What Is Diamond Brilliance?
Brilliance or sparkle is the first thing you'll see when looking at a diamond. It's the white flashes of light that reflect via the diamond's crown. The intensity of this white light is the foundation of the diamond's beauty. It is the most vital feature of a diamond's quality.
Factors That Affect Diamond Brilliance
Brilliance is an effect of internal and external white light reflected from the diamond's facets to your eyes. Several factors affect diamond's brilliance; they include:
Cut Quality
The diamond cutting process transforms a rough stone into a gorgeous jewel. It reveals the true beauty of these gemstones. The final faceted stone affects the passage of light through the diamond and how this light reflects from the diamond. A high-quality cut enhances how the stone reacts to light in its surroundings.
An excellent cut-grade diamond is most brilliant. The reflections, in this case, appear crisp, bright, and well-balanced, with incredible contrast between dark and light areas. Such a stone attracts a higher price tag.
The cut quality is the most critical factor of a diamond's 4Cs for determining its value and brilliance. For example, if the cut is too deep, the diamond will trap, while the diamond will be less brilliant if it's too shallow.
Shape
Some diamond shapes are more brilliant than others. Diamond's brilliance depends on the cut angles, proportions, and facets. For instance, the round cut diamond is the most brilliant because it has the most facets (58) that interact with light to create a magnificent appearance. These diamonds reflect light from multiple angles. On the contrary, heart-shaped diamonds have fewer facets; thus, they are less brilliant.
Diamond Color
Diamond color, to a lesser extent, affects its brilliance. For instance, diamonds with less color shine brightest because they absorb less light than lesser-colored gemstones. Regarding brilliance, less color is better.
Clarity
Clarity can also affect a diamond's brilliance. For instance, diamonds with blemishes and inclusions cause light to disperse, making the stone appear less bright. Blemishes on a diamond's surface limit the amount of light entering the stone, while inclusions hinder the free movement of light within the diamond. These imperfections act as speed bumps and stop signs affecting how light travels. Therefore, a stone with fewer imperfections is more brilliant because nothing distracts its shine and sparkle.
Conclusion
Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry has diamonds for everyone—whether you’re looking for a ring for your partner, earrings for your loved one, or jewelry for yourself. We have a new diamond every day, and we’re experts in matching diamonds to different shapes.