Patent ID: 7695159

Claim:
A method of viewing visually perceptible optical effects within a gemstone positioned within a display area, the method including the steps of: providing a lighting apparatus which includes a plurality of substantially white light sources comprising elongate linear sources arranged such that each light source is spaced apart from, and runs parallel to, adjacent light sources of the apparatus, and wherein the apparatus further includes light absorbing material disposed so as to substantially occupy the spaces between adjacent sources when viewed from within the display area, whereby light is emitted into the display area in bright lines alternating with adjacent dark regions; illuminating the display area from above using the lighting apparatus; positioning the gemstone within the display area; and moving the gemstone, relative to an observer, within the display area in order to produce visually perceptible effects in the gemstone which result from multiple reflections of contrasting light and dark bands generated by the lighting apparatus, wherein said visually perceptible effects include fire and scintillation of the gemstone.