Are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds Real?

When shopping for a diamond, clarity plays a crucial role in determining both the stone’s beauty and value. Clarity enhanced diamonds, which undergo treatments to improve their appearance, may seem like a practical option for buyers drawn to their improved aesthetics and affordability. However, these stones come with notable drawbacks that impact their longevity, value, and overall quality. At The Diamond Guys, our unwavering commitment to excellence and transparency has led us to establish a strict policy against selling clarity enhanced diamonds. Here’s why.

What Are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?

Clarity enhanced diamonds are natural-mined diamonds that have been treated to improve their clarity by minimizing visible imperfections. While these processes can make a diamond appear clearer, they do not improve the stone’s inherent quality and introduce vulnerabilities. These treatments typically involve:

• Laser Drilling: Inclusions, such as dark spots, are accessed through microscopic channels created by a laser. The inclusions are then bleached or removed.
• Fracture Filling: Surface cracks or fractures are filled with a clear resin or glass-like substance, making imperfections less noticeable.

The Appeal of Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

Clarity enhanced diamonds offer an initial allure for buyers seeking affordability and improved aesthetics.

• Enhanced Brilliance: Treatments reduce visible inclusions, creating a cleaner, more polished look.
• Larger Sizes for Less: They provide the option to afford bigger stones without the high cost of untreated diamonds.
• Affordable Luxury: For those prioritizing appearance over long-term value, they offer an accessible way to enjoy the sparkle of a visually stunning diamond.

Are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds Real Diamonds?

The short answer is yes. They are natural-mined diamonds that have undergone specialized treatments. Their chemical composition, structure, and formation are identical to untreated diamonds. The enhancement process simply refines their appearance, making their brilliance and sparkle more comparable to higher-clarity stones.

Possible Drawbacks of Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

1. Compromised Durability

Clarity enhanced diamonds are more susceptible to damage due to the treatments they undergo.

Fracture Filling Weaknesses

• The filling material is significantly less durable than the diamond itself.
• Heat exposure, such as from jewelry repairs, or strong chemicals can cause the filling to melt, discolor, or degrade.

Everyday wear, including activities involving sudden impacts, increases the likelihood of damage.

Laser Drilling Fragility

• The laser-drilled channels can act as weak points, increasing the diamond's risk of chipping or cracking.

At The Diamond Guys, we prioritize durability to ensure every diamond we offer can withstand the test of time. Clarity enhanced diamonds fall short of this standard.

2. High Maintenance

Clarity enhanced diamonds demand more care than untreated diamonds, making them less practical for daily wear.

Restricted Cleaning Options

• Ultrasonic or steam cleaners, commonly used for diamond care, can damage fracture-filled stones.
• Cleaning must be done carefully with mild soap and water, adding an extra layer of caution for owners.

Frequent Professional Attention

• The enhancements may wear off or degrade over time, requiring repeated maintenance to retain the diamond’s appearance.

For customers seeking low-maintenance jewelry, clarity enhanced diamonds are less than ideal.

3. Limited Longevity

While untreated diamonds maintain their brilliance for generations, clarity enhanced diamonds are more likely to lose their visual appeal over time.

• Temporary Improvements: The treatments address surface-level imperfections without enhancing the diamond’s inherent quality.
• Degradation Risks: Over time, fracture fillings may yellow, crack, or become more visible, diminishing the diamond’s beauty.

At The Diamond Guys, we offer diamonds that retain their natural brilliance and value, ensuring your investment stands the test of time.

4. Reduced Resale Value

Another significant drawback is the lower resale value of clarity enhanced diamonds.

• Market Perception: Clarity enhanced diamonds are less desirable in the secondary market due to their treated nature.
• Depreciation: Enhanced diamonds lose value faster than untreated diamonds, making them a poor investment for those who may wish to upgrade or resell in the future.

For customers who prioritize long-term value, untreated natural or lab-grown diamonds are far superior options.

5. Transparency Issues

Not all sellers fully disclose that a diamond has been clarity enhanced, leaving customers unaware of the stone’s treated nature.

• Misleading Practices: Some clarity enhanced diamonds are marketed without clear explanations of the treatments they’ve undergone.
• Certification Limitations: Clarity enhanced diamonds may not always be graded by reputable gemological laboratories, making it harder to verify their quality.

At The Diamond Guys, we believe in complete transparency to build trust with our customers. Every diamond we sell comes with a full certification and detailed explanation of its characteristics.

Alternatives to Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

If you’re seeking a beautiful diamond without compromise, consider these alternatives:

1. Untreated Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds showcase their inherent clarity and color without relying on enhancements. With expert guidance, you can find a diamond that balances size, brilliance, and your budget.

2. Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in composition and appearance. They offer exceptional clarity and brilliance, often at a more accessible price point.

3. Custom Settings

A well-chosen setting can enhance a diamond’s brilliance and minimize the visibility of inclusions. Styles like halos or pavé bands can create an eye-catching design that highlights the center stone.

Why The Diamond Guys Don’t Carry Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

At The Diamond Guys, our goal is to provide diamonds that deliver enduring beauty, quality, and value. Clarity enhanced diamonds do not meet our standards for several reasons:

• Durability Concerns: A diamond should last a lifetime. Enhanced stones are too fragile to uphold this promise.
• Transparency Commitment: We believe our customers deserve full disclosure and clarity about their purchase. Enhanced diamonds can introduce uncertainty and dissatisfaction.
• Long-Term Value: Our diamonds are chosen to retain their worth and brilliance for generations, making clarity enhanced stones unsuitable for our collection.
• Exceptional Quality: We focus on offering diamonds that are naturally stunning, eliminating the need for enhancements.

The Diamond Guys: Your Trusted Source for Exceptional Diamonds

At The Diamond Guys, we pride ourselves on offering only the finest untreated natural and lab-grown diamonds. Our expert team is here to help you navigate the diamond-buying process, ensuring you make an informed and confident decision.

Visit us today to explore our dazzling collection of diamonds, custom engagement rings, and fine jewelry. Let us help you find the perfect piece that reflects your unique story and stands the test of time.

Contact Us:

• Website: The Diamond Guys
• Book an Appointment