Diamond Fluorescence
What Is Diamond Fluorescence?
Fluorescence is a natural phenomenon that occurs in certain minerals and gemstones. Some diamonds exhibit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, which is referred to as fluorescence. Under normal lighting conditions, a diamond’s fluorescence is usually not visible to the naked eye, but it will display a soft glow when held under UV light.
Do All Diamonds Fluoresce?
Not all diamonds fluoresce. If a diamond does not exhibit fluorescence, its grading report will indicate that it is "inert" or has "none."
What Are the Different Types of Diamond Fluorescence?
The intensity of fluorescence can vary, ranging from faint to medium, strong, or very strong.
Faint means the diamond emits a subtle glow, hard to detect under UV light.
Very Strong indicates that the diamond emits a prominent, clear glow under UV light.
The color of the fluorescence can also vary, with blue being the most common. Other colors such as yellow, green, and white may also appear in fluorescent diamonds.
How Does Fluorescence Affect a Diamond?
In general, fluorescence does not affect a diamond’s appearance under regular lighting. However, in some cases, strong blue fluorescence can make a yellow-tinted diamond appear whiter. In rare instances, a strong fluorescence can give the diamond a milky or oily appearance, which may detract from its visual appeal.