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 on buying a diamond, people have to consider many different factors. Besides familiar evaluation standards such...
What is Fluorescence? Does it affect the value of a diamond? Before deciding to spend money on buying a diamond, people 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 it more clearly.
What is Fluorescence?
Fluorescence is the phenomenon in which a substance absorbs energy from electromagnetic radiation (usually ultraviolet rays - UV) and immediately emits light at a longer wavelength.
In the field of diamonds, this is a natural characteristic found in about 25% - 35% of crystals. When exposed to UV 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 the ground state.
- Cause: Due to the presence of impurities such as nitrogen or boron in the crystal structure during the formation process over millions of years underground.
- Color: The most common color is blue (Blue), accounting for more than 95%. In addition, a few rare cases may emit yellow, white, or green.
- Distinction: It should be noted that fluorescence stops immediately when the UV source is removed, unlike phosphorescence, which continues to glow afterward.
Fluorescence is the phenomenon in which a substance absorbs energy from electromagnetic radiation (usually ultraviolet rays - UV) and immediately emits light at a longer wavelength.
Fluorescence grading scales divided by GIA
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies diamond fluorescence into 5 specific levels so buyers can easily identify them:
- None (None): No reaction under UV light.
- Faint (Weak): Very slight brightness, difficult to notice.
- Medium (Medium): The color can be clearly seen under a specialized UV lamp.
- Strong (Strong): The emitted light is clearly visible and may affect color perception.
- Very Strong (Very strong): A brilliant glow, sometimes changing the stone’s appearance.
One special thing is that fluorescence is often difficult to detect with the naked eye when viewed directly from above under normal office lighting, but it is a "double-edged sword" for the beauty of the diamond.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies diamond fluorescence into 5 specific levels so buyers can easily identify them
See more: How Much Does a 6.5 mm Diamond Cost Now?
Does fluorescence affect the value of a diamond?
In fact, diamond fluorescence does not greatly affect the value of a diamond. Diamonds are usually valued based on the 4Cs standard including the main factors: color, clarity, carat weight, and cutting technique. Because the effects it causes are usually very small. Sometimes it even becomes a double-edged sword that reduces the value of the diamond.
For example: For diamonds in the D to H group with clarity ranging from IF to VS, if they fluoresce, it will reduce the value of the diamond. The selling price may decrease from 3% to 15%, depending on the fluorescence level. On the contrary, for diamonds in lower subgroups, blue fluorescence increases their value. Usually, the selling price will be 2% to 5% higher.
See more: Revealed: which diamond color grade should you buy for the best beauty?
In general, most customers rarely pay attention to the fluorescence factor of a diamond. They often care about the carat weight, color, or clarity of the diamond. However, for some meticulous and knowledgeable buyers, they will consider fluorescence when buying a diamond. Because it also affects, to some extent, the perfection that a diamond brings.
In fact, diamond fluorescence does not greatly affect the value of a diamond
Diamond prices always fluctuate according to the international market and the 4Cs standards. To make the smartest and most accurate purchasing decision, you can follow the continuously updated daily GIA diamond price list at Jemmia.
Through the sharing in the article above, surely now you already know what Fluorescence is? At the same time, you have gained more useful new knowledge about diamonds. If you have a need to find quality diamond jewelry products. Explore more diamond knowledge at Jemmia, or contact the hotline for consultation and preferential quotes.
