What is diamond fluorescence?
A diamond's cut and shape play a pivotal role in determining its sparkle, as emphasized in our previous guide to diamond shapes at ELGA. The allure of dazzling diamonds is irresistible. Yet, have you ever considered the intriguing phenomenon of diamond fluorescence and its impact on a diamond's glow? Diamond fluorescence occurs when minuscule impurities cause a diamond to luminesce or glow under ultraviolet (UV) light.
Now, you might be recalling the last time you were at a club with UV lights, where boy bands with questionable highlights dominated the top 40. We understand.
what does diamond fluorescence mean when purchasing a lab-grown diamond from ELGA? Does it affect the price or the visual appearance? And should you actively consider or avoid diamond fluorescence?
In this guide to diamond fluorescence, we'll address common questions and provide insights into whether diamond fluorescence is considered beneficial, detrimental, or somewhere in between for your diamonds from ELGA.
Do all diamonds fluoresce?
No, not all diamonds fluoresce. According to the gemological institute of America (GIA), 25 to 35 percent of all diamonds, both natural and lab-grown, exhibit some level of fluorescence. Simulated diamonds (like cubic zirconia) can too.
Does diamond fluorescence affect lab-grown diamonds?
There are common misconceptions surrounding the distinction between lab-grown and natural diamonds. Some individuals erroneously believe that fluorescence is a definitive indicator of a natural diamond, but this is a myth. Lab-grown diamonds can also exhibit fluorescence. Moreover, not all natural diamonds fluoresce under a UV lamp, and some diamond simulants, like cubic zirconia, can also fluoresce.
At ELGA, our lab-grown diamonds fluoresce with an orange hue. The consistent fluorescence color is a result of using the CVD method for growing our diamonds, which contributes to exceptional clarity in our diamonds.
Can you see diamond fluorescence with a naked eye?
You cannot see diamond fluorescence with your naked eye. But, as it turns out, there are limited places and scenarios where you’ll see a diamond glow—and they require UV or black light to be present. So unless you’re worried about what your diamond looks like in tanning beds or at dance clubs, diamond glow isn’t something to worry about.
If you do purchase a diamond with a level of fluorescence, it will never be visible to the naked eye.
Does diamond fluorescence impact cost or quality?
There isn’t a clear-cut answer since many jewelers don’t agree on the correlation between diamond fluorescence and cost. One camp feels like fluorescence can affect a diamond’s transparency by leaving the stone with a hazy or milky appearance. On the other side, there are jewelers and gemologists who believe that fluorescence acts as a mask for diamonds with a faint or very light yellow coloring.
When it comes to durability, fluorescence doesn’t impact the structural integrity of the stone. Diamonds are the hardest natural material on the planet.
Diamond fluorescence and the 4c’s
While diamond fluorescence is not included in the traditional 4C's (cut, color, clarity, and carat), it has its own grading scale with five levels: faint, medium, strong, and very strong. However, when considering the overall appearance of a diamond, cut and color, which are integral components of the 4C's, often take precedence over fluorescence.
Diamond color, which measures the lack of color in a diamond, is a critical factor. Every white lab-grown diamond under name of ELGA Superior stones are graded as 'colorless D,E , Representing the highest grades a stone can achieve.
Diamond cut, not to be confused with the shape of the diamond, determines its brilliance and how well its facets interact with light, contributing to its sparkle.
The cut grade assesses how perfectly the stone has been cut into its shape. Every lab-grown diamond from ELGA has been measured as at least "Excellent" ensuring exceptional brilliance and fire. The production process is designed to grow stones to the optimal size and shape for cutting, maximizing the sparkle each stone can offer.
