Fluorescence
in some degree is common in a great
percentage of diamonds. Fluorescence
is a form of illumination that is
created when a diamond is exposed
to low or high wave ultraviolet radiation.
Faint or medium fluorescence will
rarely affect a diamond's appearance.
Usually fluorescence is unnoticed
by the human eye in ordinary light.
Fluorescence can cause a diamond to
appear less clear or slightly hazy
if the diamond exhibits very strong
or extreme fluorescence. When selecting
your diamond it is best to choose
a diamond that has no fluorescence
or faint to moderate fluorescence.
Diamonds
that possess strong fluorescence in
color grades lower than the color
grade of H will often face up approximately
one color grade better than a non-fluorescent
diamond. Strong fluorescence can actually
improve the appearance of diamonds
that possess traces of color. Diamonds
that possess strong fluorescence in
colorless to very near colorless grades
D through G sometime exhibit a noticeable
luminescence which can give the diamond
a hazy appearance. A strong or extremely
fluorescent diamond can usually be
purchased for 10 to 30% less than
a diamond that possesses fluorescence
that is moderate or better.
Listed
below is a list of abbreviations for
describing strength of fluorescence.
- N,
NO, NON, - No Fluorescence
- F,
FB, FT, FA, - Faint or Faint Blue
Fluorescence
- SL,
SLB, SLT, - Slight Fluorescence
- M,
MO, ME, MD - Medium or Moderate
Fluorescence
- S,
ST, STB, STG, - Strong Fluorescence
- E,
EX, EXB, EF, - Extreme Fluorescence
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