What Makes A Diamond Sparkle?
A diamond's sparkle is one of the most desired qualities that make the gem most valuable. The sparkle originates from the interaction between stone and light. Although the market price of the diamond is largely dependent on size, the dazzling sparkle, among other optical properties, also determines its worth. But what makes this stone sparkle?
Why Does A Diamond Sparkle?
The primary reason behind the sparkle is the cut quality. Of course, other factors such as clarity and color come into play but have less impact compared to the type and quality of cut. When light hits the surface of the diamond, it penetrates to the facets where it is reflected off or leaks through the pavilion.
The reflected light leaves the gem in the form of a white sparkle, called diamond brilliance, or disperses into spectral hues, called diamond fire. The fire contains all rainbow colors: orange, red, blue, green, yellow, and violet.
Factors Affecting Diamond's Sparkle
Light plays a central role in the unique optical characteristics of the gem. A well-cut and polished diamond will sparkle best when scintillation, brilliance, and fire are in perfect balance.
- Brilliance: This is the amount of light reflected by the diamond's facets to the viewer's eyes. This optical property makes it look as if its lights come from inside.
- Scintillation: The optical effect that makes a diamond sparkle as you or the gem moves through the light. It is seen as alternating flashes of spectral-colored and white light that move around the stone.
- Fire: The colorful flashing effect produced when the facets disperse the reflected white light. Every spectral line produced is bent at different angles, allowing the viewer to see the colors individually.
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