Which term refers to the overall condition of the facet surfaces of a finished diamond?

• A. The light returned when it hits a surface or a boundary between two different materials.
• B. The change in speed and possible change in direction of light as it travels from one material to another.
• C. The total distance light travels within a gemstone.
• D. The overall condition of the facet surfaces of a finished diamond.

Answer: (D)

Polish describes the smoothness and finish of the facet surfaces on a finished diamond. It assesses how well the facets have been cut and whether there are scratches or imperfections that scatter or dull light. A well-polished diamond shows clean, uninterrupted facet surfaces, allowing light to reflect properly and contribute to brightness. The other terms relate to light behavior rather than surface finish: one describes how light is reflected back (brightness), another to the change in light speed and direction as it enters a new material (refraction), and the last to the path light takes inside the stone. So the term that matches the overall condition of the facet surfaces is polish.