Diamond Facets

• Definition of Brilliance: The amount of sparkle a stone gives off through the reflection and refraction of light

• Definition of Sparkle: A measure of the light reflected out by a diamond as it is viewed from different angles

• Definition of Dispersion: Dispersion refers to the prism of light refracted from within a cut and polished diamond and relates to the sparkling colors that are emitted from the stone as it is viewed from different angles

• Definition of Fluorescence: An inherent property possessed by diamonds resulting in glowing without an appreciable rise of temperature when exposed to ultra-violet rays, cathode rays etc.

• Definition of Lustre / luster: Term used to describe the brightness of an object that shines with reflected light rather than producing its own

• Scintillation: Occurs when light bounces among the facets creating a really sparkling display

• Definition of Culet: A tiny flat facet that cutters sometimes add at the bottom of a diamond's pavilion. Its purpose is to protect the tip of the pavilion from being chipped or damaged

Cabochon or Convex Cuts - An Unfaceted Gemstone
Definition of a Cabochon: A modification to the gemstone face that creates a highly polished, convex-cut, unfaceted gem that is smooth to the touch. When a stone receives one or two convex faces with or without facets at the base, it is said to be convex cut, (e.g Almandine Garnet). But when its facets are simply polished, it is said to be cut 'en cabochon' as in the Opal and Cat's-eye. In ancient times the Sapphire was always so cut. A stone cut with a flattish convex surface is said to be tallow-topped.