The mystery of fluorescence begins with an understanding of a diamond’s atomic structure.

Fluorescent diamonds contain electrons that become excited when exposed to ultra-violet radiation, light with a ultra- violet energy level and wavelength. These electrons are stimulated to a higher energy level and re-emit that energy as they drop back to their former level.

In the past, the diamond industry was as excited about fluorescence as the electrons! Many fluorescent diamonds looked fantastic and were merchandised as “blue white.”

Most of us assume that yellow fluorescence causes diamonds to appear obviously yellow. This is not always true, and the evidence to the contrary is clear. We have seen D & E color diamonds with GIA lab reports that read with yellow fluorescence. D & E  colors cannot possibly look obviously yellow- don’t you agree?

Fluorescence should be considered as just another property of the diamond material structure. It is merely another scientific aid to identify various diamonds of similar appearance.

And therefore, diamonds should be observed in the “face up” position  to see if  fluorescence is a positive or negative factor to its value.

Quite simply, the essence of fluorescence might just be value- and that’s exciting!