Abstract

In this paper I give an overview about some of the issues and challenges of the optical design of gemstones. The goal in the optical design of gems is to produce appealing light effects such as brilliance, fire, and scintillation. It is the cut of a stone what is responsible for these effects. An understanding of how different cuts produce lighting life is important for the design of beautiful gems. Non-sequential ray tracing enables the geometrical analysis of light propagation in gems. Some design problems are how to use optical design programs, how to display information, and how to interpret it to assess gem beauty and value.

© 2003 Optical Society of America