Diamond brilliance is one of the many special things on Earth that dazzle us with their mesmerizing beauty. Each diamond offers its brilliance which comes from the white light reflected off the facets, how color appears when the diamond is exposed to light, also known as fire, and the dance of light and shadow that bounces across the facets referred to as scintillation.
Light is a major factor that influences a diamond’s sparkle. With high diamond light reflection and refractive index, diamonds can bend light which gives off unique patterns. Once light enters the diamond, it refracts and reflects the light and bounces off the diamond back to the viewer’s eye which makes the stone eshiny. Let us learn more about the difference between diamond fire, brilliance, and scintillation.
The first optical effect that makes a diamond sparkle is the brilliance. It is the pure white light that penetrates the diamond from the table and the facets. When light strikes the outer part of the diamond from any side, a portion of the light reflects off the surface creating an external diamond brilliance while some light enters the diamond, bounces to and fro the facets, and exits the table. This develops the internal brilliance.
Diamond brilliance is determined by the diamond cut. For a diamond to reflect light effectively, it requires a near-perfect cut. Poorly cut diamonds may appear dim or dull. Aside from the diamond cut, the pavilion located at the bottom of the diamond helps to bounce light back to the eye. The pavilion’s angle should not be shallow or too deep. Otherwise, light will fall off the diamond and not return to the table, reducing the diamond’s sparkle.
Diamond fire and brilliance is associated with the dispersion that occurs when light scatters and separates in colors inside the diamond. It is that rainbow color that makes the diamond even more attractive and mesmerizing. Depending on the diamond shape, fire is highlighted even more when the facets are smaller.
The round brilliant diamond is popular for its high-fire qualities due to its 58 facets. As a general rule, the smaller the table facet, the higher the display of light or fire it can produce. And since diamonds reflect white light, diamonds with less color (grades D, E, F) create more fire than colored ones.
Have you ever watched a star twinkle? Diamonds can also do that in the most magical way it can because of diamond scintillation. This phenomenon happens when the light and shadow contrast within facets as the diamond moves, creating a sparkle or twinkling effect.
Diamonds with precise cuts, small facets, and symmetrical shapes produce even patterns of light. This makes round brilliant diamonds sparkle more than other shapes.
Why do some diamonds sparkle more than others? What makes diamonds sparkle and shine? These are common questions when trying to learn about diamond brilliance. Aside from clarity and color, the diamond cut affects sparkle and brilliance. It dictates the amount of brilliance, fire, and scintillation a stone can emit. Poorly cut diamonds offer less sparkle while a finely cut diamond radiates more.
When it comes to ranking, a round diamond cut is engineered for optimal sparkle with its 57 to 58 facets for maximized play of light and reflection. Below is a perfect example of a diamond sparkle of a round brilliant diamond set as a solitaire engagement ring.
Tradition White Solitaire Engagement Ring (Setting Only)
The princess and cushion diamond cuts with sharp square edges also make sparkling diamonds. The emerald and Asscher diamonds with step-cut facets, on the other hand, prefer clarity over sparkle.
Although cut has a direct impact on a diamond’s sparkle, clarity, color and carat can also have an effect. How diamond clarity impacts sparkle and brilliance? When aiming for that sparkle, diamonds with high clarity grades are mostly preferred as it has fewer inclusions that may disrupt the flow of light.
Fewer inclusions promote a continuous bouncing of light in all facets. As much as color is concerned, a colorless diamond graded as D-F can reflect light much better than those with a hint of color where light may appear softer, reducing the sparkle. Carat weight does not ensure sparkle as even larger diamonds can lose sparkle when the cut is not up to par. The diamond cut still supersedes these 3C’s.
Finding a diamond with the right sparkle for your engagement ring, wedding ring, necklace, bracelet, and earrings can be challenging. However, with the right knowledge and tips, you can land with that perfect fit diamond.
When you marvel at how diamonds sparkle, remember that not all diamonds have it. It takes a well-cut diamond to shine and sparkle. Light affects how a diamond glitters and if you are after that shimmer, a round brilliant cut diamond can deliver what you are looking for in a diamond as a center stone. Need help? Book a free appointment with Excel Jewelers today and our team is more than glad to assist you!
