What is Fluorescence in Diamonds and How Does It Affect Value

When looking for a diamond to buy for an engagement ring or to adorn a wedding band, you may remember to check your stock knowledge about the 4Cs of diamonds. Although the cut, color, clarity, and carat may help you nail that ideal diamond, other features also impact a diamond’s worth. 





If you’re wondering, “What is fluorescence in diamonds, and does it impact the value?” Here, we will talk about diamond fluorescence and take a deep dive into what it is and how it impacts the price.



What is Diamond Fluorescence?


Diamond fluorescence is the glow emitted by some diamonds when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. It can be sunlight or indoor lighting. Only 25-35% of diamonds demonstrate this feature. The most common color is blue and in rare instances, some diamonds produce colors like yellow, white, or orange.



The grading scale for diamond fluorescence established by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is from “None” to “Very Strong”. This grading system tells how much a diamond looks in various settings or lighting environments.



Does Fluorescence Change a Diamond’s Look?


The answer is straightforward: Yes! The appearance of the stone can be significantly altered by diamond fluorescence without being dominant. Diamonds with lower color grades, such as J or K, may seem whiter in UV light due to blue fluorescence. Keep in mind that the price of a diamond increases with its whiteness according to the color grading standard. 


Therefore, this is a benefit if you desire a diamond that is brighter yet costs less. However, under some lighting circumstances, intense fluorescence can occasionally give the diamond a fuzzy appearance. Under normal lighting conditions, diamonds with faint to medium fluorescence often do not differ from those without fluorescence.



Is Fluorescence in Diamonds Good or Bad?


It truly comes down to personal taste. Given the specified color grading and fluorescence strength, diamond fluorescence may be advantageous or undesired. On lower-colored diamonds, blue fluorescence can make them appear whiter by counteracting their warm, yellowish hue. 





High-color diamonds with great fluorescence have a bluish hue that some people might not find as appealing. Fluorescence can be either positive or negative based on the buyer's preferences when purchasing a diamond.



Does Fluorescence Affect Diamond Value?


Fluorescence can have a positive or negative impact on diamond value. The price is not significantly affected by faint to medium fluorescence on its own. However, because bluish light can alter a diamond's original color, diamonds with extremely intense fluorescence may be worth less in high-color diamonds.


For low-color diamonds, flourescence can make it more appealing by making the stone whiter. This can increase the price a little bit but not too much as the color grading is still considered.



Pros and Cons of Buying a Diamond with Fluorescence



Pros


  1. Fluorescence can make low-color diamonds look whiter: Diamonds with J of K color can look whiter with blue fluorescence, making them appear colorless in natural light.
  2. Unique Appearance: Some people prefer that magical glow that fluorescence can make by giving the diamond brighter under UV light.
  3. Cost-effective: Diamonds with fluorescence are priced slightly lower because of their mixed influence on color grading, especially the high-color diamonds.



Cons


  1. Very strong fluorescence can make the diamond appear hazy: In some instances, diamonds with very strong fluorescence can make a diamond appear hazy or oily when subjected to some lighting.
  2. Others may find it not appealing: Diamonds without flourescence are mostly desired by some people and as a result, the resale value can be lower.



Tips for Choosing a Diamond with Fluorescence


Should you opt to buy a diamond with fluorescence, below are some of the tips to guide you to find that specific diamond that speaks to you:


  1. See the diamond physically: It is always recommended to see the stone in person and place it in natural light and UV light to find out if the glow will enhance the stone.
  2. Consider the diamond’s color: Remember that fluorescence can be an advantage when you are aiming for lower-color diamonds (J, K) yet may be less favored in high-color grades (D, E).
  3. Grading Report is a big help: If in doubt, you can always refer to the grading report of the diamond from a trusted lab such as GIA and check the fluorescence grading.
  4. Make budget your priority: It is always recommended that one stays on budget to make sure you do not go overboard when you see a diamond. Those with fluorescence always come at a lower cost but still have that edge factor you might be looking for.




Conclusion


When purchasing a diamond, one may ask if fluorescence is something to take into account. The response is, yes or no. Depending on the individual, some people find the distinctive glow produced by diamond fluorescence fascinating, while others like traditional stones devoid of fluorescence. You can think about purchasing a diamond with faint to medium fluorescence if you are trying to keep costs down. 


Ultimately, your preferences will determine how fluorescence impacts diamond value and how you choose to purchase. To witness real fluorescence in diamonds and help choose the ideal diamond stone for your wedding or engagement ring, you can visit a reputable jewelry store like Excel Jewellers.