Why does prong reflect three times on crown side

[pyramid]

Why would a prong reflect three times in a diamond, is it due to the position on the crown, or is it something else? It looks like
a fan, three parts join at edge but fan out toward middle of stone. Can only see when diamond held slightly at an angle under loupe.

 

[Karl_K]

because that is what cut diamonds do.
Reflect what is above them.

That said some prong placement will reflect more than others.

 

[pyramid]

Thanks Karl K. Just wondering though why does it reflect three times and not just once? Is there an explanation for that?

 

[Karl_K]

Thanks Karl K. Just wondering though why does it reflect three times and not just once? Is there an explanation for that?

Because a cut diamond acts a group of complex prisms with each facet being part of many different prisms.
Easy answer virtual facet, each facet can and is part of many virtual facets.

 

[pyramid]

Thanks again Karl. I just find it funny how the three reflections fan out but the start of the reflections at the post side are right next to each other. Like a hand's open fingers. I suppose it has to do with the arrangement of facets beneath that the prong reflections are further spaced out than the post side reflections (the same reflections) where they originate. Would think are the diamond gets bigger at the edges it would be the other way around with the edges being wider, but I suppose it is because the crown is higher than the girdle or something optic i.e. as you say virtual facets.

Wonder if reflections worked the other way around if it would make the diamond look bigger

 

[pyramid]

Does anyone else look at prong reflections in their diamonds? Any photos of them? or is this a new level of obsession which
only I am afflicted with?

 

[Karl_K]

Does anyone else look at prong reflections in their diamonds? Any photos of them? or is this a new level of obsession which
only I am afflicted with?

no your not, been there done that.

 

[kenny]

I've seen the girdle inscription reflected around in asschers.