Diamonds are gemstones which may undergo various treatment processes and procedures before one purchases them. One type of treatment which diamonds may undergo is that of laser treatment or laser drilling. Laser treated diamonds, also known as enhanced diamonds, have been the subject of certain procedures in order to correct flaws or specific imperfections within the stone. It is important to know a little bit about this type of treated diamonds to determine if this type of stone is right for you.

What Is the Laser Treatment Process?

The process for laser treating is one which goes by a few different names, such as laser drilling and laser enhancement. The procedure for treating diamonds in this manner is to drill a small hole into the stone with a laser in order to remove inclusions within the diamond. The purpose behind doing so is to improve the overall clarity of the diamond and make it appear that much more brilliant all the while taking away any aspects of the diamond which may make it appear undesirable.

Does Laser Treatment Harm Diamonds or Decrease Their Value?

Although some may find drilled diamonds to be more desirable than those which have gone untreated, others may wonder if this procedure will harm the diamonds or decrease their value. It is important for consumers to note that diamonds which have undergone this type of process do not become weaker as a result thereof. Therefore, it can be stated that laser treatment to rid diamonds of inclusions does not harm the diamond per se. As for decreasing the value of the diamond, laser treated diamonds should often be less in price than what a non-treated one would be. With that said, it is important for the consumer to ask if their diamond has been treated prior to purchasing it and therefore spend an amount which coincides with what a laser treated diamond would be worth.

How to Determine If the Diamond You Are Looking to Purchase Has Been Laser Treated

If individuals are familiar with the laser treatment process, they will ultimately wish to know whether their diamond has undergone this type of process prior to purchasing it. This will help them determine if they wish to purchase a diamond of this type and if so, that they pay a price which is standard for this type treatment.

The best way to determine if a diamond has been laser treated to remove inclusions from it is to ask. Since the Federal Trade Commission does not require jewelers to inform consumers that particular diamonds have undergone laser enhancements, the only way to really know the truth is to ask the individual who sells you the diamond.

Laser Treated Diamonds: To Buy or Not to Buy

In the end, prospective purchasers must determine whether or not they wish to buy a diamond which has undergone this form of treatment. The pros of doing so are that the diamond may be more brilliant and not cost as much as a diamond which was naturally brilliant and perfect to begin with.

As for the cons, a diamond which has undergone laser treatment can be seen by some as being an imperfect diamond regardless of the fact that the blemish is now corrected. Since many individuals buy diamonds for engagement purposes or other special occasions, considering purchasing laser treated diamonds is not even an option for them. In the end, it is ultimately up to the consumer to determine if laser treated diamonds are right for them.