Diamond Fluorescence: Is It a Good Thing?

There are many different factors you should take into account when purchasing a diamond. After all, this is how you can end up with superb diamond quality. That said, one of the very important factors you should consider has everything to do with diamond fluorescence. Ignoring this particular aspect of the diamond can lead to a rather costly mistake. 

What Is Diamond Fluorescence?

Essentially, diamond fluorescence is the diamond glow that’s visible when you place them under blacklight (UV light). In general, around 30% of diamonds tend to glow more or less. Once they’re put under the UV light, they glow in different colors. More often than not, this particular fluorescent color is blue, but there’s a possibility of other colors showing up as well, including red, green, white, and yellow.

There are 5 diamond fluorescence grades: 

1. None: complete lack of fluorescence
2. Faint: the slight amount of fluorescence that doesn’t affect the way diamond appears
3. Medium: some fluorescence is present and, as a result, may affect the brightness and color of the stone
4. Strong: there’s a higher level of fluorescence which will affect the appearance of the diamond
5. Very Strong: solid fluorescence is present which will considerably change the color and appearance of the diamond

Fluorescence varies from diamond to diamond. In some instances, it can actually improve the color of the diamond, while in others, it can make the diamond hazy. 

Is Diamond Fluorescence Good or Bad?

There’s no Yes or No answer to this question. Basically, fluorescents in diamonds can be either good or bad, depending on whether its glow makes the diamond clearer or hazier. For example, slight or faint blue fluorescence in diamonds may be the ideal level of glow as it prevents the cloudy diamond look and can even make it appear whiter. On the other hand, when fluorescence clouds the diamonds and makes them look hazy, the actual stone is not clear and bright as preferred. This automatically reduces the beauty and value of the diamond.

If you’re wondering about the bad fluorescent effects on diamonds, consider the following examples:

• Strong and Very Strong Fluorescence: even though you might think that stronger fluorescence is better, the fact is that such high grade only tends to make the stone hazy and cloudy.
• Medium Blue Fluorescence with G+ Color Grade: more often than not, these diamonds tend to be hazy and milky.
• Colorless Range Diamonds (D-F Color Grade): these diamonds don’t typically benefit from fluorescence at all and they’re generally less valuable.

So, Why Does Diamond Fluorescence Matter?

With everything that’s been said, you might be under the impression that diamond fluorescence doesn’t matter at all! After all, you probably don’t plan to spend time under backlights for the glow to affect the look of your stone. But there’s more to it than that. 

In the end, you don’t have to find yourself under blacklights for your diamond to glow differently. The fluorescent level of the stone will also affect how your diamond looks in regular lighting, too. Not to mention that UV lights also include natural sunlight. Therefore, fluorescent characteristics should still be an important factor when you’re choosing a diamond for purchase.

Fluorescence Could Improve Diamond Color

Whatever may be said about diamond fluorescence, one thing is true – it usually improves the color of the diamond. 

Essentially, if you’re set on purchasing one that has an H or lower color grade, you could benefit from picking out the one that has medium blue fluorescence, for example. Basically, the lower you go in color grades, the less likely will the diamond appear to be hazy or cloudy with higher fluorescent levels. That said, even though strong fluorescence seems to be problematic, a J-grade color diamond might benefit from it quite nicely.

Also, if the diamond has a yellowish tint to it, medium blue fluorescence might be the ideal combo because it will make the stone appear whiter. Furthermore, diamonds that have fluorescent properties tend to shine and sparkle more compared to those that don’t.

6 Things You Should Know About Diamond Fluorescence

As mentioned, only about 30% of diamonds have a fluorescent quality to them. In that respect, you might not even have to take this particular property into account when choosing a diamond to purchase. However, if you do happen upon a diamond with this property, it’s important to know the following:

1. In the end, it’s up to you and your preference to make a decision about whether the fluorescence in a diamond is a good or bad thing to you.
2. It’s also true that fluorescence often tends to improve the overall diamond color.
3. Even if the diamond has strong blue fluorescence, it’s not written in stone that the said diamond will be affected negatively by it.
4. Faint diamond fluorescence may be the ideal middle ground as it allows you to save money on the diamond purchase and get the brilliance effect at the same time.
5. Make sure that you address the seller’s return policy when you’re buying a diamond and only put trust in renowned and reputable retailers such as Santayana Jewelers.
6. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller to show you the diamond under blacklight and regular lighting, and maybe even ask them to accompany you outside to check the diamond’s appearance in daylight.

How to Go About Diamond Fluorescence

Among the factors you need to consider when buying a diamond, its fluorescence is still a widely misunderstood concept. As mentioned, the fluorescent properties of the diamond refer to the stone’s glow that appears under the UV light. Once under this light, exhibiting blue color can actually make the diamond’s color stronger. 

Still, no one can suggest you to just go to the store and ask for medium blue fluorescence for a color grade G or higher diamond. It might be rare, but even this fluorescence could make the stone appear hazy or milky on occasion.

It would be ideal to purchase diamonds in person as this will allow you to check and inspect the diamond, its appearance, color, and fluorescence yourself. What’s more, you can ask the retailer to help you right there and then. In case you’re interested in purchasing one online, make it a point to contact the retailer and ask them as many questions that could help you with making the final decision as possible. You might even ask for additional pictures.

If you’re looking for top-quality diamonds store in Coral Gables, as well as beautiful fine jewelry with unique design and timeless style, don’t hesitate to check out Santayana Jewelers. You can visit our jewelry online store as well as our store locations in Miami and Coral Gables. Some of our signature designs include Interchangeable Necklaces, Cuban Coin Collection (shown online as Crests), Palmar Collection, and the Cuban Bead Charms for Pandora-style bracelets, to name a few. With these very recognizable and striking designs, you’re bound to have people stop you in the street to marvel at your bling or even compare the pieces with their own! Feel free to contact us at Santayana Jewelers if you have any questions or comments.