Ideal cut diamonds in bright lighting.

[treasurehunter]

I know this topic was done before but really I think its important

Ideal cut diamonds in Bright direct lighting

-look grey/dark
-why ?
-What range of parameters causes it
-If causes a negative effect Is Ideal cut therefore 'Ideal'

 

[KobiD]

I've done a bit of reading on the subject lately myself.

We recently acquired an AGS0 Ideal cut which shows a little darkening under certain lights. Its not so visible with the naked eye, but certain pictures really capture the darkness, along with a lot of associated fire. I have found using a flash in particular highlights the effect.

Happy to hear more about the reasoning behind the effect, but as far as less than ideal, I really like it. This stone has so much character depending on where it is.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Intense directional lighting tends to accentuate the contrast in diamonds. Our eyes and brain also react in ways that make the darks darker in this lighting scenario.

Designed-in contrast in the right amounts and distribution is required for a diamond to produce good scintillation and fire. An ideal diamond will produce optimal brightness, fire and sparkle across the largest range of normal lighting environments. But in extreme lighting, ironically, overall brightness is diminished.

Diffuse daylight (or daylight equivalent fluorescent light) will accentuate the brightness. But without some spot lighting, fire and scintillation will not be prominent.

The best lighting scenarios have some of each, and that is where ideal cuts will consistently outperform the rest. Fortunately mixed lighting is far more common in real life.

 

[doberman]

I don't find it to be a negative effect at all. It's actually my favorite look for my diamond because fire show!