Diamond
Facets - Facets produce the sparkle
What
exactly are facets? Diamond facets are the smooth surface
areas of a diamond which have been cut, polished and positioned
at different angles which allow light to enter and reflect
back from the stone. The depth and width and the uniformity
of the facets control the brilliance and the durability
of a diamond. The quality of the facets of a diamond are
the major determining factor in enhancing the diamond's
ability to sparkle or reflect light and play a large part
in the resulting brilliance of the stone. The following
general definitions will help with increasing understanding
of diamond Facets:
Diamonds are
Forever...
An
Impartial Guide to Diamonds
-
Definition of Brilliance: The amount of sparkle
a stone gives off through the reflection and refraction
of light
-
Definition of Sparkle: A measure of the light reflected
out by a diamond as it is viewed from different
angles
-
Definition of Dispersion: Dispersion refers to the
prism of light refracted from within a cut and polished
diamond and relates to the sparkling colors that
are emitted from the stone as it is viewed from
different angles
-
Definition of Fluorescence: An inherent property
possessed by diamonds resulting in glowing without
an appreciable rise of temperature when exposed
to ultra-violet rays, cathode rays etc.
-
Definition of Lustre / luster: Term used to describe
the brightness of an object that shines with reflected
light rather than producing its own
-
Scintillation: Occurs when light bounces among the
facets creating a really sparkling display
-
Definition of Culet: A tiny flat facet that cutters
sometimes add at the bottom of a diamond's pavilion.
Its purpose is to protect the tip of the pavilion
from being chipped or damaged
Cabochon or Convex Cuts - An Unfaceted Gemstone
Definition of a Cabochon: A modification
to the gemstone face that creates a highly polished,
convex-cut, unfaceted gem that is smooth to the touch.
When a stone receives one or two convex faces with or
without facets at the base, it is said to be convex
cut, (e.g Almandine Garnet). But when its facets are
simply polished, it is said to be cut 'en cabochon'
as in the Opal and Cat's-eye. In ancient times the Sapphire
was always so cut. A stone cut with a flattish convex
surface is said to be tallow-topped.
Diamonds - Precious - Stone - Guide - Color - Facts - Information -Info
- Jewelry - Jewellery
Properties - Quality - Settings - Shapes - Sizes - Structure - Jewel - Gem
- Gemstone
|