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Often times, fluorescence is misunderstood as a negative attribute that compromises the quality of a diamond, but in most of the cases, that is far from the truth. Here are some questions and answers to clarify some murky issues concerning misconceived characteristics of fluorescence.
What is fluorescence in diamonds?
Fluorescence in diamonds refers to a tendency to emit a soft colored glow when subjected to short or long waves of ultraviolet radiation, such as a “black light” (think of how your diamond responds under a bright sun, tanning bed, or at a dance club). And even when the light source is removed, the diamond will continue to fluoresce, but only for few nanoseconds, giving off the illusion that the “glow” has stopped instantly when the light source was removed, unlike phosphorescence, which persists as an afterglow.
Fluorescence in diamond is considered as an identifying characteristic, meaning, additional information that helps to distinguish one diamond from another. Thus, it has little or no effect on a diamond’s sparkle unlike the cut and clarity criteria. Therefore, it can not weaken the diamond’s structure in any way.
Fluorescence in color diamonds.
The phenomenon of fluorescence is caused by different variations in the atomic structure, and only 30% of colorless diamonds fluoresce, while 60% to 100% of natural color diamonds emits the glow - depending on color and the origin of the stone. For example, 90% or more of blue diamonds are noted as having no observable fluorescence, but pinks diamond tend to fluoresce more than other diamonds.
Contrary to fluorescence in colourless diamonds - which is mostly blue - fluorescence in natural color diamonds varies greatly. Blue is the most common fluorescence, but there are white, orange, orange-yellow, yellow, green, and red as well.
The Aurora Butterfly of Peace. Daylight and under UV light. Photo: R. Weldon. Copyright:GIA.
How is fluorescence graded?
Fluorescence in diamond is considered as an identifying characteristic, not a grading factor like clarity and cut. Therefore, Diamond Grading Reports describe a diamond’s fluorescence by five levels of intensity - None, Faint, Medium, Strong and Very Strong.
Which diamonds fluoresce?
All types of diamonds - natural, synthetic, treated - and also stimulants can emit fluorescence, and the nature of each glow contains vital information for the gemologists to determine whether or not the diamond is synthetic or treated, depending on its response to short and long waves of ultraviolet light. GIA also uses a fluorescence imaging instrument to reveal characteristic growth patterns within crystals.
Telltale growth patterns for natural and synthetic diamonds. Photo GIA.
What are the myths around fluorescence?
Fluorescence is generally perceived as an undesirable trait. And such misconception is far from the truth, as scientific studies and professionals in the field agree that fluorescence is actually a positive characteristic most of the time. And according to HRD Antwerp “even strong fluorescence does not negatively impact a diamond’s appearance.”
Fluorescence is not a negative trait which compromises the value of the natural diamonds, therefore, it shouldn’t be a factor to bring down the price. As HRD Antwerp points out, “There are no grounds on which to justify the price penalties that currently apply to fluorescent diamonds,” which Alan Bronstein, a trusted advisor of colored diamond and the President of National Colored Diamond Industry Association (NCDIA), echoes - “Argyle pinks have fluorescence and yet it has no influence on their price.”
When does fluorescence have negative effects?
Two factors need to be taken into account: the color and the strength of the fluorescence. In exceptionally rare cases, the combination of intrinsic color of the diamond and the color and the strength of the fluorescence could possibly create a negative effect.
In a rare case of extremely high level of fluorences, it could affect the clarity and brilliance of the diamond, and the stones could appear milky or hazy to the naked eyes, making it nearly impossible to miss such symptoms.
As for the unusual case of yellow diamonds with a extremely strong blue fluorescence, the color could appear less “vivid” due to the phenomenon created by the two complementary colors - blue and yellow.
Aside from those atypical cases, GIA Fluorescence Study states that average person could not tell the difference between a diamond with or without fluorescence. And for the overwhelming majority of diamonds, the strength of fluorescence does not have noticeable effect on appearance at all.
Can fluorescence enhance the beauty your diamond?
The answer is, Yes!
While fluorescence has no negative impact on the structure and the quality of a diamond, it can enhance the beauty of a diamond.
In the case of yellow diamonds with yellow fluorescence, the color of the stones will appear even more intense, especially when viewed under strong natural light. This is also true for greenish-yellow color diamonds from Venezuela, as the fluorescence cast unique and fascinating color on them. Orange diamond with orange fluorescence will also appear much more intense and vivid in color
With or without?
Simply put, fluorescence in diamonds should not be considered as a negative trait that devalues the stones.
On the contrary to the general misunderstanding, fluorescence actually plays a positive role by contributing to the uniqueness of natural color diamonds by adding an individualized touch to each color that can not be emulated or duplicated otherwise.
At Langerman we even play with fluorescence and create extraordinary jewels with natural color diamonds that transform in various colors depending on different source of light: daylight - sunlight - ultraviolet light.
The jewels reflect personal taste. In the end it doesn’t matter if it’s with or without fluorescence. You just need to fall in love with “the one” that captures your heart.
