Diffused light and colored stones.

[Gypsy]

So I''ve got a new rhodolite (no I haven''t posted pics. Yes I will, but won''t be till the weekend, sorry

) and I had it set into my X-prong setting (original engagement setting) and it''s this really cool medium dark pinky purple.

This is a very well cut gem and it''s got a checkerboard crown. In direct light it appears A medium dark pinky wine color and darker than other times, it s got great fire indoors in diffused light... but today it was overcast out and the light was diffused, one of those deary sky days... and it was GLOWING on my finger. I was mezmerized just this pure pink slightly purple GLOW the stone was so bright it looked like a pink light on my finger.

Why''d it do that? It was really cool. I want it to do that again. In fact, I''m about to run outside now to see it do it again. (I know... you know your a PSer when you should be doing work, but your posting on PS about the cool glow of your garnet, as you prepare to take a short walk outside just to see it glow again).

 

[jeffwhite]

That's my favorite lighting condition too. We cutters call it "ISO" lighting. Basically, other that your head, the "field of view" seen by the stone is one of uniform light. This is ideal for allowing all the facets to "catch" and return light rays to the viewer, regardless of angle. With point light sources (sun, light bulbs, etc), the bulk of the light is coming from one or a few sources. As a result, fewer facets will "display" the light at a particular angle. However, point source lighting is excellent for accentuating fire in gems. That's why you see so many of them in your jewelry store ceiling.

Now, if you could get rid of your head, you'd really see a show! Too bad you need your head to hold those pesky eyeballs in

 

[Missrocks]

My favorite pics of my sapphire ring were captured outdoors when the sky was overcast. Kind of like Gypsy said..it glowed! And also tended to look "bluer" outdoors and more "violet" indoors. Colored gemstones are such fascinating creatures!

Gypsy- You should post pics of your garnet in different lighting conditions. It sounds beautiful!


And thanks to Jeff for the more detailed info.

 

[strmrdr]

put one of these in the middle of a room shining at a white ceiling to get a similar effect inside.
http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/Floor-Lamps/68661/

 

[Missrocks]

Date: 3/7/2008 1:43:06 AM
Author: strmrdr
put one of these in the middle of a room shining at a white ceiling to get a similar effect inside.
http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/Floor-Lamps/68661/

If those floor lamps weren''t so visually unappealing, I might consider it...

 

[Gypsy]

COOL. That makes total sense Jeff! Thank you.

I will take pics soon. Promise MissRocks.