Carol Clarke was featured in The Irish Times recently discussing the problem of 'fracture filled' diamonds, commonly referred to by jewellers as 'clarity enhanced' diamonds.
"Over the last few years I noticed a lot of people were buying diamond rings abroad and saying they saw the same ring in Dublin for €50,000, while they bought it for €10,000,".
'Fracture filling' makes a diamond more attractive by disguising its inclusions with a 'plasticy resin'. This technique is often disguised by jewellers who ask customers to sign a receipt stating in small print 'I understand this diamond has been fracture filled'.
Carol warns that repeated cleaning can harm the fillers, especially when the method involves steam, acid or ultrasonics. Heat from a jeweller's torch could cause beads of melted filter to leak out of a diamond's fracture.
Other potentially damaging conditions include the high temperatures created during recutting or repolishing, as well as the heat generated during retipping or repair.
Carol says: "I'm doing the valuations in front of them; I see their reaction. They are very, very upset. It's all engagement rings and youngish women. There are a few older people, but mainly younger people who have saved up to go away and maybe get engaged at Easter or Christmas."