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Fluorescence? It's Just a Matter of Taste! |
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| Much has been written about fluorescence in a diamond. There are countless articles that state many differing facts about whether fluorescence is a good or bad thing. At My Diamonds we realise that these differing opinions can be very confusing to you, the diamond purchaser. We believe that it is the taste of the purchaser that determines the popularity of a diamond. |
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| What is Fluorescence? |
| Observation of Fluorescence. Fluorescence is the 'emission of visible light by a material such as a diamond when it is stimulated by higher-energy X-rays, ultraviolet radiation, or other forms of radiation. Fluorescence continues only as long as the material is exposed to radiation' Liddicoat, 1993, p.91. |
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| Well, that's the text book explanation and it does explain how fluorescence is detected when examined under ultraviolet light. The simple explanation is to say that some diamonds emit a blue colour under certain lighting conditions, like UV light. |
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| Graded as Fluorescent |
| All diamonds are graded under the GIA Grading Standard. Every diamond receives a unique Grading Standard Report or Dossier that is unique to each diamond. It ensures that you, the purchaser, know exactly what you are buying in terms of the 4C's
(see article) Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat Weight. When GIA assesses colour it will carry out tests to determine whether the diamond is colourless, near colourless, faint, very light and light. The scale ranges from D – Z. On a GIA grading report, you will find the heading additional Grading Information. Under this heading will be Clarity, Characteristics, Finish, which includes polish and symmetry and then Fluorescence. |
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| Can Fluorescence Be Seen with the Naked Eye |
| Generally, fluorescence cannot be seen with the naked eye. But because we live in a world where UV lighting has become commonplace, the effects in a diamond can be seen by the naked eye. For example, many stores use this kind of lighting, or nightclubs where UV is a very popular lighting effect |
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| Is it a Desirable Effect |
| Many purchasers love the sparkle that a fluorescent diamond emits. The blue can be very light, but goes through the range to very strong. When you look straight down onto the table of the diamond, any fluorescence present will not be seen. It can only be seen in a certain light or with a UV lamp. When purchasing a lower grade (colour) diamond, determined by a GIA Diamond Grading Report the presence of fluorescence can be a very desirable effect. |
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| The Effect on Lower Grade Diamonds |
| To explain, a diamond is graded by the 4C's... Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat Weight. When a diamond receives the highest rating you can be confident that the sparkle and luminous scintillating quality of the diamond will be nothing short of perfect In a lower grade diamond the quality of the 4C's will be of a lower grade. This is where fluorescence comes into it's own. Fluorescence will cause the diamond to scintillate under certain lighting conditions, to sparkle and emit a beautiful shade of blue. Many diamond purchasers will view this as a positive aspect of a lower grade diamond (therefore more affordable) and will purchase the diamond because of this unique quality. |
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| It's Because They're Unique |
| All diamonds are unique. All have different attributes. And depending on how the diamond has been cut will command a very high price or will perhaps fall in the more affordable spectrum. Each diamond should be assessed on it's own merits and this is where you, the purchaser comes in to the story. It's not just diamonds that are unique but the beauty of being human is that we are all unique also. This means that a colour of diamond, whether it is totally colourless or emits a colour in a certain light will entrance and delight some purchasers but not others. |
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| Our Advice |
| At My Diamonds we advise that you research your chosen diamond thoroughly. Ask your diamond specialist about the GIA Diamond Grading Report, the effect of fluorescence and whether your favourite diamond is indeed, fluorescent. At My Diamonds we are always available to answer your queries. Our clients return to us time and time again to buy their diamonds because we are specialists and have never sold an unsatisfactory diamond. As a purchaser of diamonds your own good taste and preferences are paramount. |
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