Everything You Need to Know About Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

Diamonds are renowned for their beauty, brilliance, and rarity, but not all diamonds are flawless. Many diamonds have natural imperfections, known as inclusions, that can affect their appearance. These imperfections vary in size, type, and visibility, which can impact a diamond’s clarity. While diamonds with fewer inclusions are considered more valuable, there is an option for those who want the beauty of a clear diamond without the high price tag: clarity enhanced diamonds.

Clarity enhanced diamonds are natural diamonds that have undergone treatment to improve their clarity by minimizing the appearance of inclusions. In this article, we’ll explore what clarity enhanced diamonds are, how they’re treated, and why they might be a great option for your next piece of fine jewelry.

What Are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?

Clarity enhanced diamonds are natural diamonds that contain inclusions or imperfections that affect their clarity. These inclusions are often visible to the naked eye, making the diamond appear less brilliant. However, through modern technological processes, these diamonds can be treated to reduce the visibility of imperfections and enhance their overall appearance.

The two most common methods used to enhance a diamond’s clarity are fracture filling and laser drilling. These treatments are designed to improve the diamond’s visual appeal without altering its fundamental structure.

1. Fracture Filling

Fracture filling is a process that involves filling internal cracks, called fractures, with a clear substance that matches the refractive index of the diamond. The filling makes the cracks less visible, improving the clarity and overall appearance of the diamond. The treatment is stable under normal conditions but can be affected by exposure to extreme heat or harsh chemicals.

Fracture-filled diamonds maintain their brilliance and beauty but are sold at a more affordable price compared to untreated diamonds with similar visual clarity. This makes them an appealing option for those looking to get a larger or higher-quality diamond on a budget.

2. Laser Drilling

Laser drilling is another method used to enhance a diamond’s clarity. This process involves using a laser to create a tiny tunnel leading to an internal inclusion, which is then treated by bleaching or vaporizing the imperfection. The inclusion becomes less noticeable, and the clarity of the diamond improves. Unlike fracture filling, laser drilling is considered a permanent enhancement, as it doesn’t involve adding any foreign material to the diamond.

Both treatments aim to improve the diamond’s clarity grade, making it more appealing to the eye while maintaining the natural beauty of the stone. It’s important to note, however, that clarity enhancement treatments should always be disclosed when purchasing or selling a diamond.

Benefits of Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

Clarity enhanced diamonds offer several benefits to consumers who are seeking beautiful diamonds at more affordable prices. Here are some key advantages of choosing a clarity enhanced diamond:

1. Better Value for Money

One of the most significant benefits of clarity enhanced diamonds is their affordability. Diamonds with visible inclusions are often priced lower than diamonds with higher clarity grades. Once these diamonds undergo clarity enhancement treatments, they appear much clearer and more brilliant, but they still maintain a lower price point compared to untreated diamonds with similar visual appeal.

For buyers who want to maximize the size or quality of their diamond without exceeding their budget, clarity enhanced diamonds provide an excellent opportunity to purchase a larger or more eye-clean diamond at a reduced cost.

2. Visually Appealing

After the enhancement process, clarity enhanced diamonds are visually comparable to diamonds with higher clarity grades. The treatments effectively minimize or eliminate visible inclusions, resulting in a diamond that sparkles brilliantly and looks flawless to the naked eye. This makes them a great option for those who prioritize the beauty of the diamond over its clarity grade on paper.

With clarity enhancement, many of the imperfections that would otherwise detract from a diamond’s appearance are significantly reduced, making the diamond more attractive without altering its natural brilliance.

3. Ethical and Sustainable

Since clarity enhanced diamonds are natural diamonds, they retain their inherent ethical and environmental value. There’s no additional mining or manufacturing process involved in creating these diamonds—only a treatment to enhance their appearance. For consumers who are looking for ethical diamond options at a lower price, clarity enhanced diamonds provide an opportunity to purchase natural diamonds without compromising on sustainability.

When buying clarity enhanced diamonds, working with a trusted jeweler like J. F. Kruse Jewelers ensures that you receive full transparency about the treatment process and the diamond’s origin.

Appraisals for Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

While clarity enhanced diamonds offer many benefits, it’s essential to understand their unique characteristics when it comes to appraisals. Appraisals are necessary for various purposes, such as determining the value of a diamond for insurance coverage or resale. For clarity enhanced diamonds, the enhancement process can influence how the diamond is appraised.

1. Importance of Full Disclosure

One of the key factors in appraising clarity enhanced diamonds is full disclosure of the enhancement process. The treatments used on the diamond, whether fracture filling or laser drilling, must be clearly identified during the appraisal. This is important because the enhancements can affect the diamond’s value.

Clarity enhanced diamonds are typically valued lower than untreated diamonds with the same visual appearance because the treatments are considered when determining the diamond’s worth. A certified appraiser will take into account both the original clarity of the diamond before enhancement and the current appearance after treatment.

2. Insurance Considerations

If you plan to insure your clarity enhanced diamond, obtaining an accurate appraisal is essential. Insurance companies require precise details about the diamond’s characteristics, including the type of clarity enhancement used. The appraised value will reflect the fact that the diamond has undergone treatment, which may affect the amount of coverage you receive.

When working with a jeweler like J. F. Kruse Jewelers, be sure to request an appraisal that includes detailed information about the diamond’s clarity enhancement, so you can obtain the appropriate insurance coverage.

Are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds Right for You?

Clarity enhanced diamonds are an excellent option for those looking for a more affordable diamond without sacrificing beauty or brilliance. However, it’s essential to consider the nature of the treatments and whether they align with your preferences.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when deciding if a clarity enhanced diamond is the right choice for you:

• Budget: If you’re working with a limited budget but still want a stunning, eye-clean diamond, clarity enhanced diamonds offer a great balance between quality and affordability.
• Durability: While clarity enhanced diamonds are generally stable under normal conditions, it’s important to be aware that certain treatments, such as fracture filling, can be affected by exposure to extreme heat or chemicals. If you lead an active lifestyle or plan to wear the diamond daily, consider the potential impact on its durability.
• Transparency: Always choose a jeweler that provides full disclosure about the enhancement process. Working with a reputable jeweler ensures that you’re informed about the treatment methods used and the proper care instructions for your diamond.

By carefully considering these factors, you can determine whether clarity enhanced diamonds are the right fit for your needs.

Conclusion

Clarity enhanced diamonds offer an exciting option for those who want the beauty and brilliance of a diamond without the high cost of flawless stones. Through treatments like fracture filling and laser drilling, these diamonds undergo enhancements that significantly improve their visual appeal while maintaining their natural characteristics.

For buyers who are mindful of their budget and want to maximize the size or quality of their diamond, clarity enhanced diamonds provide a practical and affordable solution. With the right care and attention, these diamonds can offer years of enjoyment and sparkle.

At J. F. Kruse Jewelers, you can explore a range of clarity enhanced diamonds, natural diamonds, and other fine jewelry options. With expert guidance and professional appraisals, you’ll find the perfect piece to suit your taste and budget.