Fluorescence in diamonds is a special form of luminescence and refers to an optical phenomenon in which a material is illuminated under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Since this phenomenon was first recorded with fluorite, it got its name from this mineral. George Gabriel Stokes was the first to describe the characteristics of fluorescence in 1852.
What is Fluorescence in Diamonds?
Fluorescence in diamonds refers to the phenomenon whereby diamonds emit a softly colored blue glow when exposed to ultraviolet light such as black light in dancing. Under normal lighting or in daylight, fluorescence is imperceptible to the naked eye and therefore has a limited impact on the beauty and value of diamonds.
Fluorescence in diamonds refers to the phenomenon whereby diamonds emit a softly colored blue glow when exposed to ultraviolet light such as black light in a nightclub. The fluorescent power is determined by the properties of the natural minerals in the diamond and differs from stone to stone. Under normal lighting or in daylight, fluorescence is imperceptible to the naked eye. Therefore, the influence of fluorescence on the beauty and value of diamonds is rather limited.
Over the years there has been a lot of speculation within the diamond industry about the influence of fluorescence on the beauty of diamonds. For example, there was the theory that fluorescence harms colorless diamonds (DJ) and has a positive impact on yellow-tinted diamonds (KM). Colorless diamonds would have a certain haze, while yellow-tinted stones would appear whiter.
Although recent studies have shown that these statements are not true in practice, it is still seen that colorless diamonds are slightly cheaper when they are more fluorescent and yellow-tinted diamonds become slightly more expensive the more fluorescent they are.
In our opinion, fluorescence should not influence your choice of whether or not to buy a particular diamond. So don’t let that stop you from taking advantage of the slightly more favorable prices of diamonds with fluorescence.
Evaluation of the Fluorescence of a Diamond
The fluorescence of a diamond is an identifying characteristic that is describes by its strength. Depending on the light level of a diamond, the (GIA) Gemological Institute of America describes the fluorescence of a diamond according to the following scale:
Here, based on the intensity of the re-emitted light, five degrees of fluorescence are determines:
- NONE (Nothing);
- FAINT (Very Weak);
- MEDIUM (Weak);
- STRONG (Strong);
- VERY STRONG (Very Strong)
Mainly when the fluorescence is strong, the diamond has a hazy, milky, oily, or cloudy appearance.
For this reason, very fluorescent diamonds (Strong and Very Strong) can be values lower than similar diamonds with Low or Medium fluorescence values.
Can Fluorescence Enhance or Detract from the Value of a diamond?
The bluish color can enhance a lower colored diamond (classified as a JM color) by erasing the light yellow, resulting in a colorless appearance. However, in a very high color diamond (for example, DF), the fluorescence can have the opposite effect.
It would seem, therefore, that fluorescence is a fundamental factor in choosing a diamond. However, it should be rememberes that the main factors are only the 4C’s Diamonds (color, cut, purity, and carat) are much more important than fluorescence.
Since fluorescence doesn’t have a very negative impact on the diamond’s appearance. It should not perform a big role in deciding which stone is right for you.
Fluorescence of Diamonds (Diamonds): is it good or not? Output
Fluorescence is neither good nor bad. However, the effect of fluorescence on diamond color is a controversial topic.
GIA conducted a study for blue fluorescence and concluded that it doesn’t affect the stone quality for the common observer. However, some jewelers maintain that, in their experience, diamonds that display strong fluorescence tend to appear hazy. Others say this does not significantly affect the appearance of diamonds. This is why you need to decide for yourself whether a particular diamond looks good for you.
When buying diamonds, ask the jeweler to show the stone under both UV and ambient light. Remember to also look at the stone when it is exposes to daylight. Sunlight includes ultraviolet rays that accentuate the fluorescent color of your stone. Fluorescence is the measurement of a diamond’s reaction to ultraviolet (UV) light.
If the stone is fluorescent, compare it to a non-fluorescent diamond of similar quality and check if you see any color difference. As the most significant thing is to love what you end up with.
A Final Note on Fluorescence
Choosing out the perfect diamond is a lot of work. That’s why we founds Gemistone Online Jewelers Shop, and we help our buyers to find better value and higher quality diamonds.
If you have any questions about the likely impact of fluorescence on a diamond’s physical, appearance. You can always contact us – 785-999-2163 or mail us at [email protected]. Best wishes with your search, and let us know if we can help.