By YDCDL & YC
Step into the mesmerizing world of natural Pink diamonds, synonymous of elegance and sophistication. These exquisite gems have stolen the spotlight in the realm of fine jewelry, captivating the hearts of fashion enthusiasts around the globe.
In this article, we’ll explore the enchanting features of Fancy Pink diamonds, uncovering their origins, possible tones, and the growing fascination around them. As we delve into their unique characteristics, you’ll learn how they compare to other popular pink gemstones, revealing the distinct advantages that set them apart.
The Origin Of Their Mesmerising Hues
Fancy Pink diamonds are the result of a remarkable geological process that lasted millions of years. During their formation process, atomic traces of minerals such as hydrogen, nitrogen, or boron were introduced into their crystalline structure, resulting in impressive hues.
However, another scientific theory states that the pink hue comes from a deformation in the crystal lattice of the stone, a phenomenon caused by extreme pressure.
Whichever the cause, thanks to our Earth’s natural transformations, today we get to enjoy the exceptional shades of Pink diamonds.
From delicate pastel tones reminiscent of blooming cherry blossoms to intense, vivid shades that command attention, natural Pink diamonds offer a diverse palette of hues that ignite the imagination.
Rarity And A Growing Fascination
The allure of these unique stones lies not only in their enchanting beauty but also in their rarity.
As luxury enthusiasts and jewelry connoisseurs seek to come in possession of the most exclusive and coveted pieces, the interest surrounding fancy pink diamonds continues to grow. With the recent closure of the renowned Argyle mine in Australia, a significant source of Pink diamonds, their scarcity has skyrocketed.
Pink Diamond’s Unparalleled Properties
Brilliance
The refractive index of a diamond is approximately 2.42. This high refractive index is one of the factors that contribute to the exceptional brilliance and sparkle that diamonds are renowned for. The high refractive index allows diamonds to bend and reflect light in a way that creates maximum dispersion and brilliance, resulting in their captivating play of light and fire. It is this unique optical property that sets diamonds apart from other gemstones and contributes to their timeless allure and desirability.
Hardness
Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, which is the highest possible rating. This remarkable property makes diamonds highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, ensuring their longevity and durability even with daily wear.
The hardness of a diamond contributes significantly to its value. Diamonds are prized for their ability to withstand the rigors of everyday use without losing their beauty or succumbing to damage. This durability ensures that diamond jewelry, such as engagement rings and heavily worn pieces, can be cherished forever and passed down through generations.
What About Other Pink Gemstones?
Tourmaline
This pink gemstone is often used in jewelry for its vibrant color. Pink tourmaline can be found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique, and the United States. Each location may produce unique variations in color and quality, making it more complicated for the regular customer to understand how to measure and compare characteristics.
Tourmaline ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs' scale of hardness, making it moderately durable, but relatively softer compared to Pink diamonds. With a refractive index between 1.624 and 1.644, pink tourmaline exhibits a good amount of brilliance and light dispersion.
Pink quartz
This mineral showcases a soft, delicate pink hue that does not typically offer much sparkle. There are multiple levels of transparency available, from very translucent to milky opaque or smoky with yellow or brown undertones.
Scoring a 7 on the Mohs scale, pink quartz is relatively durable and suitable for some types of jewelry. However, it is still important to protect it from impact, and best suitable for earrings and low-wear pieces.
Pink Sapphire
The intensity of its color depends on the place of origin and the combination of trace elements present within its crystal structure.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, pink sapphires are very durable and resistant, making them suitable for all kinds of jewelry pieces. However, they are more prone to scratches than diamonds.
Kunzite
Kunzite is quite affordable because it’s relatively unknown although it can be found in many places like Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.
Like most color stones, kunzite can be undergo irradiation or heat treatments to enhance its color. Exposure to heat and bright light can cause color in both natural and treated kunzite to fade over time.
Morganite
Most morganite deposits are found in Brazil, but the highest quality specimens come from Madagascar. Typically, morganite enjoys a high transparency with minimal inclusions resulting in clear, polished stones.
Scoring a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, Morganite is safe and durable enough for jewelry.
Your Best Choice: Pink Diamonds
There are multiple options to choose from to create a jewel with pink gemstones. However, they all fall short when compared to the durability and brilliance of natural Pink diamonds. With sources becoming more scarce while demand continues grows, Pink diamonds keep appreciating in value making them a better financial choice when compared to other gemstones which tend to loose value in the resale marker. Pink diamonds present multiple advantages for their investment potential and as a valuable asset to be passed on for generations.
When purchasing color gemstones, it’s important the buyer requests a professional laboratory report that discloses any enhancements to make an informed decision. Unfortunately for most consumers, it’s hard to find full-detailed information on a finished jewelry piece and it requires additional effort and inquiries to confirm the quality of a gemstone.
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Langerman Diamonds has over 50 years of expertise in sourcing and trading natural color diamonds. Explore our online inventory and contact us to learn more about the purchasing process.