One of the most important features of diamonds is its fluorescence. Actually, every diamond contains fluorescence emitting particles that tend to exhibit blue colored flashes when kept under a UV light source. However, the proportion of these fluorescence emitting materials in each diamond tend to differ from each other making each stone distinct. Note that this factor usually will not affect the beauty as well as the sparkle of diamonds.
Plus, the fluorescence of a diamond can create some slight or lower color tints and inclusions making them white. Furthermore, if the fluorescence content in a diamond is extremely high, it can make the stones look hazy or milky white. As a result, fluorescent diamonds are cheaper when compared to their non-fluorescent counterparts and you are likely to get good deals on the former option that does not show off. Hence, it is better to shop for fluorescent diamonds with a trivial sign of the effect in order to get the best value for your money. In order to get some in-depth details regarding the same, you may refer to points given below.
Diamond Fluorescence
Diamond fluorescence is one of the most debated topics over the recent years, especially regarding the impact of this effect on the appeal as well as the value of diamonds. It is to be noted that the submicroscopic structures in some diamonds tend to emit fluorescence or visible flashes of blue color when exposed to a higher concentration UV light source. Since the diamond fluorescence tends to differ in each stone, it is usually considered as an identifying characteristic when it comes to laboratory diamond grading reports. However, people or diamond sellers usually see it as a pricing characteristic rather than an identification factor.
On a related note, colorless or nearly colorless diamonds with fluorescence are relatively affordable or cheap when compared to its non-fluorescent counterparts. This is because of the concept that the effects possess negative impact on the beauty of these diamonds. The cushion diamond cut is more vulnerable to fluorescence and hence, you are likely to get fluorescent cushion cut diamond engagement rings at cheap rates. However, this topic is still debatable since there are many people who think that diamond fluorescence does not have any visible impact on the diamond. Some buyers, as well as diamond sellers even, claim that the diamond fluorescence enhances the overall beauty of diamonds.
Some of the theories and factors that contribute to the negative image of fluorescent diamonds are listed below.
- Diamonds with strong fluorescent structures tend to look milky or opaque that will ultimately affect the brilliance as well as the clarity of diamonds
- Fluorescent diamonds are less pure when compared to the non-fluorescent ones
- GIA grading reports tend to assign better clarity grades to fluorescent diamond since the professionals in the lab tend to inspect the diamond under light sources that emit a small amount of ultraviolet radiation.
On the other hand, the factors and concepts that add to the beauty, as well as the value of fluorescent diamonds, are listed below.
- Not every location or place employ UV light source and hence, grading such diamonds in realistic lighting is desirable rather than under UV lighting.
- It will be really challenging to spot a fluorescent diamond that looks hazy or milky
- Fluorescence of diamonds can sometimes boost up its overall color making it visually appealing to naked eyes.
- Diamonds with extreme fluorescent materials tend to enhance the overall fire when viewed from the top angle in comparison with its non-fluorescent counterparts.
- The effect offers an appealing ice effect to gemstones making it even impressive and notable. One of the best examples for this is the cushion cut solitaire engagement rings.
Why Diamonds Exhibit Fluorescence
It is a known fact that diamonds are formed under immense pressure and heat below the earth surface. In fact, these crystallized carbons are actually found around 125 miles below the earth surface, particularly at the sites of ancient or active volcanoes. A diamond tends to exhibit fluorescence properties if there are some traces of boron minerals present in the stone. Usually, some diamonds tend to trap boron atoms during its formation, but it is really rare. Furthermore, it is not necessary that fluorescent diamonds always exhibit blue color; it can emit many other colors as well such as yellow, white, green and orange.
According to many studies conducted in the field, half of the total diamonds mined in the world tend to exhibit fluorescent characteristics under certain conditions, especially a strong UV light source. As many people think, it is not necessary for the fluorescence strength of diamonds to correlate with its color or clarity grades. In fact, it is absolutely possible for diamonds with extremely different color and clarity grades to exhibit the same fluorescence. If you are wondering whether or not to buy fluorescent diamonds, it is totally up to your personal preference. Usually, fluorescence can add to the color appeal of diamonds or it can be hardly noticeable. In some rare cases, it can be, however, look hazy or milky. Hence, it is better to consult a credible diamond expert before making your purchase.