Understanding the Prismatic Properties of Diamonds

If you're trying to find the perfect diamonds engagement ring, or are looking to buy diamonds online, it's important you understand how diamonds are graded.
A big part of understanding diamond cuts is to understand how light works within the diamond that gives it his legendary sparkle. When light enters a diamond or any other material it bends or refracts.  How it much it bends is referred to as the refractive index. The refractive index of diamond is 2.41, the highest of any natural transparent gem, which is why they’re so beautiful to look at when they catch light. In diamonds the maximum amount they can refract is 24.5 degrees, also known as the critical angle. Light that passes through the diamond is reflected if it makes contact with a surface outside the critical angle. Light striking a surface inside the critical angle will be refracted out of a diamond.