Enhanced Diamonds vs. Non-Enhanced Diamonds
When it comes to the quality of a diamond, clarity is one of the major factors. In order to make a diamond more aesthetically pleasing, the stone may be enhanced to remove inclusions. While an enhanced diamond will show no clarity flaws, it is less valuable than a non-enhanced diamond. There are pros and cons to both types. The important thing to know is that the jeweler should provide information as to whether you are buying an enhanced diamond.
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Clarity
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The clarity of a diamond determines part of the value and quality of the stone. The fewer the inclusions, or flaws, in a diamond, the more valuable it is. If inclusions in the diamond can be seen with the naked eye, they receive the lowest clarity rating, which is an 11, 12 or 13. A completely flawless diamond, which is extremely rare, would have a rating of FL or flawless.
Inclusions
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There are several types of inclusions found within a diamond. Small crystals that grow within a diamond are considered a flaw. Also, hazy areas or clouds as well as pinpoints, which are white dots on the surface, are also inclusions. Carbon spots can also be found in diamonds, which are very small black dots on the surface. Small cracks within the diamond, otherwise known as feathers, can also be spotted in stones.
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Enhanced Diamond Process
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A common method to enhance the clarity of a diamond is to drill a small whole in the stone to remove an inclusion. Drilling is performed with a laser and the hole is filled, typically with heavy glass that can't be seen with the naked eye. The holes can also be filled with diamond vapor depositions. Another method to enhance a diamond includes filling cracks and fissures with sealants.
Benefits
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For some individuals, an enhanced diamond is more attractive because the inclusions have been removed. An enhanced diamond is aesthetically pleasing. However, a non-enhanced diamond holds more value than an enhanced diamond, which may be the benefit in buying a stone that hasn't been artificially augmented. A non-enhanced diamond is also more durable than an enhanced stone. Enhanced diamonds are less expensive than non-enhanced diamonds.
Considerations
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It is important to ask the jeweler whether the stone is an enhanced diamond. It helps you determine if you're getting a good price and will be useful knowledge if you ever want to sell the diamond. If a diamond has been enhanced, it must be fully disclosed according to the Federal Trade Commission regulations. If a diamond has been enhanced, you may be able to see small drill holes or cloudy spots within the diamond while looking through a jeweler's loupe but not to the naked eye. Unless the stone is flawless, a non-enhanced diamond will show natural inclusions within the stone that may be seen with the naked eye. The more inclusions in a diamond, the less valuable.
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References
- Photo Credit diamonds 1 image by Renato Francia from Fotolia.com
