Diamond enhancement

Clarity enhancements

• Clarity refers to internal inclusions of a diamond, such as black carbon spots and small cracks.
• Inclusions like air bubbles and mineral deposits also affect the value of a diamond.
• Laser drilling is a technique used to remove black carbon inclusions.
• Laser drilling involves using an infrared laser to create a route of access to the inclusion.
• Sulfuric acid is used to dissolve the black carbon crystal after laser drilling.

Fracture filling

• Fractures are common inside diamonds and can affect their beauty.
• Fracture filling makes these fractures less visible to the naked eye.
• The process involves using specially-formulated fillers with a refractive index similar to diamond.
• The Yehuda process, pioneered by Zvi Yehuda, is a popular method of fracture filling.
• The filler used in fracture-filled diamonds can usually be detected by a trained gemologist under a microscope.

Color irradiation and annealing treatments

• Color irradiation and annealing treatments are used to enhance the color of diamonds.
• These treatments can transform yellow and brown diamonds into vibrant fancy colors.
• The CIBJO and government agencies require the disclosure of all diamond treatments at the time of sale.
• Enhanced diamonds are priced lower than untreated diamonds due to their lower quality before enhancement.
• After enhancement, the visual appearance of enhanced diamonds can be as good as non-enhanced diamonds.

Controversy surrounding diamond enhancements

• Some treatments, particularly those applied to clarity, are highly controversial within the industry.
• The controversy arises from the belief that diamonds hold a unique or sacred place among gemstones.
• Radical treatments may damage consumer confidence in the authenticity and value of diamonds.
• The disclosure of diamond treatments is explicitly required by organizations like CIBJO and government agencies.
• The controversy surrounding diamond enhancements highlights the industry's concern for maintaining consumer trust.

Impact on diamond pricing and demand

• Clarity and color enhanced diamonds are priced lower compared to untreated diamonds.
• Enhanced diamonds are initially of lower quality before the enhancement process.
• The lower pricing makes enhanced diamonds more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
• Fracture filling and other enhancements can improve the appearance of diamonds, making them more desirable to jewelers and the general public.
• The demand for fracture-filled diamonds is influenced by their visual improvement and affordability.

Diamond enhancement Data Sources