DIAMOND FLUORESCENCE

What is Diamond Fluorescence?

Diamond Fluorescence is a great tool to lower your diamond’s price.    The technical explanation is the effect that Ultraviolet rays(UV) have on the diamond. In a simple and fun explanation, your diamond can turn into a glow stick(kidding but not really). A Diamond with strong Fluorescence, under a UV light, can have a strong blue color. In the real world, unless you are in a club under black light, It won’t be glowing blue. In the daytime or in regular lighting, you won’t have a glowing diamond. With medium to very strong fluorescence grades, A trained eye may see a little hint of blue. However, if your diamond is lower in color it cancels out the yellow.

Its very common to find fluorescence in diamonds. Approximately 25% – 35%  show a degree of fluorescence. However, only 10% of diamonds with grades of medium, strong or very strong fluorescence may affect appearance.

Here is a sample photo from GIA . It shows a necklace made of diamonds that are strong in fluorescence. One half is viewed with normal lighting. The other half with fluorescent lighting.

 

A big plus is the discounts.

Click here to see a regular D color non-florescense stone vs (Click Here) a D color with strong Flour.   THAT’S  10 THOUSAND DOLLAR SAVINGS!

 

How does fluorescence affect the diamond?

GIA studies show that for the overwhelming majority of diamonds, the strength of fluorescence has no noticeable effect. In conclusion to a GIA Fluorescence Study,  the average person could not tell the difference between a diamond with fluorescence and a diamond without. So what’s the big fuss about!?  There is a very low percent of diamonds that have a hazy look to them due to strong Fluorescence.  To be exact, less than 0.2% of fluorescent diamonds submitted to GIA exhibit this effect.

Because of the possible(extremely rare) haze effect. The industry has labeled fluorescence a negative feature that gets a discounted price.  You can expect a 2% to 16% savings.

I SEE DIAMOND FLUORESCENCE IN A POSITIVE LIGHT! If you recall, yellow is the most common color found in diamonds.  And BLUE is a complimentary color.  Diamond Fluorescence can give your yellow color diamond a white appearance.  Hence giving you incredible value if purchasing a K-J color Stone.

IN CONCLUSION

I see nothing wrong with fluorescence. If you are buying a lower color diamond, I recommend a medium to strong fluorescence. If you want to splurge with a high color, understand that the blue may stand out. You don’t want to buy a D-F color diamond with strong fluorescence. Anything under H is a go!  The lower the color grade the stronger the fluorescence can be to help cancel out the yellow.  I have had clients think it looks beautiful and prefer it.  It goes down to preference. Remember read my diamond color article to learn each diamond shape has an ideal color scale.