Auction/Bargain
The Anatomy of a Diamond
DiamondWaveBuying a diamond is one of the more expensive and exciting purchases you'll make in your lifetime, so we want you to feel confident and knowledgeable going in to this purchase. So, we've put together the "Anatomy of a Diamond" to help you get a better understanding!
-Diameter: The diameter is the width of the diamond as measure through the girdle
-Table: The table is the width of the diamond as measured through the girdle
-Table Percentage: The table percentage is the value that corresponds to how the diameter of the table facet compares to the diameter of the entire diamond. For example, a stone that may have 50% table, has a table which is 50% wide as the diameter of the diamond. In terms of finding the table percentage of a round stone, gemologists usually need to calculate the table percentage by dividing the diameter by the the average girdle diameter.
-Crown: The upper part of the diamond that lies above the girdle. Crown determines the scintillation (sparkle) of the diamond, as well as the fire (dispersion).
-Girdle: Outer edge and the widest part around the diamond. Girdle forms a band around the stone and protects from chipping. It can add unnecessary weight to the stone.
-Pavilion: Lies at the bottom part of the diamond. It plays the most important role in determining brilliance.
-Culet: Is the final facet to be polished on the diamond. It is a tiny final facet that diamond cutters often add at the bottom of the diamond's pavilion. It's purpose is to protect the tip of the pavilion from being damaged. Modern shapes very rarely have a culet.
-Depth: Depth refers to the height of the stone from the culet to the table. Usually measured in millimeters.
-Facet: Facets are the flat, smooth faces on the surface of the diamond. They allow light to enter the diamond as well as reflect off of it's surfaces from different angles. They aid is creating different colors and light.
To learn more, or play with our interactive diamond anatomy chart, check out our education pages!
