Diamond clarity is one of the ever important 4C's to evaluate when you shop for an engagement ring or any other diamond ring. Diamonds that have a higher clarity are more valuable, but to find a natural one that has perfect clarity is rare. Most natural diamonds have some sort of blemish or inclusion, but often times these flaws aren't noticeable unless you look at the stone with something like a jewelers loupe.
Be An Informed Shopper
Before you start shopping it is important to know that some diamonds are treated or enhanced to seemingly improve the clarity of the stone. While natural clarity is better and more valuable these treatments allow us to have a gem that looks like it is higher quality than it actually is, so they aren't necessarily bad but it is important that the jeweler discloses them and charges you for the true value of the stone. Some treatments also require special care to make them last so it is important you know about this as well.
Always ask if any treatments were used on a diamond you are considering. Find out how you should care for it, if the treatment will affect the appearance of the stone long-term and how it affects the value of the stone.
Types Of Diamond Treatments
Fracture filling is used to fill tiny cracks in the stone with a glass like, clear substance. A stone that has been fracture filled sill has the cracks but they are no longer noticeable with the naked eye as the film creates an optical illusion. Fracture filling is not permanent as the heat from things like cleaning, repairing and even the sun can affect the look of these stones.
Laser drilling permanently removes inclusions by using a tiny laser to drill into the stone to remove the inclusions, often with a chemical solution. Laser drilling doesn't affect the strength of the diamond and doesn't make it vulnerable to the heat used to repair the setting or to regular cleanings.
Colored diamonds are sometimes enhanced to create a more desirable color or a more intense color. Treatments like coating and irradiation are two common treatments used when it comes to enhancing color. Coated stones need special care as things like cleaning can affect their appearance.
A reputable jeweler should disclose any diamond treatments or enhancements, but if they don't offer this information ask specific questions to be sure you know what you are buying. Treatments are meant to make the stone look better that it does naturally, but you want to make sure you are being charged fairly for what you are buying. This is a significant purchase so it is important to be diligent and prepared when you start shopping.
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