A diamond might be forever, but when it comes to making that forever-purchase, how do you know what to choose? First and foremost, it’s important to understand the different types of diamonds and what that difference means for their value and quality.
In today’s diamond market, there are three main types of diamonds:
- Mined – as the name suggests, these diamonds are mined from the earth
- Lab-grown (also known as lab-created) – also like the name suggests, these diamonds come from a lab and are man-made.
- Enhanced – enhanced diamonds are natural diamonds which are treated with various enhancement processes to improve upon their appearance and quality.
What Are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?
A clarity enhanced diamond is a type of enhanced diamond and is still considered a natural diamond. However, they are sometimes combined with other materials including resin. Generally, these types of diamonds begin as diamonds of low color or inclusion. The enhancement process creates a diamond which has more desirable characteristics and is more beautiful in appearance. Because of the enhancement process they are less durable and considered less valuable. If you are looking for a diamond which costs less, but still looks beautiful, a clarity enhanced diamond could be a good choice. However, they tend to be worth less if you are looking to resell them.
How is a Diamond Clarity Enhanced?
Enhanced diamonds are treated for either clarity or color, ergo a clarity enhanced diamond has been artificially treated to improve upon its clarity. There are a number of ways this can be done:
- Deep Boiling – this involves using an acidic solution to boil the diamond under deep pressure
- Fracture Filling – this involves injecting the diamond with a glass-like filling (this makes the diamond partially plastic)
- Laser Drilling – this involves using heat or injecting chemicals into the diamond
- Special Laser Drilling – this involves burning a thin layer onto the diamond itself
What Should I Know About a Clarity Enhanced Diamond?
Because of the treatments they are subject to, these diamonds need more care when being cleaned or undergoing other services such as resizing. Enhanced diamonds tend to be less durable than natural diamonds with no enhancements.
Price and Value
Clarity enhanced diamonds generally cost 30-50% less than natural diamonds with the same features and characteristics. Diamonds that have been enhanced must have this listed on their certifications. Any professional jeweler will inform you about the quality of the diamond and the anatomy of the all-important 4C’s when selling diamonds. Have more questions about diamonds? Contact us.