Clarity enhancement is a technique used to improve the visual quality of diamonds by reducing the appearance of inclusions and blemishes — natural imperfections that form during a diamond’s growth. These methods aim to create a more flawless-looking gem, but they come with trade-offs in terms of value, durability, and desirability.
One common technique is fracture filling, where a glass-like substance is injected into surface-reaching fractures. This material has a similar refractive index to the diamond, making inclusions nearly invisible to the naked eye. While this can dramatically improve the diamond’s appearance, the treatment is not permanent and can reduce the stone’s overall value. The filling may be damaged by heat or cleaning agents, making the diamond more fragile over time.
Another method is laser drilling, which targets dark inclusions deep within the stone. A microscopic tunnel is drilled using a laser to reach the flaw, and then acid is used to bleach or remove the impurity. Although this technique can make inclusions far less visible, the resulting tunnels are permanent and detectable under magnification, potentially impacting the stone’s resale value and classification as a natural untreated diamond.
While both methods can make diamonds appear more beautiful, they raise questions about authenticity, long-term durability, and transparency in disclosure. Buyers should always ask if a diamond has been clarity enhanced and factor that into its price and care requirements.
