What are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?

A clarity enhanced diamond is a natural diamond whose inclusions have been made less visible after it was mined, usually by laser drilling or fracture filling. It is still a natural, earth-mined diamond; only how clean it looks has changed. The treatment must be disclosed, and on our rings it is written on the certificate.

Below: what "clarity" means, how each enhancement works, what it changes in price and care, and how to tell whether a diamond has been enhanced.

What does diamond clarity mean?

Clarity describes the tiny marks a diamond carries from its growth: inclusions inside the stone and blemishes on its surface. Large or dark inclusions can block light and make a diamond look less bright. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades clarity under 10x magnification:

• Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF): no inclusions visible to an expert at 10x (IF may show tiny surface blemishes).
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2): inclusions very hard to see, even at 10x.
• Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2): minor inclusions an expert can see at 10x; not visible to the naked eye.
• Slightly Included (SI1, SI2): inclusions easy to see at 10x; often not visible to the naked eye.
• Included (I1, I2, I3): inclusions visible to the naked eye.

How are diamonds clarity enhanced?

Two methods are common:

• Laser drilling. A laser bores a hair-thin channel from the surface to a dark inclusion, which is then burned away or bleached. The channel is permanent and very hard to see without magnification.
• Fracture filling. A clear, glass-like material is pressed into small cracks (called feathers) so they almost disappear. Under magnification, a filled fracture may show a flash of color when the diamond is tilted.

Is a clarity enhanced diamond a real diamond?

Yes. It is a natural, earth-mined diamond, not a synthetic and not a simulant. The diamond itself, with its hardness, color and cut, is unchanged; only its inclusions are less visible.

Is a clarity enhanced diamond a good choice?

Why people choose it: it costs less than an untreated diamond that looks equally clean, so the same budget can buy a larger stone or a better color. What to accept: it is valued below an untreated diamond of the same grade, which matters if resale is important to you, and a fracture filled stone needs a jeweler who knows it is filled. For a full comparison, read clarity enhanced vs untreated diamonds.

How can you tell if a diamond is clarity enhanced?

Read the certificate: an enhanced diamond's certificate states the treatment. On our product pages the clarity grade carries the word "Enhanced", and the certificate comes with the ring. Examples: the Luz 1.5 carat pear ring (VS2, enhanced), the Evening Light 2 carat radiant ring (VS2, enhanced) and the Reverie art deco emerald cut ring (SI1, enhanced). More shapes: pear, radiant and cushion cut engagement rings.

Clarity enhanced vs color enhanced: what is the difference?

Clarity enhancement makes inclusions less visible in a white diamond. Color enhancement changes the color of the whole stone. Our black diamonds are natural diamonds whose color has been enhanced, and that too is written on the certificate. More in our black diamond engagement ring guide.

Clarity enhanced diamonds: FAQ

What is a clarity enhanced diamond?

A natural diamond whose inclusions were made less visible after mining, usually by laser drilling or fracture filling. It is still a natural diamond, and the treatment must be disclosed.

Is a clarity enhanced diamond a real diamond?

Yes. It is a natural, earth-mined diamond. Only its inclusions were treated, so it looks cleaner than it did before.

Does GIA grade clarity enhanced diamonds?

GIA grades laser drilled diamonds and notes the drill holes on the report. It does not issue grading reports for fracture filled diamonds.

How do I know if my diamond is clarity enhanced?

Check the certificate. On our rings the enhancement is written on the certificate, and the product page lists the clarity as, for example, VS2 (Enhanced).

Can a clarity enhanced diamond be resized or repaired?

Yes, but tell the jeweler first. The filler in a fracture filled diamond can be damaged by the heat of a torch, so the stone may need to come out of the setting during the work.