Ins and Outs of Diamond Fluorescence Effect

When it comes to diamond qualities and characteristics, most people naturally gravitate toward the “Four Cs” – cut, clarity, color and carat. And while these are certainly vital factors for any diamond purchase, there are others to consider as well depending on the type of diamond and various other elements involved.

At AAA Jewelers, we’ll happily detail the specific qualities of any of our stunning GIA diamonds, from diamond engagement rings to fashion jewelry and numerous other pieces. One diamond factor to be aware of outside the Four Cs s known as fluorescence – today’s blog will go over this effect, how its graded and how it impacts the appearance and cost of a diamond.

Diamond Fluorescence Basics

Diamond fluorescence refers to an effect many diamonds take on, emitting a soft glow when exposed to UV light. This effect can be seen in a great number of diamonds – nearly a third of all diamonds produced, in fact.

Diamonds can be fluorescent in a few different colors, with blue being by far the most common of these shades. Other possible colors are green, yellow, red or even white. In rarer situations, fluorescence leads to a milky, hazy or oily appearance in diamonds, but this is far less common than other types.

Fluorescence Scale

Fluorescence can occur in several different intensity levels, graded on the following scale:

• None: Also called Nil or Negligible, this refers to no fluorescence or change in color due to UV light
• Faint or Slight: A low level of fluorescence, barely enough for the human eye to see
• Medium: An average level of fluorescence, enough for the eye to pick up in small amounts
• Strong or Extremely Strong: High levels of fluorescence causing major color changes in the diamond when exposed to UV light

Fluorescence and Diamond Cost

Many buyers often ask: Does fluorescence raise or lower the value of a given diamond? The answer: It depends. Here are a few diamond scenarios and how fluorescence will impact the appearance and value of said diamonds:

• Low-color diamonds: For diamonds with low color quality and faint yellow tints, fluorescence can be considered a value-add because it cancels out the yellow and leads to colorlessness, a more desirable outcome.
• High-color diamonds: On the flip side, high-color diamonds will often be lowered in value by fluorescence, which may detract from their qualities here.
• Colorless: Colorless diamonds, graded D-F, may be sold at discounted rates if they have fluorescence because this is seen as a flaw, especially if it causes the oily or hazy look we referred to above.
• Grades I-M: Within the I-M grading range, however, fluorescent diamonds will actually be sold at higher prices due to the blue appearance created, which complements yellow undertones and creates a whiter appearance, long a desirable outcome in the diamond world.

For more on diamond fluorescence, or to learn about any of our engagement rings or other diamond rings, speak to the staff at AAA Jewelers today.