Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

The clarity of a diamond is an important factor in determining a diamond’s worth. Clarity is a measure of a the purity of a diamond or the number of flaws in the diamond. The most common inclusions in diamonds are fractures that appear to be a feather like, whitish spot inside the diamond.

A diamond with poor clarity does not reflect light in the same way as a more perfect stone. Light can not pass through an imperfection in a diamond. Instead, the flaw will reflect the light in several directions, making the impurity more noticeable. These less than perfect diamonds can be improved through clarity enhancement processes.
One common clarity treatment is laser drilling. An infrared laser is used to drill tiny holes into the diamond near the flaw. Once the laser reaches the impurity, the bad crystal is immersed in a sulfuric acid solution and dissolved away.

Another process often used to enhance the clarity of diamonds is fracture filling. Fracture filling usually follows the drilling process. A microscopic amount of a special reflective glass like material is inserted into the flawed area of the diamond. This material allows light to pass right through the imperfections, making them appear almost invisible.

Clarity enhancement does not necessarily improve the value of a diamond. A clarity enhanced diamond is less expensive than a similar naturally purer stone, but appears just as beautiful. The effects of the treatment processes can only be seen if closely examined under a microscope. Clarity enhanced diamonds are beautiful stones at a more affordable price.

  -The Diamond Blog