Diamond Depth

Subject: Diamond Depth Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:05 pm

Diamond Depth
Wise people always research a purchase before they buy so they get the best value for their money. It is no different when purchasing a diamond. Many people educate themselves on the 4 Cs of diamond grading – cut, clarity, color, and carat weight – and carefully choose the best they are able to afford. For a person interested in more than just basic information, however, another aspect of a diamond can also play a big part in the diamond’s overall appearance. Diamond depth dramatically affects how the diamond reflects light.
What is diamond depth?

Diamond depth refers how deep a diamond is in relation to how wide it is. While many people are impressed with a diamond that has a large surface area, if it is not deep enough the light will not properly refract. A smaller diamond frequently appears larger if it is cut correctly and properly refracts the light. A diamond that is too deep relative to the diameter tends to lose light in its depths.

What is the best diamond depth ratio (55.0 to 80.0)?

A mathematician named Marcel Tolkowsky calculated that the absolute best way to refract available light would be in a round diamond that has a depth ratio of 59.3%. For instance, if a diamond is, say, 10mm wide then a perfect depth would be 5.93mm deep, or approximately 6mm deep. A diamond that is cut to Tolkowsky’s specifications is termed “American ideal cut” or “ideal cut diamond”.

Diamond depth is rated in relation to the diamond’s table, which is that portion of the diamond above the girdle, which is the broadest part of the diamond. The table to depth ratio is how a depth rating is achieved. Ratings are generally categorized as ideal, excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. The closer the percentage is to 55, the better the light will refract and the more brilliant the diamond will be. A ratio that is too small or too large means that light will be refracted down rather than up to the eye.

How does diamond depth affect the overall price of a diamond?

Different elements of the diamond such as the color, the weight, how clear it is, and how it is cut will affect the overall price. Likewise the diamond depth affects price. A diamond which falls into the ideal range will cost far more than a diamond depth which falls into the poor range. Ideal or excellent diamonds are more brilliant and cast more sparkle than their lesser brethren.

While people may prefer a marquis cut over a round cut, or a yellow diamond over a white one, nobody wants a dull, lifeless diamond. Why waste money on something that doesn’t sparkle? It simply makes sense to maximize your purchasing power by buying the absolute best that is available

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