What is a Clarity-Enchanced Diamond?
Clarity enhanced diamonds have recently begun making their way into the retail diamond market. These stones may be found in rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings. They are 100 percent natural stones and have become popular with budget-conscious consumers, looking for a larger stone at a lower price. Before purchasing, it is important to learn the pros and cons of clarity enhancements and how they affect the overall value of the stone. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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In 1982, Zvi Yehuda, a well-known Israeli scientist, created a procedure to optically eliminate flaws in mined diamonds. Although the process is artificial, clarity enhanced diamonds are natural stones, not synthetics or simulated. Yehuda has continued improving his procedure, allowing Yehuda Diamond Company to become the premiere distributor and retail source of these stones.
Types
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Diamonds are evaluated and classified by their clarity. This is a measurement of the amount, type and location of flaws. Inclusions visible under 10x magnification or to the naked eye are given clarity grades of SI to I. SI diamonds show "slight inclusions" with the number following SI designating the severity; for example, SI1 diamonds show fewer inclusions than SI2s. Diamonds with a clarity of I show inclusions visible without magnification and are considered the lowest quality for retail jewelry use.
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Significance
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Enhancing takes a low clarity diamond and makes the inclusions less noticeable. It does not "fix" the flaws; it only makes them more visually appealing. This does not increase the value of the stone, which is based on its natural clarity. Budget-conscious consumers may be interested in these stones because of their affordability. Prices are generally 30 percent below visually comparable stones.
Laser Drilling
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The process of laser drilling is used to remove dark inclusions, such as carbon spots. The laser beam targets and vaporizes the dark area, leaving a small pinhole in the place of the inclusion. This clear spot is much less noticeable than a dark discoloration. Although the stone may now look "eye clean," the clarity grade will remain the same as when the flaws were visible. The process of laser drilling is permanent and requires no maintenance.
Fracture Filling
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The process of fracture filling is more involved. Diamonds presented with cracks or fractures are treated with a liquid material, which shares the properties of glass. It is forced into the fracture, in some cases following a laser drilling procedure. Even the trained eye may have difficulty detecting a fracture filled diamond. The process is not permanent. Over time, the filling can discolor to a dull yellow and will need to be replaced periodically throughout the life of the diamond. Many companies offer lifetime maintenance procedures when purchasing a clarity enhanced diamond.
Concerns
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It is important for diamond purchasers to deal with reputable jewelers. A clarity enhanced diamond can be an excellent choice, as long as the consumer is aware of what they are getting. The stone may appear flawless but should be priced accordingly based on its flaws, fixed or not. High heat, pressure, and cleaning products can be detrimental to enhanced stones. Alert jewelers to the stones condition before any procedures are performed.
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