Can I Get My Diamond Clarity Enhanced?
No — you cannot legitimately “enhance” the clarity grade of a diamond without altering its structure in a way that changes what that grade originally represented. True clarity reflects the natural characteristics of the stone. What many people mean when asking this question is whether imperfections can be made less visible or whether treatments can change how a diamond looks. Some enhancements exist, but they do not change the diamond’s true clarity grade and should only be considered with full disclosure.
In our Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia showrooms at Mervis Diamond Importers, this question often arises when a client is considering whether to accept a lower clarity grade or invest more for a higher one. You may have heard terms like “laser clarity enhancement,” “fracture filling,” or “clarity enhancement” and are wondering what actually works — and what you should be cautious about.
Let’s explore this from the perspective of jewelry professionals who have helped tens of thousands of clients make informed and confident decisions.
What Does Diamond Clarity Really Mean?
Clarity refers to the presence of internal characteristics — inclusions — and surface characteristics — blemishes — within a diamond.
Every diamond has unique features that are part of its natural formation.
A clarity grade reflects:
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The number of inclusions
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The size of inclusions
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The position of inclusions
How visible they are under magnification
At Mervis Diamond Importers, clarity is part of the Four Cs — the standard evaluation framework that also includes cut, color, and carat weight.
A higher clarity grade typically means fewer visible inclusions, but that does not always correlate directly with beauty — especially once a diamond is mounted.
What Clients Really Mean When They Ask About “Clarity Enhancement”
When clients ask, “Can I get my diamond clarity enhanced?”, they are usually thinking one of three things:
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Can the diamond look visually nicer without paying more?
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Can the imperfections be made less noticeable?
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Is there a treatment that will improve my diamond’s grade?
These are reasonable concerns. After all, clarity affects appearance.
But clarity grading is a scientific assessment. You cannot “upgrade” the grading a stone received from a gemological laboratory without materially changing the stone — and that changes what the grade was meant to represent.
Are There Treatments That Affect How Inclusions Look?
There are processes that can make certain imperfections less visible.
Two of the most commonly discussed are:
1. Fracture Filling
Fracture filling involves introducing a substance — typically glass-like — into surface-reaching fractures to reduce their visibility.
This can improve visual appearance in specific lighting conditions but:
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It is not permanent
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It can be detected by a trained professional
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It must be fully disclosed
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It does not change the diamond’s official clarity grade
At Mervis Diamond Importers, we do not recommend fracture filling for fine jewelry, especially in engagement rings. It can degrade over time, especially with heat or chemicals, and complicates future evaluation.
2. Laser Drilling
Laser drilling is used to target and sometimes remove or bleach certain dark inclusions.
This process is minor and very specific. It does not fundamentally change a diamond’s clarity grade. Instead, it may reduce visibility of a dark inclusion without altering the stone’s classification.
Like fracture filling, it must be disclosed.
Why Clarity Upgrade Through Treatment Isn’t Standard Practice
Clients frequently ask, “Why can’t I just improve the clarity grade?”
The answer lies in definition.
A clarity grade is a scientific observation made under controlled conditions by a qualified gemologist. It is not subjective opinion — it is a standardized assessment.
Altering a diamond to receive a higher grade would make it a different stone than what was originally evaluated.
This undermines the consistency of grading standards — which is why reputable laboratories do not re-grade treated stones as though they were originally that grade.
When Does Clarity Matter Most Visually?
Clarity becomes visually significant when inclusions:
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Are noticeable without magnification
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Interrupt light performance
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Affect brilliance or openness
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Are near the center of the table
At Mervis Diamond Importers, we see this conversation clearly during appointments. Many clients assume a higher clarity grade is always better.
In reality:
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Diamonds with slight inclusions (SI1, SI2) often appear clear to the naked eye
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In certain shapes (emerald cut), clarity is more critical
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In brilliant cuts (round, oval, cushion), facet structure can mask some inclusions
The choice depends on your priorities: how the diamond looks, how it performs, and how you feel when you wear it.
Alternatives To Trying To “Enhance” Clarity
Instead of relying on treatments, consider these approaches:
Selecting The Right Cut
Cut quality affects how light travels through a diamond. A well-cut diamond will sparkle and draw attention away from inclusions.
This is why cut is often considered the most important of the Four Cs.
Choosing The Right Shape
Some shapes, like brilliant rounds and ovals, disperse light in ways that minimize the visibility of inclusions.
Shapes with larger open tables — like emerald and Asscher cuts — show inclusions more readily.
Viewing Diamonds In Person
Clarity looks different in hand than on paper.
In our showrooms, we encourage side-by-side comparisons so you can see how clarity grades perform under real light and against your own preferences.
Transparency And Disclosure Matter
If a diamond has been treated in any way, full disclosure is essential.
A reputable jeweler — like Mervis Diamond Importers — will always inform you of:
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What treatment was done
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How it affects the diamond’s performance
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How it should be cared for over time
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How it will appear under different lighting conditions
Your confidence should never depend on hidden processes or ambiguous terminology.
Mervis Diamond Importers’ Perspective
Our commitment to your clarity questions is simple:
We want you to understand what your diamond truly is — not what it appears to be through enhancement.
We source diamonds with a focus on brilliance and value. If an inclusion affects appearance in a way that matters to you, we help you compare alternatives. If you prefer a higher clarity grade for peace of mind, we show you why and how that choice aligns with your design.
Because clarity is not just a grade. It is part of how you experience your jewelry for years to come.
Final Thoughts On Diamond Clarity And Enhancement
You asked this question because you want to understand whether your diamond can be improved and what that actually means. That is a thoughtful and informed approach.
The honest answer is that clarity cannot be truly “enhanced” in a way that changes its official grade. What matters most is how the diamond performs visually, how it sparkles in your hand, and how it aligns with your expectations.
If you would like to see how different clarity grades look side by side or explore diamonds chosen for brilliance and enduring beauty, we invite you to visit Mervis Diamond Importers.
Discover our exclusive collections, experience our expert craftsmanship, and let us guide you with clarity and confidence:
We are here to help you choose with certainty — not guesswork.