What is Fluorescence? Does Fluorescence Affect Diamond Prices?
Key Takeaways
- What is fluorescence? Does it affect the value of a diamond? Before deciding to spend money to buy a diamond, people will have to consider many different factors. Besides familiar evaluation standards...
What is fluorescence? Does it affect the value of a diamond? Before deciding to spend money to buy a diamond, people will have to consider many different factors. Besides familiar evaluation standards such as: carat weight, cut, clarity,... Sometimes you will hear the term Fluorescence. Follow the article below from Jemmia to understand more.
What is Fluorescence?
Fluorescence is the phenomenon where a substance absorbs energy from electromagnetic radiation (usually ultraviolet - UV rays) and immediately emits light at a longer wavelength.
In the field of diamonds, this is a natural characteristic that appears in about 25% - 35% of crystals. When exposed to UV light sources (such as sunlight or fluorescent lamps), electrons in the diamond structure are excited by high energy, then quickly re-emit lower energy light when returning to their ground state.
- Cause: Due to the presence of impurities such as nitrogen or boron in the crystal structure during millions of years of formation underground.
- Color: The most common color is blue, accounting for over 95%. In addition, a few rare cases can emit yellow, white, or green light.
- Distinction: It should be noted that fluorescence will stop as soon as the UV source is removed, unlike phosphorescence which continues to glow afterwards.
Fluorescence is the phenomenon where a substance absorbs energy from electromagnetic radiation (usually ultraviolet - UV rays) and immediately emits light at a longer wavelength.
Fluorescence Grades Divided by GIA
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) divides diamond fluorescence into 5 specific levels for buyers to easily identify:
- None: No reaction under UV light.
- Faint: Very faint glow, difficult to discern.
- Medium: The color can be clearly seen under a specialized UV light.
- Strong: The emitted light is distinct, which can affect the color perception.
- Very Strong: Brilliant light, sometimes altering the appearance of the stone.
A special note is that fluorescence is often difficult to detect with the naked eye when looking directly from top to bottom under normal office lighting, but it is a "double-edged sword" for the beauty of a diamond.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) divides diamond fluorescence into 5 specific levels for buyers to easily identify
See more: What is the Price of a 6.5mm Diamond Today?
Does Fluorescence Affect the Value of a Diamond?
In reality, diamond fluorescence does not significantly affect the value of a diamond. Diamonds are typically valued based on the 4Cs standard, including the main factors: color, clarity, carat weight, and cut. This is because its effects are usually very small. Sometimes it can even be a double-edged sword, reducing the diamond's value.
For example: For diamonds in the D to H color range with IF to VS clarity, if they exhibit fluorescence, it will reduce the diamond's value. The selling price can decrease from 3% to 15%, depending on the degree of fluorescence. Conversely, for diamonds in lower color grades, the emission of blue fluorescence can increase their value. The selling price is usually 2% to 5% higher.
See more: Revealing Which Diamond Color is the Most Beautiful to Buy?
Generally, most customers rarely pay attention to the fluorescence of a diamond. They are more concerned with the carat weight, color, or clarity of the diamond. However, some meticulous and knowledgeable individuals will consider fluorescence when buying diamonds, as it does have some impact on the perfection that diamonds bring.
In reality, diamond fluorescence does not significantly affect the value of a diamond
Diamond prices always fluctuate according to international markets and the 4Cs standards. To make the smartest and most accurate purchasing decision, you can follow the GIA diamond price list which is updated daily at Jemmia.
Through the sharing in this article, you must now know what Fluorescence is? At the same time, you have gained new useful knowledge about diamonds. If you are looking to buy quality diamond jewelry, refer to more diamond knowledge at Jemmia, or contact the hotline for consultation and preferential pricing.
