How Diamond Fluorescence Affects Price And Appearance

Diamond fluorescence is the phenomenon whereby a diamond emits a soft, colored glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The color of the glow is dependent on the type of impurities present in the diamond, with the most common colors being blue, yellow, and green.

While diamond fluorescence is generally considered to be aesthetically pleasing, some people may prefer a diamond that does not fluoresce, as the glow can occasionally be quite strong. In terms of value, diamonds that fluoresce are typically not worth any less than diamonds that do not, so it is really a matter of personal preference.

How diamond fluorescence affects different diamond properties

Fluorescence is the property of a diamond that causes it to emit a soft, often colored light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While some diamonds will fluoresce under any UV light, others will only fluoresce under long-wave or short-wave UV light.

Fluorescence can have a number of different effects on different diamond properties. For example, it can affect a diamond's color. A diamond that fluoresces can appear to be a different color than it would without fluorescence. For example, a yellow diamond that fluoresces may appear to be greenish-yellow.

Fluorescence can also affect a diamond's clarity. A diamond that fluoresces may appear to be less clear than it would without fluorescence. This is because the light that is emitted by the fluorescing diamond can create a hazy or milky appearance.

Finally, fluorescence can affect a diamond's value. A diamond that fluoresces may be less valuable than a diamond that does not fluoresce, all other things being equal. This is because many people prefer diamonds that do not fluoresce, as the fluorescence can affect the diamond's appearance.

Defects that diamond fluorescence can cover up

Diamonds that fluoresce brightly can actually be hiding some serious defects. For example, a diamond that fluoresces green may be hiding an included crystal or a feather. A diamond that fluoresces blue may be hiding a large included crystal. In either case, the fluorescence can help to mask the defect, making it less visible to the naked eye.

Of course, not all diamonds that fluoresce are hiding defects. Many diamonds fluoresce simply because they contain trace amounts of certain elements, such as boron or nitrogen. This is perfectly normal and does not affect the quality of the diamond.

How to buy a diamond with the optimum fluorescence

When buying a diamond, it is important to consider the stone's fluorescence. Fluorescence is a property of diamonds that causes them to emit a soft glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. While some diamonds fluoresce strongly, others may not exhibit any fluorescence at all.

The level of fluorescence in a diamond does not affect its quality or value, but it can have an impact on its appearance. For example, a diamond with strong fluorescence may appear hazy or milky when viewed in direct sunlight. On the other hand, a diamond with weak or no fluorescence may appear brighter and more vibrant.

When choosing a diamond, it is important to view it in different lighting conditions to see how the fluorescence affects its appearance. If you prefer the look of a diamond with strong fluorescence, then you should look for stones that are graded "Fluorescent" or "Very Strong Fluorescent" by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). If you prefer the look of a diamond with no fluorescence, then you should look for stones that are graded "Non-Fluorescent" by the GIA.

Final Thoughts

When shopping for a diamond, it is important to keep in mind that the most important aspect is its beauty and how it makes you feel. While the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) are important factors in determining a diamond's value, it is ultimately the diamond's beauty that is most important.

One factor that can affect a diamond's beauty is fluorescence. Fluorescence is the light that is emitted from a diamond when it is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. While some diamonds will emit a strong blue fluorescence, others will emit a weak yellow fluorescence. In some cases, a diamond may not fluoresce at all.

While fluorescence can affect a diamond's appearance, it is important to remember that it is only a minor factor in determining a diamond's overall beauty. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a diamond with fluorescence should be based on your personal preference.