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What is the "life" or "fire" of a diamond/diamond?

Life Or Fire Gemologists usually define a diamond as the color play effect seen in cut diamonds. This is due to the dispersion of light, that is, the spectral distribution of white light into spectral colors. The fire of a diamond depends, among other things, on the refractive index, the size of the stone, and the quality of the cut. This means that the observed "fire" or "life" of a diamond depends largely on the skill of the cutter. The more precisely the cut is made, the stronger the observed effects. A poorly cut diamond looks like it's idle.

Glitter of a diamond

The "" or "" of a diamond is called the sparkling reflection of light rays inside the stone. They are obtained by a certain type of grinding. The base of the diamond plays the role of a kind of mirror in it. Light, refracted on the surface, is reflected from it, and then refracted again on the forehead, i.e. on top of the stone. Professionally, this phenomenon is called brilliant. The human eye perceives them as the presence of multi-colored, iridescent reflections, especially visible when the diamond is rotated. A necessary condition for a beautiful effect is a very precise and skillful processing of a precious stone.

What is the "life" or "fire" of a diamond/diamond?

Kinds of fire, that is the life of a diamond

There are four main types of diamonds in jewelry. They give the stone an incomparable radiance and are directly related to the correct execution of a brilliant cut.

  • inner radiance (also called radiance or brilliance) - caused by the reflection of light from the upper surface of the diamond, called the crown;
  • external brilliance (called the life or brightness of a diamond) - is created as a result of the reflection of light rays from individual facets located at the base of the stone;
  • scintillation brilliance - a mottled, shimmering brilliance observed when a diamond moves and rotates;
  • diffuse brilliance - this name is used to describe the fire of a diamond, the play of colors that occurs in it. It depends primarily on the opening angle of the diamond crown and the size of its facets.

Cut is the “fire” state of a diamond.

As mentioned earlier, "fire"Or"life»A diamond depends primarily on a good cut. However, another key factor is the proportions of the stone. The brilliant effect will be much weaker if the cut is incorrect. For example, in a stone that is too finely processed, light rays, having penetrated through the edges of the crown, will go through the base without being reflected, as is the case with proper processing. Achieving the perfect effect is due to the highest precision grinding. Thanks to this, the stone will always appear full of life and brilliance.

Check also our compendium of knowledge about other gems:

  • Diamond / Diamond
  • Ruby
  • amethyst
  • Aquamarine
  • Agate
  • ametrine
  • Sapphire
  • Emerald
  • Topaz
  • Tsimofan
  • Jade
  • morganite
  • howlite
  • Peridot
  • Alexandrite
  • Heliodor