Diamonds what is fluorescence

Did you know that some, but not all, diamonds show effects under ultraviolet light? For most people who purchase diamonds, fluorescence will be a non-issue, but some might be confused by the term. Below are commonly asked questions, and helpful answers from GIA researchers who have studied fluorescence in depth.

Diamond fluorescence, in its most simple form, is the effect that ultraviolet UV light has on a diamond. When you stand under a blue light or ultraviolet light, sometimes you can see your whites get brighter or your teeth appear to glow.

This is the same effect the diamond has under the UV rays. Fluorescence is the visible light that a diamond emits when it is exposed to the UV rays.

Because they already have so little color naturally, a higher fluorescence can cause the diamond to look hazy or oily. This would mean a diamond with a higher color grade might command less per carat due to its fluorescence.

Once the light source is removed, the diamond will stop fluorescing. Something to keep in mind though is that the brilliance of a diamond has more to do with how it is cut than how it fluoresces. Certain cuts are designed to attract and reflect light, which is what creates that sparkle.

And just like shopping for a diamond, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Ultimately, it comes down to what makes you happy. If you are considering a diamond with bluish fluorescence, take the time to look at it under different kinds of lighting, including natural daylight, and compare it to other diamonds of the same color.

Start your diamond buying journey today by making an appointment or calling our Baltimore store at ! Fortunately, there are lots of fun parts to it along the way — including finding your wedding band. Fluorescence is neither good nor bad. You may perceive fluorescence, or you may not.

You may like it, or you may not. If you are considering a diamond with bluish fluorescence, take the time to look at it under different kinds of lighting, including natural daylight, and compare it to other diamonds of the same color. See if you notice any difference. This beautiful brooch contains several diamonds that fluoresce under longwave UV illumination.

Perhaps diamond fluorescence sparks so much conversation because its effect is so subjective. Opinions range across the spectrum. You should love what you end up buying. Use of this site signifies your agreement to its terms of use. Do all diamonds fluoresce? Is there a diamond fluorescence grade? GIA is a nonprofit c 3 organization. All rights reserved.