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First Post (go easy on me please!) - Seeking a phosphorescent (not fluorescent) diamond for my wife

PhxDT

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 27, 2025
Messages
6
Hello RockyTalky Experts,

I'm hoping to leverage the incredible knowledge base here for a rather unusual search. I'm looking to source a phosphorescent diamond for a very special, unique gift for my wife.

Specifically, I need a diamond that exhibits a strong and persistent glow after the UV light source is removed – lasting for at least several seconds, ideally much longer (minutes if possible!). I'm fascinated by reports of blue-green, orange, or even red phosphorescence, but the strength and duration of the glow are the primary factors.

I understand this phenomenon is distinct from standard fluorescence and is quite rare, particularly in natural stones outside of some Type IIb examples. I'm also aware that certain HPHT lab-grown diamonds can show very strong phosphorescence. Therefore, I am open to sourcing either a suitable natural or lab-grown stone that meets the criteria.

I've done some initial research, but finding a stone with significant, documented phosphorescence through standard retail channels is proving difficult.

This is where I'm hoping the PriceScope community's deep experience can help. If you:

  • Own a diamond with notable phosphorescence you might consider selling.
  • Know specific dealers, collectors, or niche suppliers (for natural or lab) known to handle stones with strong phosphorescence.
  • Have concrete leads or sourcing strategies I might not have considered.
...I would be extremely grateful for your assistance. To show my appreciation for valuable help in this specific search, I am happily offering a finder's fee for any information or lead that directly results in my successful purchase of a suitable diamond meeting these criteria.


I'm a serious buyer, ready to learn and proceed if the right opportunity arises.

Thank you all in advance for sharing your expertise and any potential guidance!
 
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There is no private message function on PS
 
Ah, got it. I'll try to edit the message accordingly. Thank you
 
I may have what you are looking for.

Excellent! Do you know how long the orange glow lasts?
 
Great idea- what's the best way to do that?

It's probably already done.
When glitterati put that @ before Rockdiamond's name (verified by his name appearing blue in her/his/their/its post) Pricescope sent a notification to him to read this thread.
It's like paging someone.
 
Excellent! Do you know how long the orange glow lasts?

It's probably already done.
When glitterati put that @ before Rockdiamond's name (verified by his name appearing blue in her/his/their/its post) Pricescope sent a notification to him to read this thread.
It's like paging someone.

Ahhhhhhhh. :cool2:
 
Fun Project you have !!!

Natural colorless are all too brief ~ i notice when light source goes off ~ the Strong Blue FL do a burst of bright white (photo) followed by brief period fading "afterburner" glow.... (Opals go bit longer) but we're talking seconds not minutes.

Sounds like the Blue Labs w/boron are the ticket for duration.... I wonder if "colorless" HPHT labs w/ blue nuance also show similar effect ???

1745841277007.jpeg
 
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Please keep in mind that the short wavelength of the UV used for obtaining a strong phosphorescent effect is dangerous to your skin and eye. You need eye protection and a safe way to hold the stone that limits exposure. Generally, you can see such a glow after exposure in a dark place and rarely, if at all, in a normally lit environment.
Good luck in your search.
 
Fun Project you have !!!

Natural colorless are all too brief ~ i notice when light source goes off ~ the Strong Blue FL do a burst of bright white (photo) followed by brief period fading "afterburner" glow.... (Opals go bit longer) but we're talking seconds not minutes.

Sounds like the Blue Labs w/boron are the ticket for duration.... I wonder if "colorless" HPHT labs w/ blue nuance also show similar effect ???

1745841277007.jpeg

Yes, Boron seems to be the operative element. Some diamonds (I am told) have exhibited the glow for as much as 10 min! Can't believe GIA doesn't track this attribute. what a shame.
 
Phosphorescence is a fun attribute, but my purchases with phosphorescence have been based on pure luck.

I have a natural GIA graded J color with strong blue fluorescence and white phosphorescence that’s almost as strong and long lasting as the orange phosphorescence in the HPHT grown IGI graded fancy vivid blue oval. Other naturals and labs I have don’t have phosphorescence as strong, although the phosphorescence of some labs are longer lasting.

Based on what little I have seen, there doesn’t appear to have clear correlations between HPHT grown IGI graded color and presence/strength/duration of phosphorescence. I have seen
  • D to G colors without blue nuance, and have varying degrees of phosphorescence that can last for minutes
  • D to G colors without blue nuance, and no phosphorescence
  • E to G colors with blue nuance, and have varying degrees of phosphorescence that can last for minutes
  • E to G colors with blue nuance, and no phosphorescence
  • Fancy intense and vivid blues with varying degrees of phosphorescence that can last for minutes
  • Fancy intense and vivid blues that have no phosphorescence
Here’s a quick video for comparison. HPHT grown D colors with phosphorescence on top. HPHT grown fancy vivid blue with orange phosphorescence in the middle. Natural J color with strong blue fluorescence and white phosphorescence in the center bottom. All after exposure to a cheap 395 nm UV light.
 
Please keep in mind that the short wavelength of the UV used for obtaining a strong phosphorescent effect is dangerous to your skin and eye. You need eye protection and a safe way to hold the stone that limits exposure. Generally, you can see such a glow after exposure in a dark place and rarely, if at all, in a normally lit environment.
Good luck in your search.

Thanks for this important safety information.
 
Please keep in mind that the short wavelength of the UV used for obtaining a strong phosphorescent effect is dangerous to your skin and eye. You need eye protection and a safe way to hold the stone that limits exposure. Generally, you can see such a glow after exposure in a dark place and rarely, if at all, in a normally lit environment.
Good luck in your search.

They say beauty is pain.
 
I'm hoping to leverage the incredible knowledge base here for a rather unusual search. I'm looking to source a phosphorescent diamond for a very special, unique gift for my wife... I'm fascinated by reports of blue-green, orange, or even red phosphorescence, but the strength and duration of the glow are the primary factors.

Do I sense an IG gender-reveal?!
 
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