Diamonds come from nature and most of them come with diamond fluorescence. Loose diamonds that are submitted to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) are going to be graded on the level of diamond fluorescence. Until now the GIA has graded overtime 25 to 35 percent diamonds that exhibit some fluorescence. However, only 10% of those diamonds show that strong level of a fluorescence that it gets on the diamond certificate. But what is the impact if that diamond you liked has a note of diamond fluorescence? This blog explores the significance of diamond fluorescence, how it’s graded, and its effects on both appearance and price.
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What Is Diamond Fluorescence?
Diamond fluorescence, in the simplest terms, refers to the effect that ultraviolet (UV) light, often known as black light, has on a loose diamond. When a diamond is exposed to UV rays, it emits visible light, typically a soft blue glow, although other colors like yellow or green can also occur. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) describes fluorescence as the intensity of this glow, which is produced by the long-wave UV light—a natural component of daylight.
In essence, fluorescence is a natural characteristic of some diamonds that becomes visible only under specific lighting conditions, like UV light. This property doesn’t affect all diamonds, but when it does, it can influence both the diamond’s appearance and its market value.
What Fluorescence Strengths Does The GIA Note?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades a diamond’s fluorescence based on its intensity, ranging from none to very strong. Here’s how the GIA classifies fluorescence:
- None: No fluorescence is present.
- Faint: Displays a very slight fluorescence, typically not noticeable to the naked eye, with a subtle blue hue under UV light.
- Medium: Shows a stronger blue glow under UV light, which may cause a diamond to appear slightly cloudy or hazy.
- Strong: Emits an intense blue hue under UV light, potentially making the diamond look quite cloudy, milky, or hazy.
- Very Strong: Shows a prominent and saturated blue hue under UV light, often causing the diamond to appear significantly cloudy, milky, or hazy to the naked eye.
Photo credit: GIA: Gemological Institute Of America
What Is The Impact Of Diamond Fluorescence?
According to the GIA, the overwhelming majority of the loose diamonds have a level of fluorescence that has no noticeable effect on the appearance. In addition, an average person will not see the difference between a diamond with a fluorescence rating and diamond without fluorescence rating.
An example is that in a study people like diamonds with medium to strong fluorescence better. However, diamonds with extremely strong fluorescence appear hazy or oily… extreme fluorescence is rare as only 0.2% of the GIA diamonds is graded this level.
However, diamond fluorescence sightly affects diamond prices.
Diamond Fluorescence Impact On Price Change In %
The impact of fluorescence on diamond price in %
Besides that, the strength of the fluorescence does not influence the integrity of the diamond. But as the fluorescent glow is usually blue the fluorescence can upgrade diamonds of I-M color by appearing whiter. That is why we see in the industry that I-M diamonds sell better with a medium to very strong fluorescence. Extreme fluorescence does impact the diamond appearance by being oily or hazy. I-M diamonds benefit from some fluorescence to appear whiter.
Can An Average Person Spot The Difference?
Most people find it hard to notice whether a diamond has fluorescence or not. To see how fluorescence affects how a diamond looks, scientists from the GIA did a study with diamonds of different colors (like E, G, I, and K). They gathered sets of diamonds that were almost identical except for their level of blue fluorescence. Both trained professionals and regular people looked at these diamonds in controlled settings to judge how they appeared.
The results showed that average people, like those shopping for jewelry, couldn’t tell much difference between diamonds with fluorescence and those without it. In fact, many thought that diamonds with strong blue fluorescence looked better when viewed from the top. Most people didn’t see any real connection between fluorescence and how clear the diamond was. This means that, for most shoppers, fluorescence is not a big factor in deciding on a diamond.
Is Diamond Fluorescence Good Or Bad?
Whether diamond fluorescence is good or bad really depends on personal taste. Some people find the bluish glow from fluorescence beautiful and interesting, which can make a diamond feel more special. Others might not like it, especially if the fluorescence makes the diamond look cloudy.
If you are thinking about buying a diamond with fluorescence, it’s a good idea to see it in different types of light, especially natural daylight. Compare it with other diamonds of the same color to see if the fluorescence improves the look or makes it less appealing. Ultimately, it comes down to your own preference, there’s no right or wrong answer. What matters most is what you like!
Bottom line
Faint Blue Fluorescent diamonds improve the appearance of color in the diamond as they never appear hazy. Same for Medium Blue Fluorescent diamonds, they will barely show no sign of haziness. Just be careful when you choose a very high color like G in the Medium Blue Fluorescence Range, this could be the worst case scenario. Better ask advice to our diamond expert as it is very difficult to know what the diamond look like in natural light when you buy online.
