Can I get my diamond clarity enhanced?
Short answer: sometimes yes, you can get your diamond clarity enhanced — but in our store, that’s rarely the first solution we recommend.
Most people who walk into David Desso asking about clarity enhancement aren’t really asking about treatments. They’re trying to solve a problem:
-
“My diamond doesn’t look as clean as I expected.”
-
“I see something inside it and now I can’t unsee it.”
-
“I want a bigger diamond, but this one looks included.”
Clarity enhancement can help in very specific situations. But more often, once we sit down and look at the diamond together, we find a better, more practical solution.
Let’s Start With Real Scenarios We See Every Week
Instead of thinking in theory, here’s how this usually plays out in real life:
Scenario 1: “I See A Black Spot And It Bothers Me”
We take the diamond out, clean it, and look at it under normal lighting — not magnification.
Half the time:
-
The inclusion is only visible under magnification.
-
Or it disappears once the diamond is properly cleaned.
-
Or it’s positioned in a way that can be hidden with a prong.
What we usually recommend:
Try cleaning, repositioning, or resetting before even thinking about enhancement.
Scenario 2: “I Want A Bigger Diamond But Cleaner-Looking”
This is where clarity-enhanced diamonds come up most often.
You’re comparing:
-
A 1.50ct clarity-enhanced diamond
-
vs
-
A 1.10ct untreated diamond
Both look similar at first glance.
Here’s the real decision:
-
Do you want size now at a lower price?
-
Or long-term simplicity and value?
There’s no wrong answer — but they are very different paths.
Scenario 3: “This Is My Diamond — Can We Fix It?”
If you already own the diamond, we evaluate:
-
What type of inclusion it has
-
Where it sits
-
Whether it affects durability
-
Whether it’s even visible in real life
Important truth:
-
Not every diamond can or should be clarity enhanced.
-
Sometimes the better move is:
-
Resetting it
-
Rotating the stone
-
Or replacing it entirely
What Clarity Enhancement Actually Does In Plain Terms
There are two main treatments:
-
Fracture filling: fills a crack so it becomes less visible
-
Laser drilling: lightens or removes a dark inclusion
But here’s what matters more than the technical definition:
-
It improves appearance — not the actual clarity grade in a natural sense
-
It doesn’t fix every type of inclusion
-
It introduces long-term care considerations
So yes, the diamond can look better — but it comes with trade-offs.
When We Actually Recommend Clarity Enhancement
We don’t suggest it often, but when we do, it’s usually because:
-
The inclusion is very specific, like a surface-reaching fracture
-
The improvement will be noticeable to the naked eye
-
The client understands the care and resale implications
-
The budget makes untreated alternatives unrealistic
Example:
-
A client wants a 2ct look but has a fixed budget.
-
A clarity-enhanced diamond gives them that size without going far over budget.
In that case, it can make sense — as long as expectations are clear.
When We Usually Advise Against It
This is just as important.
We typically steer clients away from clarity enhancement when:
-
The diamond already looks good in real life
-
The issue is actually poor cut, not clarity
-
The stone looks cloudy, because enhancement won’t fix that
-
The client wants long-term value or simplicity
-
The inclusion isn’t the real problem
Honest moment from the bench:
Many people think they have a clarity issue — but once we clean the diamond and improve the setting, the “problem” disappears.
Better Alternatives We Often Recommend
Before going down the clarity enhancement route, we usually walk clients through these options:
1. Slightly Smaller, Better Diamond
A well-cut 1.20ct can look brighter and more impressive than a dull 1.50ct.
2. Eye-Clean Lower Clarity
You don’t need flawless. Many SI diamonds look perfectly clean without treatment.
3. Lab-Grown Diamond
If size and clarity are priorities, this often solves both without treatments.
4. Resetting The Diamond
A new setting can:
-
Hide inclusions
-
Improve light performance
-
Completely change how the diamond looks
5. Custom Design
We’ve designed rings specifically to draw attention away from inclusions — without touching the stone itself.
The Real Trade-Offs You Need To Understand
If you’re seriously considering clarity enhancement, here’s what we make sure every client understands:
-
It requires more careful handling during repairs
-
Heat and certain cleaning methods can affect it
-
It must be disclosed if you ever sell or trade the diamond
-
It typically has lower resale value than untreated stones
None of these are deal-breakers — but they matter.
From Experience
We’ve had clients come in years later needing a repair, and the biggest issue wasn’t the diamond — it was that no one told them it had been clarity enhanced.
That’s why transparency matters from day one.
What You Should Ask Before Saying Yes
If you’re considering a clarity-enhanced diamond, don’t leave without clear answers to these:
-
What exactly was done to this diamond?
-
Will it affect future repairs or resizing?
-
How should I clean it at home?
-
Is this disclosed in writing?
-
What happens if the treatment is damaged?
If the answers feel unclear, pause.
How Setting Can Solve More Than You Think
This is one of the most overlooked solutions.
We’ve solved “clarity problems” simply by:
-
Placing a prong over an inclusion
-
Changing the orientation of the diamond
-
Adding a halo to shift focus
-
Using metal color to soften contrast
From the bench:
If the inclusion is near the edge, we can often hide it completely without touching the diamond.
The David Desso Approach
We don’t start with treatments. We start with your goal.
When someone comes into our Cedarhurst store, we sit down and ask:
-
What’s bothering you about the diamond?
-
What matters more — size, clarity, or long-term value?
-
Is this a forever piece or a stepping stone?
Then we show real options side by side:
-
Untreated diamonds
-
Clarity-enhanced diamonds
-
Lab-grown alternatives
-
Different settings and designs
Because the right decision isn’t about fixing a diamond — it’s about choosing the best overall solution.
FAQ: Real Questions We Get In Store
Can I Get My Diamond Clarity Enhanced?
Sometimes, yes — but only certain diamonds qualify. We always inspect it first before recommending anything.
Will It Look Perfect After?
Not necessarily. It can improve appearance, but it won’t turn a heavily included diamond into a flawless one.
Is It Still A Real Diamond?
Yes. But it’s treated, and that affects value and care.
Is It Worth It?
It depends on your goal. For size on a budget, maybe. For long-term simplicity, usually not.
What Would You Recommend Instead?
In many cases: a better-cut diamond, a different clarity grade, or a new setting.
So… Should You Do It?
Here’s the honest answer we give in-store:
-
Clarity enhancement is a tool — not a solution for every situation.
-
Sometimes it makes sense.
-
Often, there’s a better option once you actually see everything side by side.
If you’re unsure, bring the diamond in. Let’s look at it together and walk through real options — not just theory.
Visit David Desso to explore Diamond Rings, Engagement Rings, Diamond Bands, Yellow Gold Rings, White Gold Diamond Rings, and Custom Diamond Jewelry with guidance based on real experience, not guesswork.
David Desso
468 Central Ave
Cedarhurst, NY 11516
Phone: (516) 341-0733
