How to Choose a Diamond that Sparkles
As the world’s most desirable gem, diamonds have been treasured across cultures for thousands of years, sought after for their unforgettable sparkle. However, with such huge choice now available, it can be difficult to determine what makes a truly sparkling diamond.
What Makes a Diamond Sparkle?
When looking for the perfect diamond for your special occasion, it’s important to consider the sparkle that is right for you.
Sparkle is a term referring to 4 different measures that, when considered together, produce the desired effect:
Brilliance
Brilliance refers to how well the diamond reflects white light; a diamond needs to be cut well for it to reflect light and therefore glint.
Fire
The colourful rainbow reflected from a stone is called fire; a well-considered balance of proportions is necessary to refract coloured light.
Scintillation
When viewed in motion or under a moving light source, the diamond sparkles in both brilliance and fire, creating scintillation.
Polish
The surface or facets of a diamond have a certain grade of ‘smoothness’, affecting the ability of the stone to absorb, reflect and refract light. The higher the grade, the greater the polish, and the more light can bounce around, creating a sparkle.
How to Choose a Diamond that Sparkles?
Selecting the perfect diamond can be a challenge, but there are a few starting points that you can consider.
#1 Consider the Cut
The cut of a diamond has the biggest influence on how the above measures contribute to the overall sparkle. Diamonds come in various cuts, ranging from the hugely popular Round Brilliant Cut that provides an extraordinary sparkle, through Emerald, Baguette and Asscher cuts offering less sparkle but a more vintage sense, to Princess, Pear and Cushion cuts with a brighter, more modern aesthetic. All cuts can sparkle, but the type will determine the number of facets, and therefore the capacity for a brilliant sparkle.
#2 Examine Under Different Lights
As sparkle is all about light reflection and refraction, to find the ideal diamond you need to see how different lights affect the stone. Spot, diffused, fluorescent and natural lighting combinations all have different effects on the stone, so it’s important to test when choosing a stone to see what you prefer.
#3 Select the Right Setting
The setting of each stone influences the entrance points for light, thus affecting the sparkle. Choosing a prong setting allows for more light than a bezel setting, for example, as a bezel exterior inhibits light.
Looking for More Advice? Book A Complimentary Consultation at Linneys
Since its inception in the early 70s, through exceptional precision and talent Linneys have transformed raw gems into priceless jewellery. All stones are meticulously selected from conflict-free sources, and the team are proud to use only the finest of diamonds in their creations.
With an extensive range of over 400 pieces – pendants, rings, bracelets and more – our staff will be happy to assist you in choosing the perfect diamond for your occasion.