My Asscher looks so cool in low light - anyone else?

[LitigatorChick]

In really dimly lit situations (pubs, or even candelight type light), my asschers look so neat! It is hard to describe, but it is extremely white, contrasted with a darkness of the steps. It almost seems to glow in this low light. Anyone else experience this?

 

[tberube]

I agree. I like my EC best in low, diffused lighting. I can see the steps so clearly then, and like you said...it seems to glow.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I love that type of lighting as well--my favorite is in dimly lit restaurants. I feel lke those bold flashes of light are more pronounced. I catch myself staring at my hand and wondering how it can be so bright in such a dark room. I also love a cloudy day, it seems to show the pattern more than sunlight.

ETA: I got my ultrasonic cleaner last night and right now the sun is shining through my office window--it's like a fire parade over here! Maybe i just needed a really clean ring to appreciate sunlight!

 

[LitigatorChick]

Ultrasonics are great - I love the flashes of light on a sunny day when I am driving my red sports car - I guess my eyes should be on the road!!!!

But there is really something special about low light and my asschers. I wonder if there is any scientific reason for this?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 4/25/2008 9:40:04 AM
Author: LitigatorChick

But there is really something special about low light and my asschers. I wonder if there is any scientific reason for this?

yes, large virtual facets, lots of contrast, and step cutting.
When they were designed soft lighting was the norm for indoor lighting.

 

[LitigatorChick]

What do you mean by "large virtual facets"?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 4/25/2008 2:46:08 PM
Author: LitigatorChick
What do you mean by 'large virtual facets'?

virtual facets are facets created by the interaction of the real facets that make it look and act like there are more facets on the diamond.

In other words the real facets interact in such a way too break up the light into zones creating the effect of more facets.
In an asscher under the table these virtual facets are very very large and under the crown facets a mix of med. and small.
The difference in appearance between an oec and a RB can also be explained by virtual facet size with the oec having larger virtual facets.

Larger facets both real and virtual gather and return more light in soft lighting.
This can be thought of as bigger mirrors catch more light in soft lighting. (not a perfect comparison but close)
A larger quantity of smaller(but not too small) mirrors(small virtual facets) are brighter in more direct lighting.

 

[LitigatorChick]

Cool!!!

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

I love cloudy days -- as that is my favorite light to view my asscher....

Strmdr: I would love to attend an "asscher seminar" put on by you!! I learn so much with every post... thanks for sharing your knowledge!

 

[Ellen]

 

[strmrdr]

Asscher actual facets top view.

 

[strmrdr]

Side view

 

[strmrdr]

Virtual Facets inside the real facets

 

[strmrdr]

Face up appearance.
See how the virtual facets split the real facets as seen here and above.

 

[strmrdr]

RB virtual facets here two they split up the actual facets
Notice the arrows are the largest virtual facets.
The rest are med and small.

 

[strmrdr]

RB face up.
Notice how the features of the diamond line up with the virtual facets above.

 

[strmrdr]

Here is the real and virtual facets over the rendered image.

 

[strmrdr]

The virtual and actual facets are in red over the rendered image.

 

[strmrdr]

I feel in my gut that the key too scintillation in a diamond is not the movement of facets but the creation and destruction of virtual facets as the diamond is moved.
I cant prove it yet but that is my theory.

It would also fit that in soft light large virtual facets being created and destroyed would bring more life too the stone over small virtual facets.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

This is fantastic--it explains why I get smaller sparkles around the edges of my stone, but the bolder flashes in the center. I''ve never understood why that happens. Thanks, strm!

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 4/25/2008 10:53:16 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
This is fantastic--it explains why I get smaller sparkles around the edges of my stone, but the bolder flashes in the center. I've never understood why that happens. Thanks, strm!

your welcome.
Would you like too know why step cutting makes a difference in soft light?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 4/25/2008 11:02:45 PM
Author: strmrdr
your welcome.
Would you like too know why step cutting makes a difference in soft light?

yes please

 

[strmrdr]

With an RB the virtual facets get smaller as the diamond is tilted.
Compare this image too the above rb virtual facet image.

 

[strmrdr]

With step cuts with large pavilion real facets the virtual facets get bigger as the diamond is tilted.

 

[JSM]

This thread makes me want an Asscher.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 4/26/2008 12:11:12 AM
Author: strmrdr
With step cuts with large pavilion real facets the virtual facets get bigger as the diamond is tilted.

Which is why step cutting matters in soft lighting.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Nice Strom.
Get some red blue glasses and check it out in stereo on DiaMcalc too.

 

[Cleo]

Date: 4/25/2008 9:44:15 PM
Author: Ellen

PMSL!!!! I totally agree!!!

We want photos of all the delicious asschers please - I just lurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrve them!

x x x

 

[Cleo]

Date: 4/26/2008 12:09:33 AM
Author: strmrdr
With an RB the virtual facets get smaller as the diamond is tilted.
Compare this image too the above rb virtual facet image.

Wow... I learned something here - thankyou so much!

This totally explains what causes the effect I enjoy when I tilt my diamond - one of my favourite ways to look at my RB... as well as from the top.. from the side... etc etc etc

That''s really interesting, thanks Storm!

*apologies for slight Asscher thread hijack*

x x x

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 4/26/2008 5:14:50 AM
Author: Cleo

Date: 4/26/2008 12:09:33 AM
Author: strmrdr
With an RB the virtual facets get smaller as the diamond is tilted.
Compare this image too the above rb virtual facet image.

Wow... I learned something here - thankyou so much!

This totally explains what causes the effect I enjoy when I tilt my diamond - one of my favourite ways to look at my RB... as well as from the top.. from the side... etc etc etc

That''s really interesting, thanks Storm!

*apologies for slight Asscher thread hijack*

x x x

What is interesting is that I can describe everything we talk about occurring in diamonds in relation too the virtual facets and the angles that determine if any given virtual facet reflects, leaks or reacts too obstruction.
Effect of h&a yep can explain it, painting yep that too, patterns in asschers, crushed ice vs chunky, ring of death, pinfire vs broadfire it is all in the virtual facets.