Diamond Fluorescence

Fluorescence is the tendency of a diamond to emit a (soft) glow when exposed to ultraviolet light (UV light). The fluorescence effect is present in over 30% of diamonds and is an important consideration when buying a loose diamond.

When UV light strikes a diamond with fluorescent properties, the stone emits a glow. Most often blue, it can also be shades of green, yellow, white or red. Fluorescence can occur in different intensities. Gemological laboratories like the GIA rate diamond fluorescence on a scale from “None” to “Very Strong”. (Want to speak with a diamond expert? Call 092-222-8869 for expert advice on fluorescence.)

None, Nil, Negligible
No fluorescence, no influence on color.
Faint, Slight
Weak fluorescence, not a significant influence on color (barely perceptible).
Medium
Average fluorescence, small influence.
Strong, Extremely Strong
Strong fluorescence, substantial color influence.

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Is Diamond Fluorescence Important?

In a small number of diamonds, the presence of fluorescence creates a hazy, milky, oily, or cloudy appearance. For this reason, very fluorescent diamonds can be valued lower than similar diamonds with fluorescent ratings of Faint or Medium. If you have selected a diamond with Strong fluorescence, contact a Diamond Expert to have it visually inspected before purchasing.

Does Diamond Fluorescence Affect Value?

Fluorescence can enhance or detract from the beauty of a diamond. The bluish tint can improve a lower-color diamond (J-M color rated) by canceling out the faint yellow, resulting in a colorless appearance.

However, in a very high-color diamond (D-F color rated), fluorescence may have the opposite effect.

It’s estimated that about 30% of diamonds have some degree of fluorescence, so chances are you’ll run into some of these stones while shopping for a diamond.

How Fluorescence Affects Value of Diamonds

Sometimes, a diamond’s fluorescence will have no effect on its price, while at other times it will. Colorless diamonds, those with a color grade of D-F, are sold at a discount if they have a fluorescent glow underneath a UV light. This is because the fluorescence is seen as a flaw, so the diamond no longer holds the same value. Some people believe that fluorescence causes D-F colored diamonds to look slightly oily or hazy, which is not a desirable quality.

 
 
 

GIA’s Fluorescence Study

While there are many false and misinformed opinions on whether the presence of fluorescence in a loose diamond is good or bad, it’s best to consider the GIA’s in-depth, long-running, scientific study of fluorescence:

“GIA studies show that for the overwhelming majority of diamonds, the strength of fluorescence has no widely noticeable effect on appearance. In the GIA Fluorescence Study, it was found that the average person could not make a distinction between a diamond with fluorescence and a diamond without. In many instances, observers prefer the appearance of diamonds that have medium to strong fluorescence. In rare cases, some diamonds with extremely strong fluorescence may appear hazy or oily; fewer than 0.2% of the fluorescent diamonds submitted to GIA exhibit this effect.”

 

Going Out For The Night?

Frequent nightclubs or raves? Fluorescence is rarely seen unless a diamond is under heavy UV lighting (black lighting).

Differentiating Diamonds With & Without Fluorescence

According to a GIA study from 1997, the fluorescence of a diamond does not affect its appearance when looking at it from upside down. However, when the diamond is right side up, the average person may be able to spot a difference in a diamond with a strong or very strong fluorescence.

However, as we mentioned before, the difference is not a bad thing, as the fluorescence may slightly enhance the visible color of a lightly colored diamond.

Should I Buy a Fluorescent Diamond?

The final decision on whether or not to buy a fluorescent diamond is obviously yours, just remember that the four C’s (color, cut, clarity, and carat) are far more important than fluorescence. Because fluorescence doesn’t negatively affect the appearance of the diamond, it shouldn’t play a big role in deciding which stone is right for you. In fact, some shoppers prefer buying fluorescent diamonds because of the small reduction in price. Before buying a diamond, make sure you talk to the retailer about its fluorescence to ensure you are informed about every aspect of the stone prior to making a final decision.