What Does Fluorescence Mean in Diamonds?

When it comes to diamonds, you might be familiar with the term “diamond fluorescence.” This characteristic, while not always at the forefront of a diamond’s evaluation, can significantly impact its appearance and value. Let’s delve into what diamond fluorescence is, how it affects a diamond, and why it matters.

What is Diamond Fluorescence?

Diamond fluorescence refers to the emission of visible light by a diamond when it is exposed to either short-wave or long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light. In simpler terms, some diamonds glow under UV light, exhibiting colors such as blue, yellow, or even green. This phenomenon is due to trace amounts of certain elements within the diamond’s crystal structure, primarily boron or nitrogen.

How Does Fluorescence Affect a Diamond?

Fluorescence usually doesn’t impact a diamond’s appearance under regular lighting conditions. Most people won’t notice the glow unless the diamond is exposed to UV light, such as blacklight conditions. In diamonds with strong fluorescence, the glow can sometimes influence the perceived color of the stone. There’s no consensus, but some in the industry believe that diamonds with lower color grades (e.g., J or below), fluorescence can sometimes improve their appearance by making them look whiter in certain lighting conditions. However, in diamonds with higher color grades (e.g., D-F), strong fluorescence may cause a perception of haziness or a milky appearance, which could be less desirable to some, though this hasn’t been proven or agreed upon by our industry as a whole.

Types of Fluorescence and Their Effects

The most common and generally most favorable type of fluorescence is blue. Blue fluorescence can sometimes enhance the appearance of a diamond, making it look brighter and whiter, particularly in low-light or artificial lighting. Less common and generally less desirable are yellow or green fluorescence. Some in the industry believe that these colors can sometimes give the diamond a cloudy or yellowish appearance, which might detract from its overall appeal.

Evaluating Diamond Fluorescence

When sourcing diamond options for you and your partner’s engagement ring, our gemologist will take fluorescence into consideration by educating you and evaluating the diamond together. This ensures you’re educated on this subject matter. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role. Some people might appreciate or disregard the look of fluorescence, while others might prefer a diamond without it.

Diamond fluorescence is a fascinating and sometimes complex characteristic that can influence a diamond’s appearance and value. By understanding what fluorescence is, how it affects a diamond, and how to evaluate it, together with our team, the perfect stone can be sourced. Whether you view fluorescence as a unique feature or a factor to be avoided, Soha Diamond Co. will work to ensure that your diamond reflects both your personal style and preferences.

Interesting fact, laboratory grown diamonds (lab-grown) do not fluoresce!

According to GIA:

“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 the GIA Fluorescence Study, it was found that the average person could not make a distinction between a diamond with fluorescence and a diamond without.”