Diamond Clarity

Every diamond formed deep within the Earth has some sort of natural inclusions or imperfections. These inclusions, such as trace minerals, scratches or fractures, can appear either on the surface or within the diamond. The result is a distinct diamond with its own unique clarity composition, or "fingerprint." In order to determine a diamond's clarity it is viewed under controlled lighting with a 10x magnification device. The number, size, location and nature of these inclusions determine the clarity of the diamond. The clearer diamonds are more sought-after and thus more expensive.

*Outrageous Diamonds does not sell diamonds graded less than I1 by professional gemological appraisal laboratories.

Note on Clarity: Not all diamond shapes were created equally, at least when it comes to clarity! There are two main diamond cutting styles connected to the appearance of a diamond. There is a Brilliant cut and a Step cut. A Brilliant cut diamond has radiating facets (the facets are triangular or kite shaped). An example of a Brilliant cut is a Round diamond. The other cutting style is a Step cut. The step cut has facets arranged in rows or tiers. The most common example of a step cut is an Emerald cut. The step cut is a beautiful cut, but is less forgiving of inclusions than a brilliant cut. The way the facets of a brilliant are aligned, it allows light to travel through the diamond in such a way, that it more easily masks inclusions to the naked eye.

Clarity Enhanced Diamond Info
That big beautiful diamond you've been dreaming about is now a reality-
Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

The clarity enhancement process is a patented process that improves the appearance of a real natural diamond's clarity without altering the other characteristics of the diamond.

The Procedure:
During the clarity enhancement process a microscopic amount of material is injected into the imperfection. This substance is a clear, glass-like substance that has the same optical refractive index as a diamond. This makes the enhanced imperfections virtually invisible to the unaided eye. Keep in mind the enhancement process can only visually improve a stone 1-2 grades better than when it was naturally. The enhancement process does not make a diamond flawless. The inclusions and cracks in a diamond will not entirely disappear, instead the inclusions are made virtually invisible to the naked eye.

Some signs of an enhanced fracture filled diamond can be seen using 10x magnification and others require a microscope. With magnification, you may see some slight flashes of color where the enhancement was done. The flashes typically follow the lines and shapes of where the stone was filled, which is natural for an enhanced diamond. Keep in mind that there are also diamonds with unfilled cracks that will also produce a similar flash effect. The G.I.A explains that the enhancement can be detected when viewing the stone from the side- parallel to where the enhancement was done. However, not every enhanced diamond will have this flash effect visible to the unaided eye.

Purchasing an enhanced diamond is a great way to get a real diamond at an affordable price. The enhancement process can last a lifetime when cared for properly. See below for caring instructions.

How to Care for Your Enhanced Diamond:

Avoid chemical cleaners, especially ammonia-based solutions, as they can discolor or dissolve the enhancement.
Steam cleaning your ring is a safe and effective way to clean your enhanced diamond, as is vodka and a soft bristle toothbrush (for hard to reach places).
If the ring will be reset or needs repair, the jeweler must be notified about the enhancement - the extreme heat of a jeweler's torch (heat above 1500 degrees) could be damaging to the enhancement.
All diamonds require great care, both in daily wear, storing and cleaning. An enhanced diamond ring should be treated more carefully to protect it from situations that could potentially damage the stone.
Please read out Diamond & Jewelry Care section for more important information.

We, at Outrageous Diamonds, guarantee our enhancement for life. In the rare instance that your diamond requires re-enhancement, we guarantee to re-enhance the stone free of charge for the life of the diamond.

Is Clarity Enhanced Right for Me?

If carat weight is a top priority but budget is a real restriction, an enhanced diamond may be right for you.

If you are someone who works with your hands a great deal and is constantly around solvents and chemicals it may be best to go with a non-enhanced diamond, unless of course you simply remove the ring at the appropriate times.

If you are purchasing this diamond for someone other than yourself, you should feel comfortable disclosing or discussing the enhancement. The reason being is that the enhancement process can be compromised in select conditions, such as heat above 1500 degrees (the heat of a jeweler's torch) and when in contact with harsh chemicals such as ammonia. These conditions can reverse the enhancement.

What Clarity Grade is Right for Me?

For the expert, perfectionist or diamond connoisseur look for a diamond with no less than a natural VS2 clarity.
For the person who wants a good value, purchase a stone that faces up eye-clean. In a natural diamond this can be as low as an SI1/SI2, or a clarity enhanced-VS2/SI1 diamond. In an enhanced stone, you may see inclusions from the side of the diamond, however you will get an incredible value if you are looking for a stone that faces up eye-clean (no one will look through the side of the stone, or through the prongs to see if there are inclusions).
Perfect diamonds are extremely rare, and thus most diamonds have some sort of internal or external flaws. As long as these inclusions do not seriously affect the stone's appearance or strength, it is perfectly natural and common to buy a stone with some imperfections.
For the person on a tight budget, consider a clarity enhanced diamond graded an SI2 or SI3. You may see some inclusions to the naked-eye but they will not overwhelm the stone. Outrageous Diamonds does not sell stones lower than I1. All of our diamonds, regardless of their imperfections will have the brilliance and life you'd expect from a diamond; we do not sell lifeless cloudy stones.
Ultimately, clarity comes down to personal expectations and preferences. If you're considering purchasing a diamond call to speak to one of our representatives, who will review the diamond specifications with you, on your behalf.