Which term describes a clarity treatment that uses a laser to expand an existing cleavage or create a new one, allowing the introduction of a bleaching solution?

Which term describes a clarity treatment that uses a laser to expand an existing cleavage or create a new one, allowing the introduction of a bleaching solution?

• A. Internal Laser Drilling (ILD)
• B. Laser Drill-hole (LDH)
• C. Kerf
• D. Lamproite

Answer: (A)

This question tests how clarity enhancements are described in diamond terminology. Internal Laser Drilling is the term used for a treatment where a laser is directed to a diamond to reach an internal inclusion by widening an existing cleavage plane or creating a new channel. This created path then allows a bleaching solution to be introduced and used to lighten or remove the color of the inclusion, improving the stone’s apparent clarity. The other terms don’t describe this specific process: a laser drill-hole would simply imply drilling a hole without the precise concept of expanding a cleavage to access an inclusion; kerf refers to the width of material removed by a saw or laser rather than a clarity treatment; lamproite is a rock type, not a treatment technique.

This question tests how clarity enhancements are described in diamond terminology. Internal Laser Drilling is the term used for a treatment where a laser is directed to a diamond to reach an internal inclusion by widening an existing cleavage plane or creating a new channel. This created path then allows a bleaching solution to be introduced and used to lighten or remove the color of the inclusion, improving the stone’s apparent clarity. The other terms don’t describe this specific process: a laser drill-hole would simply imply drilling a hole without the precise concept of expanding a cleavage to access an inclusion; kerf refers to the width of material removed by a saw or laser rather than a clarity treatment; lamproite is a rock type, not a treatment technique.