Laser Drill Diamond Treatment

What Is A Laser Drilled Diamond?

With the improvement of laser technology, the ability to selectively target, remove or significantly reduce the visibility of black inclusions on a microscopic scale has drastically improved. Diamonds that contain black inclusions have been laser-drilled since the late 1960s. This technique is credited to Louis Perlman that did a successful test a year after General Electric created the drill in 1962.

The laser drilling process involves using an infrared laser of surgical grade at a wavelength around 1064 nm to bore very fine holes (0.005 inches in diameter or less than 100 microns) into a diamond in order to create a path to the black inclusion. The laser burns a narrow channel to the inclusion. Once the location of the inclusion has been reached by the drill channel, the diamond is soaked in sulfuric acid to dissolve the black inclusion. After soaking in sulfuric acid the black inclusion will dissolve or become colorless or sometimes a slightly whitish opaque will appear. Using this treatment several inclusions can be removed from the same diamond at one time.

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Under microscopic inspection the fine drill or bore holes can be seen, but are not as distracting as the black inclusion, and the holes do not affect sparkle or brilliance of the diamond. While the channels are usually straight in direction, from an entry point on the surface, the surface-reaching holes can only be seen by reflecting light off of the surface of the diamond during microscopic viewing such as a jeweler's 10x magnifying lens or loupe and are almost completely invisible to the naked eye.

Unlike fracture-filled diamonds, (Clarity Enhanced Diamond Guide) (opens in a new tab) a laser drill hole is considered by GIA to be an internal inclusion (and considered permanent) which is marked on their certificates just like natural inclusions such as feathers, clouds and crystals.

FAQ About Laser Drilled Diamonds

Q: Since laser drilling is permanent and GIA will certify these stones, are they "better" or "more valuable" than filled clarity enhanced diamonds?

A: It is better in the sense that the treatment is permanent and they are more valuable than filled clarity enhanced diamonds. They are however less expensive than their counterparts which haven't been laser drilled. For example: If I have three round diamonds that weigh 0.70 carat, are D color, and SI1 clarity, and one is laser drilled it will cost approxiamately $2000; the same diamond clarity enhanced will cost approxiamately $1500 and an untreated diamond will be around $4000.

As you can see, the laser drilled diamond is less expensive than the not treated, however the clarity enhanced diamond sells for even less.

Q: How is laser drilling detected?

A: Some laser drilling can be very obvious to see under the scope while some can be very difficult. It really depends on how deep they drilled into the stone and the location of the drilling. It can be almost virtually impossible to see when the diamond is observed face up, as the drilling is typically done perpendicular to the facet on which the black inclusion is.

Conclusions About Laser Drilled Diamonds

If all other aspects (color, cut, carat weight) are excellent and the diamond is o an eye clean clarity grade, don't let the fact that the diamond has been laser drilled discourage your decision. Of course you should expect a better price, but all things being, laser drilled diamonds are traded every day at all diamond exchanges around the world.

It is good to know that the diamond is drilled however it shouldn’t affect your decision to buy the stone, if you like how it looks go for it.

At CaratsDirect2U we offer laser drilled diamonds in all shapes and sizes as well as D-M colors and some blue colored diamonds as well. These diamonds are available as loose diamonds mounted in 14 or 18k rose, white, yellow, or two-tone gold as studs, pendants or solitaire rings. Have a look at our large collection of laser drilled loose diamonds. (opens in a new tab)

Please note that the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) obligates members of diamond bourses all over the world to disclose Laser Drilling. The gemological labs will indicate that fact that a diamond was drilled in documentation. In comprehension with this rule we disclose all treatments that our diamonds have gone though.

If you have any questions about any of our laser drilled diamonds please feel free to contact one of our expert jewelers at 1-800-557-7095.