MASSIVE asscher

[LisaLondon]

I''ve been lurking on here for a while, mostly browsing settings and looking at emerald and asscher cut stones as part of my due diligence, pre-engagement ring purchase. Yesterday, we had some gentlemen from Antwerp over to show us some stones. A lovely 4 carat cushion fancy vivid yellow (nice, but not for me), a few round stones (also nice, but not for me). They brought several Asschers. Most were really amazing, but the large one (a honking 12.5 carats!!!) was G, Internally flawless, excellent cut and polish according to the GIA certificate. BUT, the large stone mentioned on the certificate that it had been subjected to Belletaire processing. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is it a Franken-diamond?! According to the seller, Belletaire can take the stone to a one step better color, in this case from an H to a G, but not much more than that. Does anyone have any experience here? Any information greatly appreciated!

 

[Karl_K]

It is a brand name for hpht treatment which takes brown or yellow Type IIa diamonds and makes them whiter.
It does far more than take them from H to G.

http://www.bellatairediamonds.com/WhyBellataire/FAQs.aspx

 

[Rockdiamond]

I agree with Karl- this process can cause large changes to the color.
Personally I''d avoid such stones.