When it comes to purchasing a diamond, clarity plays a significant role in determining its value. But what if you could get a diamond with enhanced clarity at a lower price? That’s the appeal of clarity enhanced diamonds. However, before diving into a purchase, it’s important to understand what clarity enhancement is, how it works, and the potential risks involved.

What Are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?

Clarity enhanced diamonds are natural diamonds that have undergone a treatment process to improve their clarity. This is typically done through two main methods: laser drilling and fracture filling.

• Laser Drilling: This process involves drilling a fine hole into the diamond with a laser, allowing for the removal of deep inclusions inside the stone. The result is a diamond with improved clarity. The laser hole can be difficult to spot, even under magnification, but it does leave behind tiny hair-like lines that can be detected by a trained eye.

• Fracture Filling: In this method, a glass-like resin is injected into the diamond’s inclusions. This treatment improves the diamond’s appearance by filling in visible fractures and feathers. While the resin can be tough to spot, sometimes it can cause a slight flash of purple or green due to its optical properties.

Should You Buy a Clarity Enhanced Diamond?

While clarity enhanced diamonds may seem like an appealing option due to their lower price point, there are some significant reasons to be cautious before making a purchase.

1. Lack of Transparency: Many sellers may not fully disclose the exact treatment applied to a clarity enhanced diamond, only indicating that it has been treated. This lack of transparency can leave buyers in the dark about what’s really been done to the stone.

2. Devaluation of the Diamond: Treatments like laser drilling and fracture filling can decrease the value of a diamond. Untreated diamonds with natural inclusions generally hold higher value than their treated counterparts. So, while clarity enhanced diamonds may seem like a bargain at first, they could end up costing you more in the long run.

1. Durability Concerns: One of the biggest issues with fracture-filled diamonds is their vulnerability to heat. The resin filling can be damaged by temperature fluctuations, especially during jewelry-making. The filling may even be loosened or removed by some cleaning methods, causing the inclusion to reappear. This can be alarming for buyers who expect the diamond to retain its enhanced appearance, sometimes even leading to the mistaken belief that their diamond has been swapped out.

2. Setting and Repair Issues: Because of the risks associated with fracture-filled diamonds, many jewelers will not set or work with diamonds that have undergone this type of treatment. This means that you may face difficulty if you need repairs or wish to have the diamond set into a new piece of jewelry.

Alternatives to Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

If you’re looking for a safer, more cost-effective option, there are alternatives to clarity enhanced diamonds:

• Natural Untreated Diamonds: If you're set on buying a natural diamond, consider looking at one with lower clarity, carat weight, or color. This could offer a more affordable option without the risks associated with clarity treatments.

• Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are a great option for those who want a diamond with the same physical properties as a natural one, without the high cost or the potential issues with clarity treatments.

• Moissanite: Moissanite is another popular alternative. It’s a gemstone with brilliant sparkle, often at a fraction of the price of a natural diamond, and is a durable and ethical option.

Final Thoughts

While clarity enhanced diamonds can provide an attractive price tag, they come with several potential drawbacks, including reduced value, durability concerns, and a lack of transparency from sellers. For peace of mind, it's usually better to stick with natural, untreated diamonds or consider safer, lower-cost alternatives like lab-grown diamonds or Moissanite. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to ask questions and understand what you’re getting before making a purchase.

If you’re considering buying a diamond, take the time to explore all your options and choose the one that aligns with your values, budget, and long-term satisfaction.