Laser Drilled Diamonds (and why they're not worth it)
Laser drilling is a way to make diamonds look better. Here's how it works:
- They use a special tool called a laser to remove flaws inside the diamond
- The laser burns super tiny holes to reach the flaws
- Then they can get rid of those flaws by burning them away or using acid
- This makes the diamond appear more clear and shiny [Image suggestion: Simple diagram showing laser beam hitting a diamond flaw]
The holes the laser makes are very, very small. You would need a strong microscope to see them! They are thinner than a tiny hair.
In the past, they had to saw off the flawed parts of diamonds. But lasers are much more precise. The holes are so small that the diamond doesn't lose much weight.
Why Do Diamonds Get Laser Drilled?
The main reason is to improve the diamond's clarity grade. Clarity means how clear or flawless the diamond appears. Better clarity grades make a diamond more valuable.
Flaws and imperfections inside a diamond are called "inclusions." They can make a diamond look less beautiful. If there are a bunch of tiny flaws clustered together, they are more noticeable.
By using laser drilling, they can break up groups of flaws to make them less obvious. Sometimes this can bump the diamond up to a better clarity grade!
Also, laser drilling allows diamond cutters to save diamonds that had too many flaws to sell. In the past, they could only be used in industrial tools. But careful laser drilling gives these diamonds another chance to become pretty jewelry. [Image suggestion: Photo of industrial diamonds next to laser drilled jewelry diamonds]
However, there are some potential downsides to laser drilling.
What Are the Risks?
Even though the holes are tiny, they do make the diamond a little bit weaker in those spots. It's easier for new cracks to form and spread from the holes.
Think of it like a wooden board. If it has holes drilled through it, it's more likely to break than a solid board. The same idea applies to diamonds.
The holes are often filled in with a glassy material to hide them. But sometimes this filling can fall out or move around over time. Then the diamond might need to be re-filled.
Some diamond sellers don't tell people that a diamond has been laser drilled. This is a big problem! It's very hard to see the drilling, even with a microscope. You need special tools and lights to find the holes.
If you buy a drilled diamond without knowing, you might pay too much. Drilled diamonds usually cost 15-25% less than non-drilled diamonds of the same quality.
And if you need to sell the diamond later, you probably won't get back what you paid for it. Many buyers prefer totally natural diamonds.
Laser drilling also takes a lot of skill to do well. If it's done poorly, the holes might affect how light bounces around inside the diamond. It could make the diamond less sparkly.
That's why it's important to buy from trustworthy sellers who are upfront about any treatments!
Tips for Buying Laser Drilled Diamonds
If you're okay with laser drilled diamonds, here are some tips to shop smart:
- Certification is key! Make sure your diamond has been graded by a respected lab like GIA or AGS. The report will clearly say if the diamond was laser drilled.
- Buy from jewelers who are honest about treatments. If they don't mention drilling, be cautious.
- Look closely at the diamond yourself. You may not see the holes, but it's good to check.
- Think about where the holes are located. Holes on the top of the diamond will be more visible than holes on the sides.
- Holes next to existing fractures in the diamond are riskier. They could make the diamond more fragile. [Image suggestion: Infographic illustrating the above tips]
Just remember, a laser drilled diamond isn't necessarily a bad diamond! If the drilling is done well, you might not even be able to tell. It depends on your personal preferences.
Some sneaky sellers might try to pass off diamond simulants as laser drilled diamonds. Simulants are stones that look similar to diamonds but aren't real diamonds. One common simulant is moissanite. Always get your diamond checked out by an expert to be sure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does laser drilling harm the diamond?
A: It does weaken the diamond a bit where the holes are. The holes can sometimes cause new cracks. But if it's done carefully, the damage is usually very minor.
Q: Do laser drilled diamonds cost less?
A: Yes, usually 15-25% less than non-drilled diamonds. If a laser drilled diamond isn't disclosed, it could sell for even less later.
Q: Can I see if a diamond has been laser drilled?
A: It's very hard to see, even with magnification. The holes are super small! You need special equipment used by gemologists to spot drilling in most cases.
Q: What are the main risks of buying a laser drilled diamond?
A: Paying too much if the drilling isn't disclosed, getting a diamond that's a bit weaker, problems with the hole fillings falling out, and getting less money back if you resell it.
Q: Is a laser drilled diamond as strong as a non-drilled diamond?
A: Generally, no. The holes do weaken the diamond a little. But if the drilling is done carefully and the holes are very small, the difference in strength might not be noticeable.
Q: Should I avoid buying any laser drilled diamond?
A: It's a personal choice. If you want only totally natural diamonds or are worried about potential durability issues, it's best to avoid them. But if you're okay with the treatment as long as the price is fair, it can be an option.
The Bottom Line - My Advice
I'm a diamond expert. I usually tell people to be careful about buying laser-drilled diamonds.
Here's why:
- Laser drilling makes tiny holes in the diamond to remove flaws
- But these holes can make the diamond weaker and more likely to break
- The holes can also get dirty over time, making them easier to see [Image idea: Compare a regular diamond and a laser drilled one side-by-side]
- Laser drilled diamonds are not as valuable as untreated diamonds
- They will always cost less than a diamond without drilling
- Sometimes sellers use a special filling to hide the laser holes
- But this filling can break down or change color over time
- Good diamond labs won't even grade diamonds with this filling [Image idea: Show how the filling in laser holes can degrade]
If you do decide to buy a laser-drilled diamond:
- Always tell your jeweler when the diamond is cleaned or worked on
- The jeweler needs to know so they can be extra careful
But most of the time, I suggest buying a natural diamond with no treatments. Even if that means:
- Getting a diamond with a little less color
- Or a diamond that's a bit smaller
- Or one with slightly lower clarity
As long as the diamond looks clean to your eye, those things are okay. It's better than getting a treated diamond.
A natural, untreated diamond will hold its beauty and value best over the years. Focus on getting a diamond with a great cut first. Then balance the other things like color and clarity to match your budget.
That's the smartest way to buy a diamond that will make you happy for a long time!