Strong Blue?

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Is strong blue fluorescence bad?
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Brian Gavin
Whiteflash.com
Co-Founder and Executive Vice President through December, 2008

Alison Mills
Qualified Jeweler
FGAA Gemologist and Diamond Technologist
Registered Appraiser

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Is strong blue fluorescence bad?

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Blue fluorescence can be very pretty! Most of our personal diamonds (the ones that we wear ourselves) exhibit medium to strong blue fluorescence, one of our D color stones exhibits Distinct Blue and we like it very much! According to the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory, fluorescence has a negative impact in fewer than 2% of gem quality diamonds. In those few instances, it can cause the diamond to appear foggy or oily in appearance - in which case it should be avoided. It's pretty easy to determine whether the fluorescence is having a negative impact on the diamond, just examine it while it is clean and if it is crisp and clear in appearance the fluorescence is not having a negative effect. More often than not, medium or strong blue fluorescence in an H color stone will only help it to face up a little bit whiter - like on the high side of the H color grade moving towards a G... In direct sunlight, our medium to strong blue fluorescent diamonds pick up a kind of light lavender blue hue when viewed from the side - it is very pretty and we feel that the fluorescence adds a little bit of personality to the diamonds we wear ourselves. It seems that most on-line buyers avoid fluorescence, we think this is because it is a phenomena that they can not see and thus avoid - but we think that a thorough discussion regarding the fluorescence with the seller should be adequate to determine whether it is having a negative effect on the stone. Just in case, be sure that the seller has an inspection and return policy so that you may return the diamond if you determine that you don't like the fluorescence...

Todd L. Gray, President
NiceIce.com