(PRESS RELEASE) An intriguing phenomenon of some diamonds is that they appear to glow blue, and less often green, yellow, orange, or a combination of these colors when exposed to invisible ultraviolet rays. This glow is called fluorescence, and lasts only as long as the diamond is exposed to the ultraviolet rays
The culprit – nitrogen.
In most cases, fluorescence is caused by the presence of nitrogen as a trace element impurity in diamond. You may know that diamonds are composed of carbon atoms organized in a lattice-like crystal structure. Sometimes some carbon atoms are missing in the lattice. These single or multiple vacancies may each be filled by a nitrogen atom. For example, a single nitrogen atom trapped near a vacancy causes bright orange-yellow fluorescence. But most commonly, three nitrogen atoms in lattice positions adjacent to a vacancy cause blue fluorescence.
In addition to color, fluorescence also varies by strength – from none, faint, medium, strong, and very strong, as described on GIA grading reports. The fluorescence color and its intensity are additional characteristics that can help to identify a specific diamond
A common feature of diamonds.
Fluorescence is a common phenomenon in diamonds. Of all the diamonds submitted to GIA over the past decade, approximately 25% to 35% exhibit some degree of fluorescence. And of those, only 10% show strengths of fluorescence in the medium, strong, or very strong categories
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GIA studies have shown that the strength of fluorescence has no widely noticeable effect on a colorless or near-colorless diamond’s appearance. In fact, many prefer the appearance of diamonds that have medium to strong fluorescence. In very rare cases (fewer than 0.2% of the fluorescent diamonds submitted to GIA), some diamonds with extremely strong blue fluorescence may appear hazy or oily.
No impact on a diamond’s strength.
The presence of nitrogen or other impurity atoms in the diamond crystal structure does not have any influence on the hardness or durability of a diamond.
While some diamonds may exhibit fluorescence, customers do not find this as a deterrent from buying a diamond. In fact, many retailers have expressed a liking for it.
The most important criteria when receiving a diamond on memo is the hand selection process by their vendor. Having the right partner to personally view a diamond, describe the qualities and features of the diamond before it is shipped is imperative.
GN Diamond is the market leader for wholesale diamonds and diamond jewelry. We partner with over 5,500 independent retailers across the country. Even though 10% of GN’s inventory has medium/strong fluorescence this does not take away from the brilliancy of the diamond. In fact, GN provides a free light brilliancy grading on every GIA certified loose diamond. This score explains why one diamond is better and brighter than another and why it outshines those of your competitors. Every diamond that goes out on memo, is hand selected. This everyday procedure clearly helps retailers understand what they are receiving and provides comfort when presenting the most beautiful diamonds at the right price points. GN Diamond is open 7 days a week 800-724-8810, [email protected], gndiamond.com
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