Diamonds, those beautiful shining brilliant gems that capture our hearts and imaginations, hold within them a secret that not all may be aware of, and that secret is called fluorescence. This interesting phenomenon reveals itself when diamonds that are exposed to long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light, such as that from the sun emit a subtle glow. But what does this mean for the beauty and value of these precious diamonds? Does this fluorescence reduce the value of the diamonds and thus hurt your investment in them, or does it actually make the diamond even worth more?
In this blog we will be explaining the following:
What is Diamond Fluorescence?
Diamond fluorescence is a captivating optical phenomenon where diamonds emit visible light when exposed to UV rays. This emitted light can vary in color—from blue, which is most common, to occasionally yellow or even green. Interestingly, only about 25% to 35% of diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence under UV light.
Does Fluorescence Impact Diamond Value?
The presence of fluorescence can influence the value and perception of a diamond. For diamonds with lower color grades (typically in the I to M range), blue fluorescence can give the diamond a more colorless appearance in natural daylight, potentially increasing its value slightly. Conversely, in diamonds with higher color grades (D to H), strong fluorescence may be viewed less favorably as it could create a perceived haziness or reduce the diamond's transparency under certain lighting conditions.
Addressing Common Questions about Diamond Fluorescence
1. Is there a grading system for diamond fluorescence?
Fluorescence is not graded like the 4Cs (color, clarity, cut, carat weight) by major gemological laboratories such as GIA. However, it is noted on diamond grading reports with descriptions such as None, Faint, Medium, Strong, or Very Strong.
*Photographs credited to Maha Tannous/GIA (top) and Harold & Erica Van Pelt (taken from IGI) (bottom).
2. Does fluorescence cause haziness in diamonds?
Contrary to popular belief, fluorescence itself does not cause haziness. Any perceived haziness in a diamond may be due to pre-existing light-scattering defects, which can be intensified by fluorescence in rare cases.
*The center diamond is an H color stone with Strong to Very Strong fluorescence, surrounded on both sides by two adjacent H color diamonds lacking fluorescence. No noticeable differences in color or transparency are apparent. Image courtesy of Jian Xin (Jae) Liao, sourced from IGI.
3. Can the average person distinguish between diamonds with and without fluorescence?
Studies have shown that for the average observer, the presence of fluorescence generally does not affect their perception of a diamond's appearance. However, it's recommended to view diamonds under various lighting conditions to see if fluorescence makes a difference to your eye.
4. Is diamond fluorescence a positive or negative attribute?
The beauty of fluorescence lies in the eye of the beholder. Some may find fluorescent diamonds enchanting, while others may prefer the classic appearance of diamonds without fluorescence. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference and aesthetic taste.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
When choosing an ideal diamond, whether for an engagement ring or a significant piece of jewelry, understanding fluorescence can enrich your decision-making process. It is advisable to evaluate diamonds under various lighting conditions and make direct comparisons. Observe how fluorescence may enhance the diamond's sparkle or influence its color, depending on your preferences.
We invite you to visit RAGAZZA DIAMOND, where our knowledgeable staff are ready and will happily assist you in selecting a stunning diamond. Whether you prefer lab-grown or natural diamonds, our team is dedicated to providing you with the necessary information to ensure that you get a great diamond jewelry piece for you or the ones you love.
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