I can clearly see my reflection in my diamond?

[Nicm]

It's really hard to get a photo, but I thought my skin was reflecting back like a mirror, so I took a closer look. I could see my mouth, and clearly see it open and close in the reflection. This is in the middle facets and at each end. Is this normal?? Sometimes it's a dark bow tie and sometimes it's my reflection in perfect colour.



It's hard to get a photo of this. Is it normal?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

it is called a bowtie

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

You (or your camera/phone) are the bowtie

 

[Nicm]

You (or your camera/phone) are the bowtie

I understand it's a bowtie when it is dark. I've looked at many oval diamonds and have seen this. However my concern is that I can actually see my reflection in colour, and can even make out my skin, hair and mouth. I have never noticed other stones mirror in this way.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I understand it's a bowtie when it is dark. I've looked at many oval diamonds and have seen this. However my concern is that I can actually see my reflection in colour, and can even make out my skin, hair and mouth. I have never noticed other stones mirror in this way.

Of course - and if you put a red bag over your head with a peep hole YOU will become an ideal-scope.
Paint a big black circle on the bag and you will see a bowtie

 

[Karl_K]

lol Garry.

@Nicm
I have not seen one where the bow-tie was a perfect reflection of parts of the person looking at it, blurry yes but not perfect.
For example could tell if I had a blue hat on or not.
Given the right angles it seems like it should be possible for the image produced to be more detailed.
Ir would take the right combo of eyesight, lighting and diamond angles to make it work.
Interesting.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

lol Garry.

@Nicm
I have not seen one where the bow-tie was a perfect reflection of parts of the person looking at it, blurry yes but not perfect.
For example could tell if I had a blue hat on or not.
Given the right angles it seems like it should be possible for the image produced to be more detailed.
Ir would take the right combo of eyesight, lighting and diamond angles to make it work.
Interesting.

Easy peasy in a 100ct oval marq or pear

 

[Karl_K]

Easy peasy in a 100ct oval marq or pear

lol yea.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Sounds way cool to me !
I know a bowtie is due to the cut but this sounds fascinating

 

[Big Fat Facets]

so does this "feature" that you experience have any bearing on if you will keep the oval diamond??

 

[monipod]

This is super cool but at the same time it's not what you expect a diamond to do...

 

[Nicm]

@Garry H (Cut Nut) I feel a bit silly now - thank you.
@Karl_K thank you very much for this explanation.
@Daisys and Diamonds you've definitely made me feel a bit better about it. thank you!
@Big Fat Facets For me, I think it is a mark against keeping it. I've had a look and can't see any other diamonds now with these proportions and specs in my price range. Maybe that's my problem!
@monipod thank you. Great to hear people describe it as 'cool' rather than a huge flaw.

 

[monipod]

@monipod thank you. Great to hear people describe it as 'cool' rather than a huge flaw.

I have a 2ct oval with a small orange garnet that grew inside it so I appreciate the unexpected of a diamond. Having said that, I bought the stone with full knowledge. If you're unhappy with this cool effect, I think you're within your right to ask for a replacement. If you can only see reflections at a certain angle then it can be your cool stone

 

[OoohShiny]

Don't forget a diamond is supposed to act as a mirror on steroids with added pizazz

 

[OoohShiny]

Of course - and if you put a red bag over your head with a peep hole YOU will become an ideal-scope.
Paint a big black circle on the bag and you will see a bowtie

I almost actually LOL'd at that and made myself look stupid lol