The tendency of glowing soft when subjected to UV light is called Fluorescence. This fluorescence stands as a shade in the diamond and forms an obstacle for light to pass inside the diamond. Around 30% of the world diamonds have fluorescence. The percentage can vary from mine to mine.
At the time of diamond formation, carbon elements have been replaced by different elements like nitrogen, boron, etc which creates a shade of colors and make the diamond look soft.
How to identify fluorescence?
We can identify fluorescence with our naked eye especially if they are blue but it is difficult. Many types of machines are available in the market which will ensure you estimate the right fluorescence and very easy to use. These machines price range from 40 to 350$.
Fluorescence colors?
There are wide varieties of fluorescence colors- blue, yellow, green, white, red, etc. Most common of them is blue.
Fluorescence types?
Fluorescence is graded as below:
- None
- Faint
- Medium
- Strong
- Very strong
They are graded depending on the intensity of fluorescence. You just need to put the stone in the machine and identify the grade. Today advanced machines have come into place which displays a number for fluorescence and we can confirm the grade easily.
1. None:
0 or negligible traces of fluorescence in diamond. When you put the diamond in the machine you will immediately see no traces of any color.
2. Faint:
Low traces of fluorescence in diamond. When you put the diamond in the machine you will see small color of fluorescence.
3. Medium:
50% of stone will show fluorescence colors in diamond.
4. Strong:
Full stone will show fluorescence colors in diamond
5. Very strong:
Full stone will show fluorescence colors in diamond and will glow heavily compared to strong
Image above gives you a clear idea for the difference between none and strong graded diamond in a real time
How does fluorescence influence diamond price value?
Fluorescence diamond will not reflect the right color to the naked eye. The higher is fluorescence grade, the better white and hazy the diamond looks. Also not all strong fluorescence will give the same impact on the color. Blue color fluorescence will make the diamond look more white whereas yellow color fluorescence will look less white as per many experts.
Example: If the color of the diamond is H then strong fluorescence diamond will look F or G or H or I or J. Most of the times it will look F or G. Now the retailer will sell you the diamond for F or G and if you do not have knowledge of fluorescence then you will buy the diamond at a higher price instead you should have bought it for H color.
The consumer who have knowledge of diamonds will not trust the color if it is having strong fluorescence even if it is laboratory graded. Definitely consumer will not buy the diamond with same price of diamond having no fluorescence. The retailer will end up selling the diamond with a discount. This is how fluorescence make an impact on diamond price. Most of the the fluorescence diamonds are sold at a higher discount
Is fluorescence good or bad?
Imagine you entered into a pub or disco with many different lights playing around and you are wearing a diamond ring. Your diamond will encounter UV light and will turn hazy blue(or any other fluorescent color) color and will not sparkle. Later when diamond move away from UV light then will turn back to regular white color then sparkle again.
Do you like blue color and no sparkle? Then yes it is good for you to buy and price in retail shop is also low
Did not like because it did not sparkle? Then yes it is not good for you to buy
Regular consumers today do not like fluorescence for the above reason but trend is changing slowly. Few consumers are willing to buy at a higher price which have strong fluorescence. Its totally up to you and above are things you should know
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