Diamond Fluorescence - A small distracter, a big debate
Author: Fred Pollard
It has been many years and the diamond industry has not had a clear answer regarding diamond fluorescence. Diamond consumers find themselves confused, as many experts insist that fluorescence in a diamond is a negative aspect, while others claim that it is a positive quality. But in terms of a value affecting parameter, in diamonds of high quality and high carat number, fluorescence normally has a significant negative effect on a diamond's price. In such cases, the more intense the fluorescence is, the more it will reduce the value of the diamond.
Diamond fluorescence is the blue color that is visible in a diamond when it is placed under a UV light. Some diamonds can emit such a glow under normal lighting as well, but fluorescence is usually detected under the special UV light. Diamond fluorescence is stated in diamond grading reports. It is known that fluorescence can have some effect on a diamond's color and hence cannot be overlooked by diamond grading experts. In high color graded diamonds (grades D to F), fluorescence might result in a diamond's milky appearance. In such cases fluorescence clearly has a negative effect, inhibiting the diamond's sparkle. In diamonds of low color grades (J to M), the same phenomenon can actually improve the diamond's color, making it seem whiter and offsetting its yellow hues.
The issue of diamond fluorescence has been discussed for many years by diamond industry's experts. In the beginning of the 90's some experts argued that fluorescence makes diamonds impure. It has been assumed that high color grade diamonds that do not emit a high level of fluorescence are more rare than those which have more fluorescent color, and that these are therefor more desirable. The negative impact of diamond fluorescence has also been acknowledged by Martin Rapaport, who regarded fluorescence as a price reducing parameter in the diamond Rapaport Price Index. Still, many experts insist that the effect of fluorescence on different diamonds is not uniform, and that it should not be considered a universally negative property.
In order to remove the fog away from diamond professionals and consumers' eyes, the GIA took an initiative and conducted an in depth study on the aesthetic perception of diamond fluorescence. Diamond consumers were asked to differentiate fluorescent diamonds from 'normal' ones. The researchers demonstrated that no clear distinction has been made, leading to the conclusion that fluorescence normally doesn't have a major effect on a diamond's color or sparkle. Since 1997, the year of this survey was conducted, fluorescence is no longer treated as distinct negative feature and every case is examined more separately.
For novice diamond consumers the fact that there's no clear solution concerning how to regard diamond fluorescence is rather disturbing and adds difficulties when one is trying to select a diamond for purchase. However, it can usually be assumed that if the fluorescence of a high quality diamond is minimal, it's relative value will be unaffected.About the Author:
Fred Pollard has a long experience in the diamond industry and advises companies about
Diamond Prices. Find out everything you need about diamond jewelry and
compare diamond prices through additional articles written by him.
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