Let’s be honest, there’s no other gem quite like the diamond. Not only is this jewel incredibly brilliant, but its scintillation makes it seem almost ethereal. If you’re looking to buy diamond jewellery for women, it’s a good idea to find out all about diamond scintillation.
No idea what we’re talking about? Don’t worry! This article will provide you with the definition of diamond scintillation and all that you need to know. Read on and take notes!
What is Scintillation in a Diamond?
Simply put, the diamond’s scintillation refers to the unique play of light that is visible when the gem is viewed in motion. It manifests itself in the form of flashes, and based on the colour that is radiated, this scintillation can be divided into the following two categories:
- Flash scintillation: This refers to the white sparkle that can be noticed across the crown of the gemstone. In comparison to fire scintillation, the flash version is more frequently seen on a diamond.
- Fire scintillation: This refers to the coloured flashes that are reflected from the jewel. They are created through the bending and dispersion of light within the gemstone.
Understanding Diamond Scintillation
So, what do you understand by scintillation in a diamond? Ask anyone why they love diamonds so much and the answer will be universal, “It’s because they sparkle.” Now, this mesmerizing sparkle is actually the result of the way the light enters the diamond and flashes from facet to facet as it moves toward the centre. This fascinating interplay of light in a scintillating diamond is what gives the gemstone its characteristic glitter.
Scintillation is the product of motion. For instance, when you flaunt your diamond it dazzles and bewitches onlookers with its spectacular sparkle. This is the result of how the diamond’s facets interact with light, reflecting and bouncing it back to the eye in a dynamic pattern. This also shows why cut quality is so important as a well-cut diamond reflects light for maximum brilliance. On the other hand, a poorly-cut diamond leaks light instead of reflecting it, resulting in a more subdued sparkle.
What Affects Diamond Scintillation
Two key factors are needed for scintillation to take place. They are as follows:
- Light: For diamonds to scintillate, light is required. For maximum effect, the light must enter the gemstone from several angles. This will allow it to hit all the facets of the jewel and result in a mesmerizing shine that is sure to turn heads.
- Movement: This is the second requirement for diamond scintillation to take place. The motion of the diamond enhances the refraction of the light and causes it to flicker. This, in turn, results in a beautiful scintillating effect that always wows the crowd.
Does the Diamond’s Cut Play a Role in its Scintillation?
Yes, it does! The quality and number of facets present on a diamond can either strengthen or weaken its scintillation. If cut correctly, it will result in a resplendent mirage of sparkle all across the gem’s crown. On the flip side, if poorly cut, the jewel will contain several ‘dead spots’, which will adversely impact its scintillation and overall appeal.
Diamond Scintillation vs. Fire vs. Brilliance
Now that you have a better idea of what diamond scintillation is, let’s see how it’s different from a diamond’s fire and brilliance.
- Diamond fire or dispersion refers to the coloured sparkle that you see when a diamond is exposed to light. Fire results from light being broken down into spectral hues as it enters a diamond. Gemstones with steep crown angles and small tables produce more fire (coloured sparkle) as they have less light return.
- On the other hand, brilliance is the white sparkle or light radiated by a diamond. Brilliance gives a diamond its characteristic sparkle and has two key components, namely, brightness and contrast. For a diamond’s brilliance to be truly impactful, it needs both brilliance and light contrast as it appears more dynamic.
- Scintillation refers to the blinking flashes of light across the facets of the diamond. This play of light adds life and sparkle to the diamond and is most visible when the diamond is in motion.
How to Choose a Diamond with Optimal Scintillation
Scintillation is the dazzling sparkle that makes a diamond come alive when it moves under light. If you want a diamond that twinkles like a star, focus on the cut quality, facet arrangement and lighting performance.
Here’s how to pick a diamond with the best scintillation:
1. Ensure Cut Quality: The cut is the most crucial factor influencing scintillation. You need to look for:
- Excellent/Ideal Cut (for round diamonds)
- Well-proportioned facets (to maximize light return)
- Precision in symmetry and polish (to avoid dull spots)
2. Pick the Right Diamond Shape: Some shapes naturally have stronger scintillation, the best shapes for scintillation are round brilliant, princess cut and cushion cut. For moderate sparkle, you can go with oval, radiant and pear. And if you like a subtle, mirror-like effect, then emerald cut and Asscher are your best bet.
3. Look for a Well-Balanced Facet Pattern: A diamond’s facets should create an even mix of bright and dark areas as it moves. If it looks too “glassy” or has large dark patches, its scintillation may be weak.
4. Observe Under Different Lighting: Mixed lighting, such as a combination of spotlights and ambient light enhances scintillation. On the other hand, lighting in an office or diffused lighting may not show its sparkle as well.
5. Clean It Regularly: A dirty diamond won’t sparkle, no matter how well-cut it is. Regular cleaning removes oils and dust that dull its brilliance.
Which Shape/Cut is the Best for a Diamond?
Round: This particular option features 57 facets that are specially created to enhance the jewel’s incredible scintillation. The circular shape also radiates sophistication and elegance, without being too dramatic.
Oval: A mix of the marquise and round, the oval offers the best of both worlds. It has 69 facets to uplift the scintillation, brilliance and fire of the diamond. Its elongated structure also helps make the diamond look bigger than it actually is, and when set on a ring, it can give the illusion of slender fingers.
So there it is, all the useful information on diamond scintillation and how light affects a diamond’s appearance. We hope this article helped!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is scintillation different from brilliance and fire?
While brilliance is the overall white light return from the diamond and fire is the dispersion of light into rainbow colours, scintillation is the sparkle effect you see when the diamond moves.
2. Is diamond scintillation affected by lighting?
Yes. Sparkle is most visible in mixed lighting (both direct and ambient light). In soft, diffused light, scintillation is less pronounced.
3. How can I cheque for good scintillation when buying a diamond?
It’s quite simple really. Just observe how the diamond sparkles when you move it under different lighting and compare multiple diamonds side by side. What you’re looking for is a well-balanced pattern of bright and dark areas.
