Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I have my diamond Sundance Processed?
Q. How long has Sundance Diamonds been providing this HPHT process?
Q. How was Sundance Diamonds created?
Q. What makes Sundance Processed Diamonds different then Synthetic Diamonds?
Q. Do we make or sale Synthetic Diamonds?
Q. For who does Sundance Diamonds process diamonds?
Q. What is HPHT processing?
Q. What is a Type I diamond?
Q. How rare are Type I diamonds?
Q. What is a Type II diamond?
Q. How rare are type II diamonds?
Q. What is the difference between a treatment and a process?
Q. Is the color permanent?
Q. How can I tell if my stone can be processed?
Q. Will I know what color to expect before processing?
Q. Is their any risk in HPHT processing?
Q. Will my diamond require repolishing after being HPHT processed?
Q. What will be the weight loss after repolishing?
Q. Can Sundance Diamonds repolish my diamond?
Q. Can I choose what color I would like to have?
Q. Can Sundance Diamonds guarantee my results?
Q. Who is responsible if there is some damage to my stone?
Q. How long does it take to process a stone?
Q. Are these diamonds certified?
Q. How will the certificate look for a stone that has been HPHT processed?
Q. Who should I send my diamond to for certification?
Q. How can I determine if my diamond has been HPHT processed?
Q. What size of diamond can be processed?
Q. How does Sundance Diamonds ensure disclosure of diamonds that have been HPHT processed?
Q. Why should I have my diamond Sundance Processed?
A. Sundance Diamonds is the world’s only professional HPHT processor. We add beauty and value to undesired diamonds.
Q. How long has Sundance Diamonds been providing this HPHT process?
A. Sundance Diamonds has been serving the diamond industry since 2002 with the latest technology and services found no where else in the world.
Q. How was Sundance Diamonds created?
A. Sundance Diamonds is a part of US Synthetic Corp., the world largest manufacturer of Polycrystalline Diamond Compacts (PDC) used in the oil and gas industry. As the worlds leader in PDC US Synthetic Corp. began to look for ways to expand use of its proprietary high pressure and high temperature technology. In the early 1980’s USS began experimenting with natural diamonds in order to change their color; however, it wasn’t until 2002 that USS began to seriously consider the diamond industry. At this time it became very apparent that the diamond industry needed a HPHT servicing company that provided the highest level of technology and service while standing firmly on the integrity on which the diamond industry was built. It was under these premises that Sundance Diamonds was created.
Q. What makes Sundance Processed Diamonds different then Synthetic Diamonds?
A. Sundance Diamonds only processes natural diamonds to enrich their natural beauty and value. It is through this natural chemistry that we are able to replicate the conditions found in the earth to bring the diamond to it natural potential. Synthetic diamonds are made in a lab environment under which certain chemicals are used to create color.
Q. Do we make or sale Synthetic Diamonds?
A. No, Sundance Diamonds only processes natural diamonds.
Q. For who does Sundance Diamonds process diamonds?
A. Sundance Diamonds provides services for retailers and wholesalers. If you are a consumer we suggest that you contact a retailer in your area.
Q. What is HPHT processing?
A. High Pressure and High Temperature (HPHT) processing is a process that recreates similar conditions to those found in the earth during the formation of a diamond. These natural conditions allow a type II diamond to become colorless and a type I to naturally transform into a beautiful color.
Q. What is a Type I diamond?
A. Type I diamonds are classified into several sub-classifications; however, it is generally used to classify the natural nitrogen impurity in diamond. These natural impurities are what enable a type I diamond to achieve beautiful fancy colors after processing?
Q. How rare are Type I diamonds?
A. Type I diamonds represent approximately 95 -98% of all diamonds.
Q. What is a Type II diamond?
A. The Type II diamonds are classified into several sub-classifications; however, it is generally used to classify a diamond with a low nitrogen content. It is this type of diamond that has the potential to become colorless during HPHT processing.
Q. How rare are type II diamonds?
A. Type II diamonds are somewhat rare in that they make up approximately 2-5% of all natural diamonds.
Q. What is the difference between a treatment and a process?
A. A treatment is used to indicate a procedure that can be removed or that is not permanent. A process is used in a procedure that is permanent. For example painting a diamond is a treatment and polishing a diamond is a process. Also, irradiation is a treatment and HPHT processing is a process.
Q. Is the color permanent?
A. Yes, as with all processes completed here at Sundance the color is permanent.
Q. How can I tell if my stone can be processed?
A. Almost all diamonds can be processed to improve their color. The diamond needs to be VS or better in clarity.
Q. Will I know what color to expect before processing?
A. Yes, Sundance Diamonds provides a free analysis and consultation for every stone where we will convey to you a range of potential results.
Q. Is their any risk in HPHT processing?
A. Yes, HPHT processing uses extreme temperatures and pressures to process your diamond. These extreme conditions have the possibility of causing fractures and diamond loss. The percentage of damage is typically very low, but it remains a risk involved in the process.
Q. Will my diamond require repolishing after being HPHT processed?
A. Yes, during the process the diamond will form a very slight layer of graphite on the surface and will require repolishing.
Q. What will be the weight loss after repolishing?
A. The amount of weight loss will depend on each individual stone; however, our customers have indicated that they may lose between 2 – 5% from repolishing. This amount lost may increase depending on the individual stone.
Q. Can Sundance Diamonds repolish my diamond?
A. No, due to the extreme variations in cut and polish, Sundance Diamonds will not polish your diamond. However, we can recommend polishers here in the Untied States who you can independently contract to have your diamond polished.
Q. Can I choose what color I would like to have?
A. Yes, to a certain extent. After we have completed our analysis we can then discuss with you the options based on your diamonds own chemical and physical properties. Within certain diamond types it is possible to target different colors.
Q. Can Sundance Diamonds guarantee my results?
A. No, Sundance Diamonds relies on years of experience and technical equipment to estimate each final result; however, it is possible that the stone may have different results then what is expected.
Q. Who is responsible if there is some damage to my stone?
A. Sundance Diamonds is not responsible for any damage that may occur. We will do our best to ensure that this does not happen; however, it should be taken into consideration that it is possible.
Q. How long does it take to process a stone?
A. Depending on the parcel size the process usually takes between 1 to 2 days from when the parcel is received.
Q. Are these diamonds certified?
A. Yes, all reputable labs will certify HPHT processed stones.
Q. How will the certificate look for a stone that has been HPHT processed?
A. The properties of the diamond will be listed as normal with HPHT processing clearly stated next to the color. Also the notes will clearly state that the color of the diamond has been changed due to HPHT processing.
Q. Who should I send my diamond to for certification?
A. The world’s leading laboratories in the identification and certification of HPHT diamonds are GIA, EGL USA, and EGL Canada.
Q. How can I determine if my diamond has been HPHT processed?
A. Simply send your diamond to a reputable laboratory such as GIA, EGL USA, or EGL Canada.
Q. What size of diamond can be processed?
A. We process diamonds from 0.05cts to 100cts in size.
Q. How does Sundance Diamonds ensure disclosure of diamonds that have been HPHT processed?
A. Sundance Diamonds requires every individual to sign a legal agreement stating that they will ensure that their stones are being disclosed as being HPHT processed. If an individual breaks this agreement, they can be held to legal action and will no longer have the ability to process stones with Sundance Diamonds.