What Is Diamond Fluorescence?
Key Takeaways
- The fluorescence of a diamond is a diamond valuation factor that few people know about. It is the phenomenon of luminescence when the surface of a diamond is exposed to ultraviolet rays....
The fluorescence of a diamond is a diamond valuation factor that few people know about. It is the phenomenon of luminescence when the surface of a diamond is exposed to ultraviolet rays. Let’s learn more about diamond fluorescence in the article below.
Learn what diamond fluorescence is
Fluorescence is the ability of a diamond to emit colored light (most commonly blue) when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This phenomenon can only be observed under strong sunlight or specialized UV lamps and will disappear immediately when the ultraviolet source is no longer present.
In fact, about 25 - 35% of natural diamonds possess this characteristic. The cause comes from the presence of trace elements such as Nitrogen, Boron, or Aluminum in the crystal structure. Although it does not change the physical durability, it can directly affect the visual perception of color and the economic value of the stone.
Fluorescence is the ability of a diamond to emit colored light (most commonly blue) when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Diamond fluorescence levels
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies fluorescence based on the intensity of emitted light into 5 main levels:
- None (None): The diamond does not react to UV rays at all.
- Faint (Faint): The emitted light is very slight and difficult to detect without specialized equipment.
- Medium (Medium): Clearly fluorescent but does not yet change the stone’s appearance.
- Strong (Strong): The emitted light is strong and can be noticed with the naked eye under intense sunlight.
- Very Strong (Very Strong): Extremely high fluorescence intensity, sometimes causing side effects for the stone.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies fluorescence based on the intensity of emitted light into 5 main levels
The impact of fluorescence on diamond value
Fluorescence is likened to a "double-edged sword"; it can enhance beauty or reduce the value of a diamond depending on its color grade (Color).
Lower color grade diamonds (I, J, K...): Blue fluorescence (Medium to Strong) often increases value. This is because blue is the complementary color of pale yellow, helping the diamond appear whiter and purer than it actually is.
High-end diamonds (D, E, F): Fluorescence is often considered a flaw and can reduce value by 5 - 15%. In particular, the "Very Strong" level can cause a Milky effect (cloudiness) or haziness, diminishing the diamond’s inherent transparency.
Fluorescence is likened to a "double-edged sword"; it can enhance beauty or reduce the value of a diamond depending on its color grade (Color).
Do diamonds glow in the dark?
Diamonds do not glow in the dark. In fact, diamonds cannot absorb light. They only refract light on their surfaces when light shines on them. Therefore, in a dark environment or without light, they cannot fluoresce.
During the day, under sunlight, diamonds will sparkle brilliantly. At night, when there is no light, diamonds are no different from other gemstones. Only objects capable of absorbing light in a dark environment can glow.
See more: Which is harder, ruby or diamond?
If you want to see diamonds sparkle at night, you need to provide a suitable light source. Light rays from lamps shining onto the facets of a diamond will be reflected in the opposite direction. That is also why you see diamonds sparkling during the day.
Diamonds do not glow in the dark; in fact, diamonds cannot absorb light
Hopefully the sharing above about diamond fluorescence will help you gain more new knowledge about this gemstone. If you are still hesitating and do not know where to find a reputable diamond jewelry seller, do not forget to visit Jemmia Diamond.
We hope the information above from Jemmia Diamond has helped you better understand fluorescence and have the standards to choose the most satisfactory diamond. If you are looking for internationally standard diamonds with optimal specifications, do not hesitate to contact us for in-depth consultation.
