Clarity Enhanced Diamonds: What the Term Means
What does "clarity enhanced" mean? A clarity enhanced diamond is a natural diamond whose inclusions (tiny internal marks) have been made less visible by a treatment after mining. The two common methods are laser drilling and fracture filling. The diamond itself is still a real, earth-mined diamond: the enhancement changes how clean it looks, not what it is.
For the full guide, with pros and cons and how to spot one, read clarity enhanced diamonds: what they are, pros and cons.
What do "laser drilling" and "fracture filling" mean?
| Method | What it treats | How it works | Is it permanent? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser drilling | Dark inclusions | A laser drills a microscopic channel to the inclusion, which is then burned away or bleached | Yes. The channels stay, but are very hard to see without magnification |
| Fracture filling | Small cracks called feathers | The crack is filled with a clear glass-like material so it shows less | The filling can be damaged by high heat (for example a jeweler's torch during repairs), so tell your jeweler |
What does "Enhanced" mean on a diamond listing or certificate?
It means the clarity grade you see is the grade after treatment. On our product pages the center stone's clarity is shown with the word, for example "SI1 (Enhanced)", so you always know. A seller should always disclose an enhancement: a treated diamond sold as untreated is a red flag.
Is a clarity enhanced diamond a real diamond?
Yes. It is a natural diamond, not lab-grown and not a simulant. It is not the same as a lab-grown diamond, and not the same as a color enhanced black diamond, where heat and pressure change the color of the whole stone. Compare them in clarity enhanced vs untreated diamonds.
Why would you choose one?
Price. A clarity enhanced diamond costs less than an untreated diamond of the same look, so the same budget buys a larger or whiter stone. Browse our natural diamond engagement rings, including round and oval diamond rings, and our bridal sets. For care tips, read clarity enhanced jewelry do's and don'ts.
FAQ
What does clarity enhanced mean?
That a natural diamond's inclusions were made less visible by a treatment, usually laser drilling or fracture filling.
Are clarity enhanced diamonds real?
Yes. They are natural, earth-mined diamonds. Only their visible inclusions were treated.
Is clarity enhancement permanent?
Laser drilling is permanent. A fracture filling is stable in normal wear, but very high heat can damage it, so tell any jeweler who repairs or resizes the ring.
Are clarity enhanced diamonds cheaper?
Yes. They cost less than untreated diamonds of the same size and appearance.
How do I know if my diamond is clarity enhanced?
The seller should tell you, and the listing or report should say so. A gemologist can also see the signs under magnification.
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