Clarity Enhanced diamonds are a wonderful way to get more diamond for your dollar. Enhanced diamonds are growing in popularity, but many individuals don't know what an enhanced diamond is or how to shop for an enhanced diamond. Here are a few facts about enhanced diamonds that every smart shopper needs to know. 

Many diamonds have tiny flaws called inclusions that are visible as black specks, interfering with the refraction of light through the stone and reducing the brilliance and sparkle. Normally, these diamonds would be considered substandard and of lesser value. During the enhancement process, a tiny hole drilled with a laser from the inside out removes the flawed area. The empty space is then filled with a special substance that has a very similar light refraction as the diamond itself, allowing light to pass seamlessly through the diamond where a flaw once existed. 

Not every diamond can be enhanced. In fact, only one in every 500 diamonds with a flaw is a candidate to become an enhanced diamond.  

Clarity-enhanced diamonds can be improved by an average of two grades.

Other diamonds are damaged during the cutting process or while being removed from their natural settings during mining. The resulting small cracks can be filled with a chemical substance that provides a nearly seamless connection, bridging the gap in the diamond's surface. Great care ensures that the chemical material used in the enhancement process has a very similar refractive index as the diamond itself so that light passes through the diamond uninterrupted. This chemical material also acts as a bonding agent, strengthening the integrity of the crystal structure of the once-fractured diamond. 

The first commercially-available diamond enhancement treatment was developed in Ramat Gan, Israel, in the1980s. High-quality enhanced diamonds have been produced in Israel ever since, allowing people to own beautiful, brilliant diamonds at lower prices.

The precise enhancement procedure and the exact material used is a closely guarded secret, but it is known that one of the materials used in the enhancement process is a form of molten glass. Enhanced diamonds from Israel are considered high-quality gemstones with fewer noticeable differences than other enhanced diamonds produced by the competition. The long-standing tradition of exceptional quality continues today with enhanced diamond jewelry from Israel is now offered to customers worldwide.

Enhanced diamonds are sometimes treated to produce a more brilliant color, such as intense yellow, green, blue, purple or red. These color-enhanced diamonds sell at much lower prices than other diamonds, since natural qualities before the enhancement treatment determine grading.

Enhanced diamonds are a smart purchase, as long as the seller readily admits offering enhanced diamonds at discounted prices. Any jeweler that offers natural diamonds at deeply discounted prices is likely selling enhanced diamonds at deceptively bargain untreated diamond prices and should be avoided. Enhanced diamonds are advertised as such and priced accordingly. Knowing some facts about enhanced diamonds will arm you with the knowledge you need to avoid shady jewelry dealers.