Diamonds

Why is diamond brilliance considered the most important factor by many? It's simple: brilliance is the "life factor" of the diamond. It's what makes the diamond so popular: the clear, white glow that it gives off that catches peoples' eyes and makes the piece sparkle.

So how do you get the best possible brilliance? It isn't how big it is or the color…it's the cut. Remember, diamond brilliance is what makes them so beautiful and sought after, and therefore has a huge impact on the stone's price! Size isn't everything in the case of a diamond stone. It can be huge and give off no light, rendering it lifeless and dull-looking.

The "glow" from a diamond occurs when bright light is reflected off all of the little internal angles within the diamond, which come from the cut and polish. Each facet must be shaped in a very exact manner, and placed with perfect symmetry to achieve the brilliance that will make people stop and take notice. The effect known as "Return of Light" describes the process of light being refracted from one facet to another, then bounced out through the top of the diamond. It can be measured by industry professionals.

It's important to understand the "Return of Light" idea to see how a poor cut will mean that brilliance takes a hit. For example, too deep a cut allows some light to escape through the opposite side of the diamond, so it's not projecting in one, solid pathway. If it's not a deep enough cut, light escapes through the bottom of the diamond, so it never makes it to the surface to burst out of the top.

"Return of Light" is the best measurement for a return on your diamond investment, and the best way to elicit a happy sigh from women all around the diamond!