Understanding Diamond Fluorescence and GIA Certification

Understanding diamond fluorescence GIA certification

Understanding diamond fluorescence and GIA certification can certainly be an integral part of your diamond buying decision. A diamond’s fluorescence can impact its GIA color grade, its fire and brilliance, and above all, its value. If you want to learn everything there is to know about this fascinating aspect of diamonds, then head over and take a read of our detailed guide to diamond fluorescence

What is Fluorescence?

According to the GIA, “Fluorescence is the visible light that a diamond emits when it is exposed to the UV rays.” The strength and intensity of fluorescence determines its diamond fluorescence GIA certification grade. The GIA found that 25 to 35 percent of diamonds have some degree of fluorescence. This is essential to know when searching for that perfect diamond, since the degree of fluorescence paired with certain color grades can alter appearance and price. Putting fluorescence to the test, let’s examine fluorescence and GIA certification a bit further.

What is Fluorescence? | Brilliance.com

The Impact of Fluorescence on a Diamond

Research by the GIA found that fluorescence may have little to no effect on the appearance of a diamond to the naked eye. However, this doesn’t mean fluorescence is not important. According to the GIA, “Some trade professionals think blue fluorescence enhances a diamond’s appearance, especially diamonds with I to M color grades.” In 95 percent of diamonds with fluorescence, the visible color is blue. This is vital to understand since blue complements yellow, making diamonds with a slight hint of yellow coloring appear white or colorless. This means that fluorescence can make diamonds with a lower color grade appear one grade whiter, which in turn adds value to that diamond.

The Impact of Fluorescence on a Diamond | Brilliance.com

Diamond Fluorescence & GIA Certification

Just as fluorescence can make diamonds with slight yellow coloring appear colorless, it can also impact the appearance and value of colorless or near colorless diamonds, grades D to J. Diamond color is all about personal preference. If you don’t mind a bit of color in your diamond, you can easily cut costs by leveraging the diamond fluorescence GIA certification grade to fit your taste and budget. “Strong” fluorescence in D-F GIA color graded diamonds and “very strong” fluorescence in G-H GIA color graded diamonds add color to those colorless grades. This little tip could save you up to 15 percent!

Diamond Fluorescence & GIA Certification | Brilliance.com

Understanding GIA diamond certification

Diamond Fluorescence Price Guide

"Very Strong" Diamond Fluorescence GIA Certification

  • D-F Color Grade: 15-3 percent less
  • G-H Color Grade: 10-3 percent less
  • I-M Color Grade: Up to 2 percent more
"Very Strong" Diamond Fluorescence GIA Certification

"Strong" Diamond Fluorescence GIA Certification

  • D-F Color Grade: 10-1 percent less
  • G-H Color Grade: 7-2 percent less
  • I-M Color Grade: Up to 2 percent more
"Strong" Diamond Fluorescence GIA Certification

"Medium" Diamond Fluorescence GIA Certification

  • D-F Color Grade: 7-1 percent less
  • G-H Color Grade: 1-3 percent less
  • I-M Color Grade: Up to 2 percent more
"Medium" Diamond Fluorescence GIA Certification

Check Fluorescence Before Buying

Like the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight, fluorescence can be a powerful characteristic that affects appearance and price. However, it may not always be of importance. Finding the perfect diamond that fits your taste is really what dictates the moment. If you have your heart set on a diamond that is graded colorless on the GIA diamond grading report, be sure to check for fluorescence. The degree may be strong enough to reduce the diamond’s value, making you and your bank account happy.

Check Fluorescence Before Buying | Brilliance.com
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