In the latest round of Leadership Series talks hosted by Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), two senior experts from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) - Mr. Sriram Natarajan, Senior Vice President, Global Laboratory Operations, GIA, and Dr. Yun Luo, Director, Metrology and Quality Control, GIA, highlighted some of the institute’s latest scientific research into the impact of fluorescence on the appearance of natural diamonds and how this has advanced the industry’s understanding of this phenomenon.
During their presentations, the GIA experts pointed out that between 25% and 35% of diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence. Given the significance of this characteristic in the marketplace, greater transparency and understanding could have a meaningful impact on consumer and trade confidence.
Based on extensive work by GIA researchers into the effect of blue fluorescence on diamond appearance, research demonstrates that fluorescence generally has a neutral-to-positive effect on appearance and, in many cases, may cause a diamond to appear brighter in daylight-equivalent environments, they said. For certain diamonds, fluorescence may also enhance appearance under natural daylight.
Earlier this year, GIA announced that it has planned to include additional observations on fluorescence in its Diamond Grading Reports and Diamond Dossiers. Beginning in the fourth quarter of this year, this move will be significant step toward providing clearer, research-based information about this naturally occurring diamond characteristic, GIA said.
“Fluorescence has long been one of the more widely discussed and misunderstood characteristics of natural diamonds. At GIA, our research is focused on developing a science-based approach to accurately assess this phenomenon in natural diamonds. As the world’s leading authority in gemology, GIA is committed to bringing greater consistency, transparency, and confidence to the global diamond industry through internationally recognized standards. We hope to share our findings on fluorescence soon, offering greater clarity for both the trade and consumers while further strengthening trust in natural diamonds,” said Mr. Sriram Natarajan, Senior Vice President, Global Laboratory Operations, GIA.
Mr. Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, GIA India, added, “As one of the world’s largest centers for natural diamond manufacturing and trade, India plays a critical role in shaping global consumer confidence in natural diamonds. As buyers increasingly seek transparency and scientific validation, the industry must speak a common language supported by globally consistent standards. GIA’s ongoing research into fluorescence is designed to bring greater clarity to a characteristic that has long been debated and misunderstood. We will continue to support India’s diamond manufacturers, and retailers with enhanced capabilities and improved turnaround times, in their endeavour to communicate with greater confidence and reinforce trust in natural diamonds across both domestic and international markets.”
“As the world’s largest diamond exchange, it is our constant endeavour to bring together leaders from across the global diamond industry to share the latest research, innovations, technologies, and developments that strengthen the sector and build consumer confidence.
We are delighted to host GIA as part of our Leadership Series and value the opportunity it gives our members to hear first-hand about its latest research on fluorescence in natural diamonds.” said Mr Anoop Mehta, President, Bharat Diamond Bourse.
The session brought together diamond retailers, manufacturers, exporters, traders, and other industry stakeholders to discuss the importance of scientific research, consistent grading standards, and transparency in strengthening consumer confidence and supporting the long-term growth of the natural diamond industry.