID of synthetic diamonds and natural pink diamonds.

ASA asked Deljanin a few questions about this upcoming webinar:

ASA: Please provide an overview of the upcoming live webinar course: “Treatments of Natural and Synthetic Diamonds.”

Deljanin: Visually, natural and treated diamonds can look very similar in color, but their values would differ significantly, highlighting the importance of detection. The use of treatments based on HPHT annealing, low-pressure annealing and irradiation, coatings and multistep treatments with the aim to alter the color of diamonds has become increasingly popular in the past 10 years.

ASA: Is the ability to differentiate natural versus synthetic diamonds critical for a gems and jewelry appraiser? Is it becoming increasingly more difficult?

Deljanin: Yes, the first step to differentiate natural versus synthetic diamonds is critical for a jewelry appraiser. With the improvement of growing techniques and post-treatment of synthetic diamonds, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to ID synthetic diamonds. 

ASA: If a gem is of synthetic origin then how would that impact its valuation for appraisers?

Deljanin: If the diamond is of synthetic origin value should be 50-60% off the same quality natural diamond.

ASA: What will the participants gain by taking this course?

Deljanin: Participants will learn to identify different types of diamonds and screen for “HPHT enhanced type IIa diamonds.” Possible treatments of natural and synthetic diamonds and their relation to types will be analyzed in order to know when to send stones to an advanced lab for further testing for natural, treated or synthetic origin.

ASA: What else should prospective students know about this course?

Deljanin: Beside theory part, this course will have the 1.5 hour practical session with standard instruments and diamond samples via cameras.

ASA: Are there any recommended readings for course participants prior to taking the webinar?

Deljanin: The following readings would be useful for background knowledge:

Visit ASA’s Consumer Library to find more Gems & Jewelry Appraisal articles.

To find out more and register for “GJ119-WEB – Treatments of Natural and Synthetic Diamonds”: click here.

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