You should never buy a diamond with fluorescence - Here’s Why! 

Diamond fluorescence explained
 

Not one of the big ‘4C’s, fluorescence is often overlooked. Inexperienced buyers often think diamonds with fluorescence and diamonds with no fluorescence are comparable because they do not yet understand its significance. The truth is that diamonds with the property are not good quality and any jeweller selling them as anything other than that is doing a very good job of convincing you otherwise.

The only reason to buy a diamond with fluorescence is because they are cheaper. Unfortunately, as a result of this discount, the quality and worth of the diamond is greatly hindered. Is it really worth compromising so greatly on the value of the diamond for a bit of a discount?

 

This blog aims to debunk some of the greatest myths surrounding diamond fluorescence and set the record straight. Avoid the traps and get the best out of your diamond purchases.

 

What is diamond fluorescence?

 

A diamond with fluorescence will emit a soft glow when placed under ultraviolet (UV) light. Mostly presented as blue light, in rare circumstances it can even be seen as yellow or orange.

 

According to the GIA, only 25% - 35% of diamonds worldwide will carry fluorescence. This will be reported on a diamonds GIA certificate on a scale between ‘none’ - ‘very strong’.

 

Debunking the myths behind fluorescence:

 

1)    Myth:

 

Fluorescence can make my diamond look like a better colour grade

 

Busted:

 

This myth is commonly used as a gimmick by jewellers to help sell diamonds with lower colour grades. For diamonds with a colour grade between D - H, it will not make the diamond look whiter however, the fluorescence may actually present itself in other ways that make the diamond look cloudy or milky.

 

Try not to fall for these common marketing tricks aimed to make you think you're getting more for your money even though the value of the diamond is actually lower.

 

2)    Myth: 

 

In Daylight, the average person cannot tell the difference between a diamond with or without fluorescence

 

Busted:

 

Unfortunately, UV rays are found in daylight as well as high intensity lamps so the appearance of the stone will commonly be affected as you go about your everyday life simply from sun exposure. This is especially the case for diamonds with ‘very strong’ fluorescence.

 

Daylight aside, you’d be surprised how often you come into contact with UV lights. Whether that be at a party, the nail salon or even bug lights. A friend admitted her half eternity diamond ring, often embarrassingly catches her off guard with its bright blue glow. It was only last week, that it lit up whilst she was getting her nails done.

 

Even if the diamond has zero exposure to UV rays of any kind, the appearance of the stone can be impacted, even to the untrained eye. Fluorescence can often make a diamond look milky or cloudy no matter what the colour grade of the diamond.

 

 

3)    Myth:

 

Diamonds with fluorescence have a good resale value

 

Busted:

 

This is a big NO! Diamonds that carry fluorescence do not and will not have a good resale value. The resale value is indicative of the stones intrinsic worth at any one time and will be reflected in the price of the stone. For diamonds with fluorescence there is very little market demand so the resale value is greatly reduced.

 

The market is so important when determining the value of a diamond so our advice is to do your research and trust it! Any diamond with characteristics that are not demanded in the market are in low demand for a reason! Simply put, if no one else wants it, do you?

 

 

4)    Myth:

 

I will get more for my money by buying diamonds with fluorescence

Busted:

 

Diamonds with fluorescence are not better value for money and you will not be getting a “good deal” by purchasing one. Clients often have the misconception that by buying a diamond with fluorescence they are getting a bigger diamond that has a smaller price tag however, this is definitely not the right mentality. In fact the sharp decrease in price helps to highlight the significant drop in diamond quality. So, whilst you might believe you are getting a bigger diamond for less, you are actually just buying what the diamond is worth in terms of quality.

 For example, If you were in a supermarket and there was a sale of buy one get one free on steaks. If the quality of the meat was not compromised this would be a good deal. However, buying a diamond with fluorescence is like buy a steak that’s expiry date was yesterday. Whilst you can still eat it, the resulting decrease in price is indicative of the decline of the meat quality. 

If you are looking to buy a diamond that is good value for money, there are better ways to do it to make sure you don’t compromise on quality or resale value. You should always talk to an experienced jeweller when determining how to get more value for your money, as value for money is usually only achieved with a very experienced professional. For example, Bee’s Diamonds is well known for sourcing eye clean SI1 diamonds that hold clarity characteristics that go well beyond the norms of its grade. As a result, our customers receive the benefit of a better quality diamond than some VS2 stones yet are paying for an SI1. This is a great example of how you can get more value for money without compromising on quality.

 

At Bee’s Diamonds, we aim to provide our clients with diamonds that withhold their value through time so that its worth is maintained as the stone is passed through the generations. This is achieved not through sourcing cheap diamonds but with understanding and selecting diamonds that have rare and superior characteristics for their grade.