A blue-white diamond is a type of diamond that displays a combination of both blue and white hues, resulting in a unique, striking appearance. The term “blue-white” is sometimes used to describe diamonds that show a blue fluorescence under certain lighting conditions, giving them a whitish appearance with a slight hint of blue. This phenomenon can occur in both colourless diamonds and those with a faint blue hue.
Key Characteristics of Blue-White Diamonds:
Blue Fluorescence:
Fluorescence refers to a diamond’s ability to glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. When a diamond exhibits blue fluorescence, it can appear to have a slight blue tint under certain lighting conditions, such as under UV light.
A blue-white diamond typically has strong blue fluorescence, which can enhance its overall appearance, making it appear whiter or brighter, especially when viewed in certain types of light, such as daylight or fluorescent light.
Diamond Colour:
Blue-white diamonds are often colourless diamonds that have a blue fluorescence, which can sometimes create the illusion of a faint blue tint.
These diamonds can be of high colour grades, typically ranging from D (colourless) to G (near colourless) on the GIA scale.
The blue fluorescence is more noticeable in diamonds with little to no colour (near colorless or colourless diamonds), which means the white appearance of the diamond can be enhanced when viewed under the right lighting.
Effect of Blue Fluorescence:
Blue fluorescence can make a diamond appear brighter or whiter in certain lights, especially in artificial lighting. This effect is more pronounced in diamonds with strong or very strong blue fluorescence.
However, the presence of blue fluorescence can also make the diamond appear slightly milky or cloudy in some lighting conditions, particularly under UV light or in direct sunlight, if the fluorescence is too intense. This is an important consideration when purchasing a diamond.
Value of Blue-White Diamonds:
The presence of blue fluorescence generally does not impact the overall value of a diamond unless it causes undesirable effects like a cloudy appearance. However, for diamonds with strong blue fluorescence that enhances their brilliance, some buyers may actually find the effect desirable.
Blue-white diamonds are often sought after for their unique visual appeal and the subtle blue tint they can exhibit under certain lighting.
Comparison to Regular White Diamonds:
Regular white diamonds are valued primarily for their colourlessness and clarity. In contrast, blue-white diamonds are valued for their fluorescent properties, which can enhance their overall aesthetic appearance.
The term blue-white is not a formal grading term but more of a descriptive term that indicates the combination of blue fluorescence with a white or colourless diamond appearance.
Blue-White Diamond vs. Blue Diamond:
Blue diamonds are naturally blue due to the presence of boron in their crystal structure, giving them a distinct blue colour. In contrast, blue-white diamonds do not inherently have a blue body colour; they simply exhibit blue fluorescence under certain lighting conditions.
Blue diamonds tend to be much rarer and more expensive than blue-white diamonds due to their natural blue colour, while blue-white diamonds are generally more affordable.
Popular Uses:
Blue-white diamonds are used in a variety of fine jewellery, particularly engagement rings and high-end fashion pieces, due to their unique ability to sparkle and shine under different light conditions.
The blue-white diamond effect can be particularly popular in jewellery designed to look vibrant and visually striking, as the fluorescence adds an extra dimension to the diamond’s appearance.
Identifying Blue-White Diamonds:
It is possible to test a diamond’s fluorescence using a UV light to determine if it has the blue fluorescence characteristic. A GIA certificate may also note the presence and intensity of the diamond’s fluorescence.