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What is Diamond Fluorescence?
By Kristen TooleSept 13, 2024
What is Diamond Fluorescence?
Diamond fluorescence is an often misunderstood yet significant characteristic of a diamond. It refers to the soft glow that a diamond may emit when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as sunlight or black light. About 30% of natural diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence, typically showing a blue glow, although in rare cases, it can appear white, yellow, green, or red. The exact cause of fluorescence is unknown, but it is believed to result from trace elements naturally incorporated into the diamond during the carbon crystallization process.
Interestingly, fluorescence is one of the few ways to distinguish between natural and lab-grown diamonds, as lab-grown diamonds rarely display any fluorescence.
Fluorescence Grading
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond fluorescence on a scale, ranging from None to Very Strong.
Does Fluorescence Affect Value?
In some diamonds, very strong fluorescence can cause a cloudy appearance, which reduces the diamond's value. However, in other cases, the blue fluorescence can neutralize the yellow tint found in diamonds with an I-M color grade, making them appear up to one grade whiter and potentially increasing their value.
If you're considering a colorless diamond with a D-F grade, it's wise to be cautious if it shows fluorescence under UV light. Due to their lack of color, these diamonds don't have enough body color to counterbalance the fluorescence, which is then considered a flaw, diminishing their value.
Should I Buy a Fluorescent Diamond?
Ultimately, diamond fluorescence should not be a major factor when purchasing a diamond, especially when the effects are minimal. According to studies by the GIA, fluorescence has no significant impact on a diamond’s appearance or structural integrity. When buying a diamond, the Four Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) are far more important considerations than fluorescence.
Diamond fluorescence is an often misunderstood yet significant characteristic of a diamond. It refers to the soft glow that a diamond may emit when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as sunlight or black light. About 30% of natural diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence, typically showing a blue glow, although in rare cases, it can appear white, yellow, green, or red. The exact cause of fluorescence is unknown, but it is believed to result from trace elements naturally incorporated into the diamond during the carbon crystallization process.
Interestingly, fluorescence is one of the few ways to distinguish between natural and lab-grown diamonds, as lab-grown diamonds rarely display any fluorescence.
Fluorescence Grading
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond fluorescence on a scale, ranging from None to Very Strong.
Does Fluorescence Affect Value?
In some diamonds, very strong fluorescence can cause a cloudy appearance, which reduces the diamond's value. However, in other cases, the blue fluorescence can neutralize the yellow tint found in diamonds with an I-M color grade, making them appear up to one grade whiter and potentially increasing their value.
If you're considering a colorless diamond with a D-F grade, it's wise to be cautious if it shows fluorescence under UV light. Due to their lack of color, these diamonds don't have enough body color to counterbalance the fluorescence, which is then considered a flaw, diminishing their value.
Should I Buy a Fluorescent Diamond?
Ultimately, diamond fluorescence should not be a major factor when purchasing a diamond, especially when the effects are minimal. According to studies by the GIA, fluorescence has no significant impact on a diamond’s appearance or structural integrity. When buying a diamond, the Four Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) are far more important considerations than fluorescence.
