Clarity Enhanced Diamonds: Popularity, Pros and Cons

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on clarity enhanced diamonds. A style that’s become more popular in recent years, clarity enhanced diamonds refer to those that have been treated with a solution that fills their cavity, reaching inclusions and eliminating them to the naked eye.

At AAA Jewelers, we’re proud to offer a wide range of GIA diamonds, from those ideal for engagement and wedding rings to fashion jewelry and numerous other areas. While part one of our series focused on the treatment methods that are often used to create clarity enhanced diamonds, today’s part two will dig into the reasons why these stones have become popular, plus the general pros and cons of going in this direction for your next diamond purchase.

Popular on a Budget

The key reasons clarity enhanced diamonds, also called CE diamonds in some circles, have grown so much in popularity in recent years is their affordability. While the treatment that allows these stones to have their primary inclusions removed often makes them appear like a much more expensive diamond – but without the actual cost.

This is because the clarity enhancement process is not actually very expensive. This means you get great savings for a wonderful-looking stone that won’t break the bank.

Benefits of Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

Price isn’t the only potential benefit of a clarity enhanced diamond, however. There are several others:

• Whatever your budget level, the average carat weight you can afford will be higher, as will the overall quality of the stone, since you have to pay less for clarity.
• Despite being treated, clarity enhanced diamonds are very real, mined from natural sources just like any other diamond.
• As the popularity of clarity enhanced diamonds increases significantly, their value does so as well. Many also view their ring purchase here as an investment for this reason.

Drawbacks of Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

At the same time, there are a few potential drawbacks of clarity enhanced diamonds:

• Of the treatment methods we went over in part one, only deep boiling is approved by the GIA – processes for inclusions below the surface of the stone are not.
• If you take the ring to a separate jeweler for cleaning or repairs in the future, you will have to notify them of the clarity enhancement.
• Under extreme heat or corrosion, certain filling treatments can be damaged.
• There are those who do not enjoy the idea of purchasing a “treated” stone of any kind, and while the signs of treatment are not easily spotted on clarity enhanced diamonds, they do qualify for this category.

For more on clarity enhanced diamonds, or to learn about any of our diamonds, watches or other fashion jewelry pieces, speak to the staff at AAA Jewelers today.