What Is Diamond Fluorescence and Does It Matter When Buying a Diamond?

Whenever a person goes to buy a diamond, they need to have a good understanding of the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. This very much makes the shape of a diamond. Another factor that can change the shape of a diamond is diamond fluorescence.

A diamond's reaction to light is known as fluorescence. There are gems that shine. Others may light in other hues or not at all.

So, is fluorescence beneficial or a negative factor? The solution is not simple. The diamond is a major component. The intensity of the fluorescence also has a role. Making a decision is aided by knowledge of it. It keeps you from having to pay more for a feature that you might not even be aware of.

What is Diamond Fluorescence?

It’s the glow that a diamond can give off when it’s hit by UV light. Blue is the common color but some diamonds can glow yellow, green or even other colors.

You won’t usually see this glow under indoor lighting. It shows up when there’s a strong UV light source, like a black light.

Fluorescence is a thing. It comes from bits of minerals or elements inside the diamond. It doesn’t mean the diamond is fake or broken. It’s another part of what makes each diamond unique.

How Does the Diamond Fluorescence Scale Work?

Gem laboratories use the diamond fluorescence scale to describe how strong the fluorescence looks. It is generally listed as none, medium, strong or very strong. The grade shows the intensity of the reaction when exposed to light, not whether the diamond is automatically better or worse.

A diamond with no fluorescence does not glow when tested. A faint diamond fluorescence reaction is weak while strong and very strong reactions are much easier to notice under light.

The important thing to remember is that fluorescence is different from diamond color. A diamond's color grade shows its body color while fluorescence shows its reaction to light.

Does Fluorescence Change How a Diamond Looks?

Sometimes, yes.

Most diamonds with fluorescence look just fine in daylight. How the fluorescence shows up can change a lot depending on the diamond’s color, clarity and cut. It also depends on how strong the fluorescence is. In some cases, blue fluorescence can make a diamond that has a tone appear slightly whiter under certain lights. On the other hand, very strong fluorescence might give a diamond a hazy or oily appearance but this doesn’t happen to all diamonds. That’s why it’s always better to see the diamond in person instead of making a decision based only on the fluorescence grade. Each stone is different.

Is Fluorescence Diamond a Good Thing?

A fluorescence diamond can actually be a choice. Fluorescence isn’t a quality grade like cut or clarity. For some people, faint or medium fluorescence is perfectly fine. Can even make a diamond look warmer and more appealing in some lights. Some people might like a diamond with no fluorescence because they want a look that stays the same and is easy to predict. The truth is, there's no answer. What works best depends on the diamond.

What About a Strong Fluorescence Diamond?

It is crucial to examine a fluorescence diamond closely before you choose one. A fluorescent diamond, with fluorescence may not always look hazy. Many fluorescence diamonds continue to shine and have a striking appearance.

That said some can develop a hazy or milky appearance, especially under certain lighting conditions. The best way to know for sure is to view the diamond in different lighting environments. If possible compare it side by side with a diamond that has little or no fluorescence. Compared to depending just on the fluorescence grade, this practical method provides a more accurate image.

Do Strongly Fluorescent Diamonds Need to Be Avoided?

Not always.

You can miss out on a diamond that gives good value if you avoid all diamonds that have fluorescence. The important thing is whether the diamond is clean, shiny and looks nice to you. Price can also matter.

Does Fluorescence Affect Diamond Value?

It can.

Fluorescence can affect the market value and price of a diamond. How much it affects depends on several things. Color grade, cut quality, clarity, carat weight, fluorescence strength and the overall look of the diamond all play a role.

For some diamonds, fluorescence does not make a difference in what you see. For diamonds, especially those with stronger fluorescence and certain color grades it can have a bigger effect on the price.

This is another reason to look at all the details of a diamond, not just one part.

Where Can You Get Help Choosing a Diamond?

Fluorescence can affect the market value and price of a diamond. How much it affects depends on things. You can get the best advice and diamonds from Martin Jewelers, a brand one can trust. Our customer service will patiently answer all of your inquiries, clear your doubts, and offer you the best discounts too. For diamonds with stronger fluorescence and certain color grades it can have a bigger effect on the price.

This is another reason to look at all the details of a diamond, not one part.

The Bottom Line

Diamond fluorescence is simply how a diamond reacts when it is exposed to UV light.  It can vary from none to strong and blue is the most common color of fluorescence in diamonds. Does it matter? Yes, but fluorescence should not be the factor you consider.

A diamond with fluorescence can still be beautiful, bright and valuable and even a strong fluorescence diamond should not be rejected without looking at the stone; focus first on overall appearance, cut quality, color, clarity and price then use diamond fluorescence as an additional detail to help you make your final choice.