Diamond Treatments to Make Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

Diamond clarity is a large factor in calculating the cost of a diamond. Laboratory treatments can help increase a diamond’s clarity while keeping the price affordable for a diamond engagement ring. A significant black inclusion in an otherwise suitable diamond may distract from its beauty, lowering the price of the diamond substantially. With today’s laser technology, we can drill in and dissolve this inclusion and then fill the hole with a clear, diamond–like substance, making the diamond more visually appealing while keeping the total cost per carat affordable. Many people prefer visibly flawless diamonds (Si1 or better clarity). Clarity enhanced diamonds are perfect for brides who want a large carat size and high color but are limited by budget.

The term "enhanced diamond" sounds more desirable than "treated diamond," but they mean the same thing. The processes for diamond clarity enhancements are laser drilling to remove inclusions and fracture filling the holes and tracks left by the laser. Clarity treated diamonds will cost less and look like natural diamonds of high clarity. A clarity treated diamond allows a buyer to go for a higher diamond color while not losing carat size or quality of cut. Compare the price of a GIA graded 2.00ct round brilliant i2 D color to a GIA graded 2.00ct round brilliant Si1 D color. With clarity enhanced diamonds, you can get a D color diamond with the "look" of the Si1 for the price of an i2. Remember, once a diamond has been clarity enhanced, it can no longer receive a clarity grade of "vs, Si" from GIA only "clarity enhanced," because the diamond is no longer in its natural state.

Laser Drilling Diamonds to Enhance Diamond Clarity

Without altering the strength of a diamond, a laser drilling diamond treatment removes the inclusions permanently. A small laser is used to drill into the diamond, tunneling to the inclusions. The inclusions are then dissolved by chemical solutions. Laser diamond treatment leaves lines that resemble tiny jet contrails inside the diamond, and are seen under side–view 10x magnification. When viewed from the top of the diamond, it appears as a tiny white dot. Unfilled cracks in diamonds can also produce color flashes that follow the lines and shape of the treated area. It becomes very difficult to detect this diamond treatment when the laser drilled areas are fracture filled with a clear diamond–like substance.

Fracture Filling Diamonds to Enhance Diamond Clarity

Fracture filling is a diamond treatment where a clear, glass–like substance is used to fill in small cracks. This diamond treatment creates an optical illusion that conceals cracks from casual observers. Some signs of fracture filling can be seen using a 10x jeweler’s loupe, and others require a microscope. Trapped air bubbles are a sign of fracture filling that can create a cloudy appearance. Ask your jeweler which treatments were used on the diamond and if your enhanced diamond requires any special care, like avoiding the high heat of sizing a ring, or ultrasonic cleaners.

There is nothing wrong with buying a treated diamond if those treatments are disclosed by the jeweler and you pay an appropriately lower price for the diamond.