Clarity Enhanced Diamond Treatments 101
There are controversies that surround the use of the term enhanced diamonds, which many fine jewelers say misleads the consumer. Yes, it is a marketing spin on the term diamond treatments and often leads uninformed consumers to believe they are purchasing a more valuable gem, when the reality is that a diamond is devalued once any enhancement has been done.
Top notch jewelers won't sell diamonds that have been treated in any way. This doesn't mean you should never buy enhanced diamonds or not consider an appropriate treatment to restore a diamond's clarity. Laser drilling may be just what is needed to restore the brilliance to the diamond in grandma's ring or necklace before you have it reset.
Many feel that as long as diamond treatments are disclosed, the consumer is making an informed decision. However, unscrupulous jewelers do not disclose them and sell enhanced diamonds for much more than they are worth.
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Do Your Research
If you tell your jeweler that you are willing to deal with clarity enhanced diamonds and show that you have some knowledge of what you are seeking, a reputable diamond dealer who deals with treated diamonds will be more inclined to give you better information about any treatments used on the diamond that you are considering. Of course, ask for guarantees, get everything in writing and even ask to examine the stone under a microscope if it is laser drilled or fracture filled.
Be aware that advanced treatments are being developed and applied that can't be detected even by an experienced retailer, who doesn't have the special equipment or training to examine such treatments.
Some jewelers and consumers feel that "better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without one." Whether or not that is true for you is only something you can decide. Educate yourself about diamond treatments and see if enhanced diamonds are for you.
Enhanced Diamond Treatments
Can you believe that diamonds used to be enhanced way back when with such low tech tricks as a shiny foil backing or a drop of dye on the bottom point (culet) to fool the consumer? Today's highly sophisticated methods include laser drilling, fracture filling and irradiation to improve diamond clarity.
Learn more about these diamond treatments to help you decide if this is something you want to consider:
Laser Drilled Diamonds
Fractured Filled Diamonds
Irradiated Diamonds
Synthetic Diamonds
