Fluorescence in diamonds is the emission of visible light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. It can create a coloured glow, usually blue. Whether fluorescence is considered "bad" depends on personal preference. Some people appreciate the unique glow, while others prefer diamonds without fluorescence for a more traditional look.
WHAT IMPACT DOES FLUORESCENCE HAVE ON THE APPEARANCE OF A DIAMOND?
GIA studies show that, for the overwhelming majority of diamonds, the strength of fluorescence has no widely noticeable effect on appearance. In many instances, observers prefer the appearance of diamonds that have medium to strong fluorescence. In rare cases, some diamonds with extremely strong fluorescence may appear hazy or oily; fewer than 0.2% of the fluorescent diamonds submitted to GIA exhibit this effect.
DOES FLUORESCENCE COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE DIAMOND?
No. A diamond that fluoresces has the same integrity as one with no reaction to UV. Submicroscopic substitutions and/or shifts in the diamond structure can cause fluorescence as well as prevent it. Nothing in either instance inherently weakens or is bad for the diamond.
GIA GRADING SCALE
Diamond fluorescence is graded on a scale ranging from "None" to "Very Strong." Gemological laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), assess fluorescence during diamond grading. The categories include:
1. **None**: No fluorescence observed.
2. **Faint**: Slight fluorescence, usually not visible to the naked eye.
3. **Medium**: Moderate fluorescence, potentially visible under UV light.
4. **Strong**: Easily noticeable fluorescence under UV light.
5. **Very Strong**: Intense fluorescence, often visible in normal lighting conditions.
Fluorescence in diamonds does not improve or change the colour grade. In some cases though, it might make the diamond appear whiter in certain lighting conditions due to the blue fluorescence counteracting the yellowish tint.
THE RISING TREND OF CLIENTS SEEKING FLUORESCENCE DIAMONDS AS A NATURAL AUTHENTICATION
Besides the fact that diamonds with fluorescence are sometimes priced slightly lower than those without, making them an attractive option, for cost-conscious buyers, a recent trend is emerging where clients are specifically requesting diamonds with fluorescence, as lab-grown diamonds typically lack this feature. This serves as a distinctive way to emphasize the natural origin of their diamonds.
