Diamond Fluorescence

Subject: Diamond Fluorescence Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:08 pm

Diamond Fluorescence
Electrons emit fluorescent light when an ultraviolet or x-ray light is focused on a diamond. Most diamonds have a fluorescence rating of none. Only about one third of all diamonds have fluorescence at all. The strength of the fluorescence can vary from faint to very strong. Although the color of the fluorescence can vary the most common color is blue. Blue fluorescence makes diamonds with a yellowish tint appear to be white since yellow is the complimentary color to blue.
Diamonds that have a strong fluorescence may appear cloudy. The appearance of this diamond varies according to the lighting conditions. In direct light it may look milky and blue. But in indirect sunlight the stone may sparkle brilliantly. Medium fluorescence in a diamond may appear as a bluish tint and does not affect the fire of the diamond. A milky appearance due to fluorescence is much rarer. A diamond that has very strong or extremely strong fluorescence should be compared with a stone without fluorescence side by side or with a UV filter.

In the past fluorescent diamonds in the upper colors (colorless and nearly colorless) were in demand and known as “blue-white”. Because retailers used the term incorrectly, its use was curtailed by the U.S. Trade laws. Most diamonds are darker in appearance when viewed under direct sunlight. Fluorescent diamonds in direct sunlight may have a blue tinge. More rare colors can fluoresce a diamond are orange or yellow. If the color and fluorescence of a stone match, for example when the fluorescence is yellow and the diamond is a yellow color, it will intensify the color.

Fluorescent diamonds are discounted but it may be just because consumers do not understand these diamonds. In the process of grading diamonds a very small amount of ultra violet light is emitted so it might upgrade the diamond to a better grade if it contains fluorescence.

Although some jewelers do not favor fluorescent diamonds, it probably won’t affect the sparkle of the diamond. It may it even may make warmer colored diamonds appear more colorless. Some consumers prefer the look of a diamond with fluorescence.

When purchasing a diamond each diamond should be examined individually. This is especially true with a fluorescent diamond since its presence can range from very noticeable and affect the brilliance of the stone to a very faint presence which might only be noticed under a black light.

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