When shopping for a diamond, one of the most important factors to consider is clarity—the presence (or absence) of internal and external imperfections known as inclusions and blemishes. In diamonds with visible imperfections, jewelers sometimes use clarity enhancement to improve the stone’s appearance. But what does clarity enhancement really mean, and how does it impact the diamond’s value, durability, and brilliance?
At Acredo, we believe in providing a comprehensive understanding of diamond clarity, helping you make informed decisions when choosing the perfect ring or jewelry piece. In this guide, we’ll explore what clarity enhancement is, how it works, and what to consider before purchasing a clarity-enhanced diamond.
Understanding Clarity in Diamonds
Before diving into clarity-enhanced diamonds, it’s important to understand what clarity means in a diamond and how it affects a stone’s beauty and value.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (surface flaws) in a diamond. These imperfections form naturally during the diamond’s creation process.
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High-clarity diamonds have minimal or no visible inclusions, making them more valuable and rarer.
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Lower-clarity diamonds contain visible imperfections, which can reduce their sparkle and overall beauty.
How Is Clarity Graded?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses the following clarity scale to evaluate diamonds:
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Flawless (FL) & Internally Flawless (IF) – No visible inclusions, extremely rare.
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Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2) – Minute inclusions, difficult to see under magnification.
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Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2) – Small inclusions visible under magnification but not to the naked eye.
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Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) – Noticeable inclusions, sometimes visible to the naked eye.
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Included (I1, I2, I3) – Obvious inclusions that affect transparency and brilliance.
Clarity enhancement is typically applied to diamonds with noticeable inclusions (SI1-I3 grades) to make them appear more valuable and visually appealing.
What Is a Clarity Enhanced Diamond?
A clarity-enhanced diamond is a natural, earth-mined diamond that has undergone treatment to reduce the appearance of inclusions. This process does not create a synthetic diamond—it simply improves the clarity of an existing natural stone.
There are two main techniques used to enhance the clarity of diamonds:
1. Fracture Filling
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Process: A microscopic, transparent substance (similar to glass) is injected into tiny cracks or inclusions in the diamond.
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Effect: The filling material reduces the visibility of inclusions, making the diamond appear clearer.
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Considerations: While the enhancement is durable, exposure to high heat, chemicals, or ultrasonic cleaning can potentially damage the filling.
2. Laser Drilling
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Process: A laser creates a microscopic tunnel to an inclusion, allowing a bleaching agent to remove dark spots.
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Effect: The inclusion becomes less visible or is completely eliminated.
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Considerations: Unlike fracture filling, laser drilling is permanent and will not degrade over time.
These enhancements allow customers to purchase larger or better-looking diamonds at a fraction of the cost of untreated diamonds.
Are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds Real or Fake?
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether clarity-enhanced diamonds are real—and the answer is yes.
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Clarity-enhanced diamonds are 100% natural diamonds. They are not synthetic or lab-grown; they are mined from the earth and later treated to improve their appearance.
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The enhancement process does not alter the diamond’s composition. The stone remains a diamond at its core.
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Enhancements should always be disclosed by reputable jewelers. Any treatments applied to a diamond should be clearly identified on certifications and appraisals.
If you’re buying a clarity-enhanced diamond, always choose a trusted jeweler like Acredo to ensure full transparency and quality assurance.
Are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds Worth Buying?
Purchasing a clarity-enhanced diamond comes down to personal preference and priorities. Here are the key factors to consider:
Pros of Clarity Enhanced Diamonds
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Affordability – Clarity-enhanced diamonds offer significant savings, allowing you to purchase a larger or higher-quality stone for less.
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Improved Appearance – The treatment reduces visible flaws, making the diamond appear clearer and more brilliant.
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Wider Selection – You have more options for finding a beautiful, eye-clean diamond within your budget.
Cons of Clarity Enhanced Diamonds
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Lower Resale Value – These diamonds typically have less resale value than untreated stones.
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Durability Considerations – Fracture-filled diamonds require extra care to avoid heat and harsh chemicals.
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Not GIA Graded – Major gemological institutions do not assign clarity grades to enhanced diamonds, but they still certify them as natural.
If you're looking for a beautiful diamond at a lower price, clarity-enhanced stones offer a fantastic option—but always buy from a reputable jeweler who fully discloses treatments.
Clarity Enhanced vs. Lab Grown Diamonds: Which Should You Choose?
Some buyers compare clarity-enhanced diamonds to lab-grown diamonds, as both are cost-effective alternatives to untreated diamonds. Here’s how they compare:
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Clarity Enhanced Diamonds – Natural diamonds that have been treated to improve their clarity. More affordable than untreated natural diamonds, but may require special care.
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Lab-Grown Diamonds – Created in a lab, chemically identical to natural diamonds, and typically have higher clarity at a lower price.
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Both options have their advantages—clarity-enhanced diamonds offer natural origins, while lab-grown diamonds provide consistent quality and affordability.
How to Care for a Clarity Enhanced Diamond
Proper care ensures that a clarity-enhanced diamond remains brilliant for years to come.
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Avoid High Heat & Harsh Chemicals – If your diamond has been fracture-filled, exposure to jewelry torch heat or harsh cleaning chemicals can damage the enhancement.
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Use Gentle Cleaning Methods – Stick to mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush to clean your diamond safely.
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Regular Inspections – Have your clarity-enhanced diamond professionally checked at Acredo to ensure it remains in perfect condition.
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Inform Your Jeweler Before Repairs – If your diamond ring needs resizing or prong work, inform your jeweler that the diamond is clarity-enhanced.
With proper care, a clarity-enhanced diamond will maintain its brilliance for a lifetime.
Is a Clarity Enhanced Diamond Right for You?
A clarity-enhanced diamond may be the perfect choice if:
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You want a larger or higher-clarity diamond at a lower cost.
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You prioritize visual beauty over resale value.
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You are comfortable with the care requirements for an enhanced diamond.
If you’re looking for a stunning, high-quality diamond at an exceptional value, Acredo offers a collection of clarity-enhanced diamonds, ensuring full transparency and expert craftsmanship.
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Explore our clarity-enhanced diamond collection
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Visit an Acredo showroom near you
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Create a custom ring with a clarity-enhanced diamond
Your perfect diamond awaits at Acredo—where brilliance meets affordability.