Why are some diamonds dark?

[lilyinct]

Just wondering- why is it that when I look straight down into diamonds, some appear clear and bright, and some are "darker" or appear to have more depth? Is the cut or color?

Thanks.

 

[ecf8503]

The short answer: likely cut. Definitely not color. That said, all diamonds will have "dark" regions in certain lighting conditions and from certain angles - my 2 ideal cut rounds do, BUT I have looked at them enough to know in what conditions I am likely to see this as opposed to the "starburst" pattern I know is there!

 

[lilyinct]

Thanks for the reply- my mother and I are not in agreement on this one- her diamond (which I don''t think is ideal cut-but she insists it is) is very bright, whereas my ideal cut diamond is the "darker" one which appears to have more depth/arrows (or as I call them, nooks and crannies)...and she is under the impression that her diamond reigns supreme.

So, to settle the bet, who wins?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

One likely variable is your mother looks from 16 inches away and you look form 10 inches away.

We have too little info to help you.

Do you have an www.ideal-scope.com ? If you can describe the differences thru the scope then we can be more objective.

 

[oldminer]

Ambient lighting can play a large role in how much light is perceived when you look into a diamond. The color of the walls and ceiling will have an effect, too. Sometimes a darker looking stone improves the color of a lighter fancy color diamond, but it does nothing for a colorless stone. Compare stones in equal lighting for the best decision making situation. Keep away from places that have black painted celings and terrifically bright blue spotlighting.

It is generally agreed that a brighter diamond is better than a darkish one.....in the colorless range.