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When shopping for fine jewellery, especially for a diamond ring, engagement ring, or wedding bands, there’s a lot more to consider than cut, clarity, colour, and carat. One often overlooked characteristic that plays a subtle but important role is diamond fluorescence.
Many buyers aren’t quite sure what fluorescence means or how it impacts a diamond’s appearance and value. Whether you’re browsing in-store or online from a diamond jeweller in Melbourne, knowing how to evaluate this quality can influence both the visual appeal and the price of your chosen piece.
In this guide, we break down the facts about diamond fluorescence so you can make an informed decision when purchasing or designing custom jewellery.
What Is Diamond Fluorescence?
Diamond fluorescence refers to a diamond’s visible glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The most common form of fluorescence in diamonds is blue, though other hues such as yellow, white, or green are also possible.
Approximately 25–35% of diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence. Under UV light (like sunlight or black light), diamonds with medium to strong fluorescence can emit a soft glow, making them appear either slightly whiter or slightly hazier, depending on the stone’s characteristics.
Does Fluorescence Affect Diamond’s Appearance?
Yes, but not always in a negative way.
Positive effect: In diamonds with lower colour grades (such as J, K, or L), medium to strong blue fluorescence can actually enhance the diamond’s visual whiteness, improving its perceived colour.
Neutral effect: For many diamonds, especially those with faint or medium fluorescence, the glow is barely noticeable in daily life or under regular lighting conditions.
Negative effect: In rare cases, diamonds with strong fluorescence may appear milky or oily under certain lighting, particularly in higher colour grades (D–F). That said, this is more an exception than the norm.
When purchasing engagement rings in Melbourne or anywhere else, always ask to view the diamond under UV light to see how it performs.
How Fluorescence Affects Value and Price?
Because fluorescence is not considered part of the traditional 4Cs, it can lead to price adjustments in the diamond market. Diamonds with faint to medium fluorescence typically do not see a noticeable change in value.
Diamonds with strong or very strong fluorescence may be priced slightly lower, especially in high-colour grades, due to potential visual impacts, even if no milky appearance is present. For lower-colour diamonds, strong fluorescence may increase desirability and value.
If you’re shopping from a diamond wholesaler in Melbourne, you may find excellent deals on fluorescent diamonds that look just as stunning as non-fluorescent ones.
Lab Grown Diamonds and Fluorescence
With the rise in popularity of lab grown diamonds, it’s natural to wonder if they exhibit fluorescence the same way mined diamonds do.
The answer is: sometimes. Lab grown diamonds can show fluorescence, but it's often controlled during the creation process. This means you’re less likely to come across unwanted hazy appearances in lab-grown stones, making them a great option for those seeking ethical and affordable alternatives.
Customising a lab grown diamond engagement ring with subtle fluorescence can give you both beauty and value in one sparkling package.
Should You Avoid Fluorescence in a Diamond Ring?
Not necessarily. Fluorescence can actually work to your advantage when chosen thoughtfully. For budget-conscious buyers, a fluorescent diamond may offer the same visual appeal at a lower cost. If you’re selecting a diamond in the I–M colour range, fluorescence can enhance its appearance, making it look whiter.
Diamond Fluorescence in Wedding Jewellery
When it comes to wedding rings and wedding bands, especially those featuring accent diamonds, fluorescence is usually less noticeable than in a large centre stone. However, it’s still worth asking about if you’re designing your own bands or opting for bespoke settings.
Couples creating a unified bridal set, including an engagement ring and matching wedding bands, may even choose diamonds with consistent fluorescence for harmony in appearance under different lighting conditions.
Things to Ask Your Jeweller About Fluorescence
When exploring Melbourne diamond rings, especially if you're investing in a custom or high-carat piece, it’s smart to ask a few key questions:
· What level of fluorescence does this diamond have?
· Can I view the diamond under UV light?
· Will this affect the stone’s brilliance or transparency?
· Is this diamond priced accordingly based on its fluorescence?
A reliable diamond jeweller should be transparent and happy to provide insights. At Diamond Story, a trusted name and diamond wholesaler in Melbourne, we encourage customers to explore all diamond characteristics in a stress-free, supportive environment.
Not all diamonds with fluorescence are created equal. Some will subtly enhance the sparkle, while others may slightly affect transparency. Knowing the difference empowers you to make a meaningful and stylish choice for your forever jewellery. Diamond Story offers personalised guidance to help you choose a diamond that truly reflects your love and personality. For expert advice or to explore our collection in person, call us on 03 9642 3649.