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Diamond
Fluorescence
What exactly does the term
diamond 'Fluorescence' mean? Definition: A glow
which emanates from certain diamonds when exposed to ultraviolet light.
What causes this effect? It is caused by trace amounts of Boron in the
diamond. Fluorescence is
not usually desirable in a white diamond as it gives a hazy effect but it can
improve the appearance of diamonds that possess traces of some colors.
The most common fluorescent color is blue which can make yellowish
diamonds look white or colorless. When selecting a diamond it is best to
choose a diamond that ideally has no fluorescent color or is just
faintly or slightly fluorescent.
The Effect of
Diamond Fluorescence
What is the effect
of Diamond Fluorescence or glow? The diamond appears to change color -
like a white shirt in a discotheque. Faint or medium fluorescence will
rarely affect the color of a diamond but those with a high level may
appear cloudy, hazy or even oily, badly affecting the sparkle, and are
therefore less desirable. This is an extremely important factor to take
into consideration when buying diamonds from a jewelry store.
Can Diamond
Fluorescence be easily seen?
The Fluorescence of
diamonds is not usually noticed by the naked eye but as ultraviolet lighting
is frequently seen in dance clubs where the fluorescence, or glow,
becomes apparent in this type of environment. Jewelry stores also use
this type of lighting.
Impact of
Fluorescence on White Diamonds
This is
not usually desirable in white diamonds due to the hazy, oily or cloudy effect
it has. The scale or
grade for colorless diamonds goes from 'D' (meaning colorless - the most
expensive diamonds) to 'Z' (meaning dark
yellow - the cheapest). The most common fluorescent color is blue which
can mask yellowish diamonds so that they look white or colorless in the
lighting often used in jewelry shops. Extremely fluorescent diamonds can
usually be purchased for 30% less than diamonds that possess no or
slight fluorescence.
Diamond
Fluorescence Chart / Grading Reports
Many grading reports
confirm whether or not a diamond fluoresces, and if it does, the level
of the effect - none, faint, slight, moderate, strong or extreme. The
strength of fluorescence in diamonds is described in the following chart
by specific abbreviations:
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Diamond Fluorescence
Chart |
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Abbreviation |
Levels |
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N, NO, NON |
No
Fluorescence |
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F, FB, FT, FA |
Faint or Faint Blue Fluorescence |
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SL, SLB, SLT |
Slight Fluorescence |
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M, MO, ME, MD |
Medium or Moderate Fluorescence |
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S, ST, STB, STG |
Strong Fluorescence |
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E, EX, EXB, EF |
Extreme
Fluorescence |
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Chart |
Fluorescence and Fancy Colored Diamonds
Although fluorescence is
not usually desirable in a white diamond strong fluorescence can
actually improve the appearance of diamonds that possess
traces of color and do not follow the rules described
above. Fancy
Colored Diamonds are extremely rare and very
expensive.
Facts - Information -
Precious - Stone - Guide - Color - Facts - Information -Info - Jewelry -
Jewellery
Chart - Grading Reports - Jewel - Gem - Gemstone
Diamond Fluorescence
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