The name Trigon is such an odd name. Trigon sounds kind of
Star Trek to me: "
Please, Captain, not in front of the Klingons!" But in reality, a Trigon is nothing more than a Triangular Shape found on a Diamond.
Definition: A three-sided Polygon!
I first encountered Trigons about 20 years ago. I was analyzing a Diamond under a microscope just for the fun of it. (It's a Hobby of mine, I'm a geek!) And there they were. TRIGONS! I found them on a rough spot of the Girdle (Called a Natural - Because it's in its natural state, which is the original Diamond untouched and unpolished).
This Natural had some very interesting shapes and patterns on it. I instantly became more curious. I zoomed in all the way (30x magnification) and low and behold I had my first experience with a Trigon. Or should I say lots of them! WOW!
What a great find! I had never seen anything like it before - And I study a lot of Diamonds! I'm always checking out Facets, Angles, how the Cuts line up, looking at the Culet and the Girdle and of course all the Imperfections and Blemishes... But nothing as exciting as this! Trigons (I even like saying the name) never cease to amaze me.
At the time I didn't know what a Trigon was. My boss had to come over and explain them. He was as excited to see them as me. Natural Triangular Growth Patterns is Mother Nature at her finest!
Trigons are, no doubt, very cool. They really do look like Triangles one atop of another. (Etched Pits, Indented on Octahedral Faces - like an upside down Step Pyramid) See Diagram below to understand more. You'll see the Natural (black area) on the bottom side of the Girdle (red area - The Girdle is the line that separates the Crown from the Pavilion) and all the Triangular Patterns formed in between.
Look at the Diagram and look at the Diamond - Very awesome stuff!
My boss looked at me and smiled "That's how Diamonds grow!" Really? I went back for a second look. I was hooked!
Diamonds grow naturally in Triangular Patterns from Carbon Atoms joined together. (And all this time I was thinking that Diamonds grew like snowflakes!) But nope, Triangle Patterns are just how a Diamond is born. Add in the right amount of heat and the right amount of pressure and you'll see 100% pure Carbon cooking. The Earth is, after all, just a big oven for Gemstones!
Do note that Trigons are neither good, nor bad. Trigons are just another way to identify the Diamond. Plus they also help prove that it's a real Diamond!
Trigons are probably one of the coolest things I've ever seen. But I will tell you, Trigons are not easy to find. You could probably look at hundreds of Diamonds and never find any of these cool little formations. (Crop Circles anyone?) Hunting for Trigons is like finding a needle in a haystack. Not easy!
You may even have Trigons on your Diamond right now and just don't even know it. Doesn't it make you curious? Maybe it's time to check it out? The next time you're in a Jewelry Store, ask them to use their microscope. Look at your Diamond. Look all around the Girdle and the underside of it (where Trigons show up the most). See if you find any cool Triangles just waiting to be discovered.
Another place that will tell you if you have Trigons or not... Would be your Certification Papers. Look for either Natural or Indented Natural listed right on the actual Diamond Report. (See example Key To Symbols below.) Trigons could show up on either Natural. If you have Naturals listed, you may have a Trigon.
You should note that Trigons don't affect the
Clarity rating of your Diamond! (That is, as long as the Trigon is on the Girdle and doesn't distort it.)
So what are you waiting for? Grab your papers and look! See if you find one... You may even find dozens. You could be the proud owner of a rare Trigon! Ahhhhh! (Just wait until your friends hear that!)
All in all, Trigons are just a simple natural growth on the Diamond. It's a microscopic World rarely seen by man. But once you see them, you'll never forget them.
I sure won't!
Copyright © 11-24-2009 Jewelry-Secrets.com
