Most people shopping for diamonds have heard of the 4 C’s to consider when looking to buy a diamond.
- Color
- Clarity
- Cut
- Carat Weight
These are the characteristics shoppers and dealers look for when purchasing a diamond. Diamonds that have been certified and graded by G.I.A. will have this information on the certificate, but there is another characteristic that 25 to 35% of all natural diamonds exhibit and has become more crucial in determining the values especially over the last 15 years or so. Fluorescence is something that isn’t always apparent to the unaided eye, but can instantly be seen under a Blacklight source. While it is not a grade, it is an identifying marker/factor that will range from:
- None
- Faint
- Medium
- Strong
- Very Strong
See the G.I.A. picture for some examples of varying degrees of fluorescence in the same diamonds in daylight and under UV Black Light.
Some dealers will instantly discount a diamond with fluorescence, while others believe and recognize that fluorescence in lower grade color diamonds from I to M can actually enhance the diamond to appear as if it is a whiter higher grade color. The opposite is true when higher grade color diamonds such as D to H with Blue fluorescence will cause a diamond to look hazy, cloudy and oily especially if it is strong blue in intensity. These diamonds will usually be discounted even if the color and clarity are high.
Like art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the effect of fluorescence will vary from diamond to diamond. But it is a factor to consider when buying or selling a diamond. We buy & sell G.I.A. graded diamonds.