What is a Lumineaux Diamond?
LUMINEAUX DIAMONDS are natural diamonds from the Prins & Prins Lumineaux Diamond Collection, specially selected for:
- Medium to strong blue UV luminescence
- No “milky” or “oily” appearance in direct sunlight
- Very good proportions
Every diamond in this collection is accompanied by certification from an international gemmological laboratory.
Questions & Answers
What are fluorescent diamonds?
A small percentage of natural diamonds glow with a luminous blue when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This phenomenon is known as fluorescence (also called luminescence). A fluorescent diamond may show a glow under “black light” (as used in nightclubs) or in direct sunlight.
How rare are fluorescent diamonds?
According to a 2020 report referenced by the American Gem Society (AGS), approximately 15% of diamonds exhibit UV fluorescence. Diamonds with very strong blue fluorescence account for roughly 2–3.5% of natural diamonds, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
How is fluorescence graded?
Fluorescence intensity is graded in a standard gemmological fluorescence test box as: None, Faint, Medium, Strong, or Very Strong.
Is UV fluorescence diagnostic of natural diamonds?
Not on its own. Blue fluorescence is common in natural diamonds, and many laboratory-grown diamonds show little to no fluorescence, although some can display weak apple-green or orange fluorescence depending on growth method and trace elements. Proper identification still requires expert testing and suitable instruments.
Why do natural diamonds glow under UV light?
Most natural diamonds contain tiny amounts of nitrogen within the crystal structure. Under certain conditions, nitrogen atoms form what are known as N3 centres. When present in sufficient concentration, these centres can convert invisible UV light into a visible blue glow.
Does fluorescence influence the appearance of a polished diamond?
A 1997 GIA study found that fluorescence intensity has no perceptible effect on colour or transparency when diamonds are viewed table-down. In the table-up position, diamonds in the I to K colour range with strong or very strong fluorescence sometimes appeared to face up with improved colour compared to less fluorescent diamonds.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, we select only the best fluorescent natural diamonds for our exclusive Lumineaux Diamond Collection. Contact us to arrange a private consultation to view these special diamonds.