Diamonds evolve from carbon so that at some point while making its way up to the Earth’s surface, its development may not be perfect causing some tiny black spots of undeveloped carbon to remain embedded inside the crystal. These are called carbon inclusions and these affect the grading of the diamond’s clarity after it has been cut and polished. The black carbon can be seen under magnification and sometimes even to the naked eye.
But this natural defect, however, can be corrected by means of laser drilling, a process developed in the early 1960’s by General Electric. The process is to drill into the diamond using a laser beam, a beam that has a diameter 100 times smaller than a strand of hair. Acid is then introduced into this minute hole towards the carbon inclusion by means of boiling the diamond in acid under high pressure. The acid bleaches the black carbon and turns it to white.
The black carbon is not actually removed but simply becomes invisible to the naked eye but the flaw is permanently corrected and even improves the diamond’s clarity. The laser drill method also does not affect the diamond’s carat weight.
Because laser drill treatments are permanent in nature compared to clarity enhancement of diamonds through other means, the Gemological Institute of America offers full grading reports of laser drilled diamonds. On the contrary, the GIA’s policy is not to offer grading reports on enhanced diamonds because they do not consider the process permanent.
It is not unusual though, that jewelers are more interested with clarity enhanced diamonds as opposed to laser drilled diamonds when in fact, laser drill treatment offers a permanent solution to carbon inclusions and improves the clarity of the diamonds. Probably because of the misconception that since laser drilling removes the inclusion, the diamond is not anymore in its natural and purest state. But the truth is, the laser drilling process allows the diamond to shine in its true brilliance as it was always meant to be.
For more information on this topic visit our Diamond Education & Resource Center
Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Rings Over 18,000 certified diamonds to choose from!
But this natural defect, however, can be corrected by means of laser drilling, a process developed in the early 1960’s by General Electric. The process is to drill into the diamond using a laser beam, a beam that has a diameter 100 times smaller than a strand of hair. Acid is then introduced into this minute hole towards the carbon inclusion by means of boiling the diamond in acid under high pressure. The acid bleaches the black carbon and turns it to white.
The black carbon is not actually removed but simply becomes invisible to the naked eye but the flaw is permanently corrected and even improves the diamond’s clarity. The laser drill method also does not affect the diamond’s carat weight.
Because laser drill treatments are permanent in nature compared to clarity enhancement of diamonds through other means, the Gemological Institute of America offers full grading reports of laser drilled diamonds. On the contrary, the GIA’s policy is not to offer grading reports on enhanced diamonds because they do not consider the process permanent.
It is not unusual though, that jewelers are more interested with clarity enhanced diamonds as opposed to laser drilled diamonds when in fact, laser drill treatment offers a permanent solution to carbon inclusions and improves the clarity of the diamonds. Probably because of the misconception that since laser drilling removes the inclusion, the diamond is not anymore in its natural and purest state. But the truth is, the laser drilling process allows the diamond to shine in its true brilliance as it was always meant to be.
For more information on this topic visit our Diamond Education & Resource Center
Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Rings Over 18,000 certified diamonds to choose from!
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