Understanding the anatomy of a diamond is essential when shopping for a high quality, stylish, and affordable diamond—whether it’s for a ring, necklace, or bracelet. Whether lab grown or natural, each diamond is a complex structure shaped by nature or advanced technology and then refined by expert craftsmanship. At Delows, we believe that informed customers make the best choices. This guide will break down the parts of a diamond to help you navigate clarity, cut, and overall diamond grade with confidence.
What’s a Table Size?
The table is the large, flat facet at the top of a diamond. It’s the largest facet and plays a major role in how light enters the stone and reflects back out. The table size is expressed as a percentage of the diamond’s overall diameter. Ideal table size varies by diamond cut but generally ranges from 53% to 63%. A proper table size contributes to optimal brilliance and sparkle—crucial traits in a beautiful and stylish precious stone.
What’s a Star Length?
Star length refers to the length of the triangular facets that radiate outward from the table toward the diamond’s girdle. Measured as a percentage of the distance from the table edge to the girdle, star length affects how evenly light is distributed across the diamond’s surface. Balanced star facets enhance the sparkle and symmetry of both lab grown and natural diamonds.
What Is a Girdle? How Do You Measure Its Thickness?
The girdle is the thin outer edge or perimeter where the crown (top) and pavilion (bottom) meet. It serves as a structural boundary and is where the diamond is typically held in its setting. Girdle thickness is graded from extremely thin to extremely thick and can influence durability and aesthetics. An overly thin girdle may chip easily, while an overly thick one may add unnecessary weight without increasing visual size. Ideal girdles are medium to slightly thick.
What’s a Crown Angle? How Is It Different Than Crown Height?
The crown angle is the angle between the girdle and the facets that slope upward to the table. It impacts how light is refracted inside the diamond, influencing fire and brilliance. In contrast, crown height is the vertical distance from the girdle to the table, expressed as a percentage of the diamond’s diameter. Together, crown angle and crown height affect the overall sparkle and style of the diamond.
What Is the Pavilion Angle?
-
The pavilion angle is the angle between the girdle and the lower facets that point downward to the culet. This angle is critical for how light is returned through the top of the diamond. A pavilion angle that is too shallow or too steep can cause light leakage, reducing brilliance. Ideal pavilion angles typically fall between 40.6° and 41.0°.
What Is Pavilion Depth?
Pavilion depth is the distance from the girdle to the culet, expressed as a percentage of the total diameter of the diamond. It plays a role in the diamond cut’s light performance. Too much or too little depth can affect sparkle and make the diamond appear smaller than it actually is. Well-proportioned pavilion depth ensures a beautiful and high-quality look.
What Is the Lower Girdle?
Lower girdle facets are located just below the girdle and extend toward the culet. They help fine-tune how light is dispersed through the diamond. These facets contribute to the diamond’s scintillation, which is the sparkle seen when the stone moves. Shorter lower girdle facets tend to produce chunkier flashes of light, while longer ones create more brilliance.
Where Is the Culet on a Diamond?
The culet is the small facet at the very bottom of the diamond’s pavilion. Some diamonds have a pointed culet, while others are flat or slightly faceted. A large culet may appear as a dark spot when viewed from the top, so none to small culet is usually preferred. Its main function is to protect the point from chipping.
Total Depth? How Is Total Depth Measured?
Total depth refers to the diamond’s vertical height from table to culet, expressed as a percentage of the diamond’s diameter. It combines crown height and pavilion depth. An ideal total depth allows for optimal light performance. Too much depth can make the diamond look smaller; too little can affect brilliance. For round diamonds, the ideal total depth usually ranges between 59% to 62.5%.
What Is Diamond Facet?
-
Facets are the flat, polished surfaces on a diamond that reflect light. The number, shape, and arrangement of facets depend on the diamond cut. For example, a round brilliant cut has 57 or 58 facets, while a princess cut has 76 facets. The way these facets interact with light defines the brilliance, fire, and overall beauty of the diamond—core traits of both lab grown and natural precious stones.
What Are Some Common Diamond Shapes Today?
Modern diamond shapes go beyond just round. Popular shapes include:
-
Round Brilliant – Classic and timeless
-
Princess – Square with sharp corners
-
Oval – Elegant with a longer silhouette
-
Emerald – Rectangular with step cuts
-
Cushion – Rounded corners and vintage appeal
-
Pear – Teardrop shape for a unique look
-
Heart – Romantic and expressive
Each shape has unique anatomy and facet structures, influencing its sparkle and style. At Delows, we offer a wide variety of these shapes in both lab grown and natural options.
How Is Diamond Carat Measured?
Carat is the unit of weight for a diamond, not to be confused with karat, which measures gold purity. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Carat weight affects both the price and visual size of a diamond, though two diamonds of the same carat can appear different in size based on cut and depth. Carat is often paired with clarity and cut to assess a diamond’s overall grade and value.
Understanding the anatomy of a diamond helps demystify what makes a precious stone both valuable and beautiful. Every angle, facet, and measurement contributes to a diamond’s brilliance, and knowing these terms empowers you to choose a piece that fits your style and budget. At Delows, we specialize in high quality, affordable diamond grade options—whether you’re drawn to the precision of lab grown diamonds or the natural allure of earth-mined stones. Discover your perfect ring, bracelet, or necklace and embrace the beauty of a well-cut diamond.
Disclaimer: This article post may contain Affiliate Links. We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you for using our links and for your support, we really appreciate it.
