Laser drill hole inclusions have been around for decades and it’s one of the best ways of diamond treatment wherein it uses lasers to vaporize a microscopic tunnel about 20-25 microns in diameter (thinner than a hair strand) from the diamond surface to the colored or dark inclusion causing to evaporate. Laser drilling enhances the clarity of a diamond. Laser drilling removes obvious inclusions in the diamond such as black or gray spots. If you’re looking for the best diamonds buying guide then look no further! We will provide you with a comprehensive guide in order for you to find the perfect diamond suited for your personal preference!
Fracture filling and Laser Drill Holes
In this diamonds buying guide, we’ll let you know all about the basics of laser drilling. The most common diamond treatment that is done in the market today is fracture filling. Laser drilling revolves around this fracture-filling concept and it enhances the visual appearance of a diamond by incorporating molten-glass-like substances with a refractive index that is close to the diamond’s inserting it into the fractures. It eliminates any defects or blemishes on the diamond’s surface visible to the naked eye.
Fracture filling can only be done if an opening is present whether artificial or natural. In fracture filling, a microscopically thin plane is burned through a diamond until it reaches inclusion. The overall clarity grade is improved by using this diamond treatment method.
Fracture filling can be less accurate than laser-filled treated diamonds. It is also not permanent as the filling in the channel can be destroyed if the diamond is exposed to ultrasonic cleaning or exposed to high temperatures.
It is important to be cautious when buying fracture-filled diamonds. The treatment used in these diamonds is not reliable and durable compared to other methods such as the laser drilled method. You can learn more about the in-depths of laser-drilled diamonds in these diamonds buying guide. Read on below and learn more!
What are Laser Drill Holes and Its Importance in a Diamond’s Value and Beauty
Our diamonds buying guide will help you understand the purpose of laser drilling and how it improves the clarity, value, and beauty of a diamond. The purpose of laser drilling provides an improvement in the diamond’s appearance. It also upgrades its clarity to a maximum of two grades. As the dark inclusions get dissolved, they can transform an I1 clarity diamond to an outstanding SI1 clarity very easily. The bigger the clarity, the more drill holes the diamond has. The laser drilled holes are permanent so the dark inclusions will never come back again! While it does improve its appearance, a laser-drilled diamond can have durability issues since it has channels inside making it weaker. Laser-drilled diamonds also have a lower price tag than untreated diamonds. If you want to invest in diamonds, untreated diamonds are the best but if you want to buy affordable yet beautiful diamonds, laser-drilled ones are perfect for you.
How to Know if a Diamond Has Been Drilled?
A certificate will prove if a diamond has been laser drilled. You can get a report and certificate from the Gemological Institute of America or GIA and they will list all holes present in the diamond. You can also inspect the diamond yourself! Just put the diamond under a microscope and you will be able to see firsthand how many channels are drilled. Getting a professional assessment is also one way to check if a diamond has been drilled. Contact a professional jeweler for an assessment. They can be found in a jewelry retail store near you.
Advantages of Buying Laser Drilled Diamonds
Affordable Yet Outstanding Clarity: You get to own a diamond with outstanding clarity and without breaking the bank. These diamond-treated stones are a must-buy if you want a diamond that looks like those that are very expensive.
Disadvantages of Buying Laser Drilled Diamonds
Weakened Structural Integrity: Laser-drilled diamonds are more fragile compared to untreated diamonds. There is an increased risk of fracture and damage and which in turn will affect the appearance of the stone later on in the future
Extra Maintenance Considerations: Ultrasonic methods may fracture and break the crystal fillings inside the diamond. It is important that the utmost care is done when handling these diamonds.