For a gemstone, what does "brilliance" primarily refer to?

Brilliance, in the context of gemstones, primarily refers to the amount of light reflected from the stone. This phenomenon is a result of how well a gemstone is cut and how it interacts with light. A well-cut gemstone will have its facets arranged in a manner that maximizes light reflection and refraction, allowing the stone to appear particularly vibrant and lively.

When light enters a gemstone, some of it is absorbed, while the rest reflects off its surfaces. The more light that is reflected back to the viewer, the greater the brilliance. This characteristic is particularly important for transparent materials, where light performance can significantly enhance the visual appeal of the stone.

While depth of color, clarity, and carat size are important attributes that contribute to the overall beauty and value of a gemstone, they do not define brilliance. Depth of color refers to the concentration and intensity of color in a gemstone, clarity relates to the presence of inclusions or flaws, and carat size indicates the weight of the gemstone. These qualities can enhance or detract from the overall appearance, but they do not directly measure the amount of light a stone can reflect.