Diamond Fluoresence
Diamond fluorescence is seen as a coloured glow under UV light. Around 25% to 35% of diamonds exhibit fluorescence, predominantly blue, with some showing yellow or green hues. While strong fluorescence may subtly influence a diamond’s appearance, it’s usually not a significant concern.
How Does Fluorescence Occur?
Fluorescence results from the absorption of UV-reactive element fragments during the diamond’s formation under high pressure over millions of years. These elements become part of the diamond’s composition underground, contributing to its color and fluorescence.
While diamonds primarily consist of carbon, traces of other elements like aluminium, nitrogen, or boron can be present. Nitrogen and aluminium combine to produce blue fluorescence, while a single nitrogen atom causes yellow fluorescence, and two nitrogen atoms result in green-yellow fluorescence.
Diamond Fluorescence Grading Scale
Diamond fluorescence is graded from none to very strong. While strong or very strong fluorescence can occasionally result in a milky appearance, this is rare, affecting less than 2% of such diamonds. GIA Diamond Grading Reports detail fluorescence intensity under long-wave UV light, noting the colour if it’s:
- None: No influence on the diamond’s colour.
- Faint: A weak presence of colour in the diamond, but barely noticeable.
- Medium: A slight hint of fluorescence in the diamond.
- Strong or Very Strong: Significant, observable fluorescence in the diamond.
Is Diamond Fluorescence good or bad?
While fluorescence contributes to a diamond’s sparkle, it’s not a definitive enhancement. Faint fluorescence is often unnoticeable to the naked eye. While Strong or Very Strong fluorescence may improve the perceived colour of diamonds, particularly in the I-K range. It’s crucial to balance fluorescence with diamond colour, especially in D-F or G-H grades, where body colour is minimal. Ultimately, whether diamond fluorescence is desirable is subjective; some appreciate its beauty and allure, while others may not.
Yellow diamonds: tend to appear whiter due to fluorescence, enhancing their reflective qualities.
Colourless diamonds: may exhibit a bluish tint under fluorescence, reducing their transparency.
Does Diamond Fluorescence Affect Value?
Certainly, diamond fluorescence can affect how the diamond is perceived, impacting its value. When a diamond exhibits yellowish fluorescence rather than blue or white, it’s often viewed as a flaw, lowering its quality and value. This is why colourless (D-F) fluorescent diamonds are typically priced lower. However, diamonds in the I-M range may command higher prices if they display Medium to Very Strong fluorescence, as the fluorescent blues complement their yellow undertones. In terms of value, diamond fluorescence primarily contributes to style rather than sentiment.
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