Diamonds: The Science Behind the Shine

Diamonds are undoubtedly the most prized gems in the world. Their enduring beauty makes them an ideal accessory in every event or an heirloom which can be passed from generation to generation. But, what exactly makes them valuable?

Sparkle—that’s what makes these gems priceless. The beauty of the glistening light on the gem’s surface can mesmerise anyone who will look at it. The shine is easy to marvel at, but jewellery designers, such as Robert H. Parker and Sons, believe that the science behind it is what makes this stone even more fascinating and worthy of admiration.

Below is a discussion on how diamonds give off that enthralling sparkle:

Everyone knows that light is one of the fastest things in the universe. With the speed of almost 186,000 miles per second, who could contest on its reputation? But, they forget one thing; the speed of light can be altered depending on the medium it passes through. For instance, it travels much slower through water.

Knowing this principle, you can easily conclude that light travels slow as it passes through solid and dense objects, like diamonds. The gem is packed with electrons that the light interacts with as it passes through the stone. Electrons serve as barriers on the path the light is traversing, causing the light to bounce in different directions. The interaction between the light and the electrons is simply what causes the diamond to sparkle.

A diamond cutter can make the diamond shine brighter by cutting some corners using the right proportions. When the gem is cut at the right corners, the light will be dispersed equally, making the stone more brilliant. When the cut is too deep or too shallow, light will reflect awkwardly, so the gem becomes less sparkly.

Fashioning a diamond to sparkle in an appealing way is not an easy feat. It requires the expertise of professionals who have undergone years of training. For now, it’s nice to know that the delay in the journey of light is what makes the gem gleam.