Diamond Facets

Diamonds Index

Diamond Facet Names

Brilliant Cut Diamond

Diamond Parts
The widest part of any round diamond, the part in the middle, is known as the girdle, which is probably quite self explanatory.
The top part, above the girdle is known as the crown, and the lower part below the girdle is known as the pavilion.
The point or small facet at the very bottom is known as the culet.
Each flat face of the diamond is known as a facet, and each type of facet has its own name.

Facet Names

• Crown Facets
  • Table
    The largest and most important facet on a round brilliant cut diamond is the table. This is the topmost facet. It is, or should be, a symmetrical octagon.
  • Star Facets
    Immediately surrounding the table, and adjacent to it are the eight star facets. Their name comes from the simple fact that, looking directly downwards, they form an eight pointed star shape around and including the table. On a well-proportioned diamond, the lines formed by the star facet edges will be completely straight. On an old cut diamond, or one with a relatively small table, these lines will appear to "bend" inwards, and with a table which is too large, they will appear to "bend" outwards, although this is not a prime consideration when judging proportion.
  • Kite or Bezel Facets
    The eight facets which reach from the table to the girdle, and which share facet edges with the star facets, are usually known as kite facets, because they are in the shape of a four sided kite, although some people call them bezel facets.
  • Upper Girdle Facets
    These are the sixteen crown facets which run around the girdle, and which also share a facet edge with the kite facets.
• Pavilion Facets
  • Main Pavilion Facets
    Also often simply called pavilion facets, these are the eight large four-sided facets which run from the bottom point or culet, to the girdle.
  • Lower Girdle Facets
    These are the sixteen triangular shaped facets on the pavilion side of the diamond, which run around the girdle. They share a facet edge with the main pavilion facets.
  • Culet
    It is usual to regard and count the culet as a facet, even if it is actually a point. Some brillianteers regard it as preferable to polish a very small facet for the culet, in which case it should be octagonal.

Proportion & Depth
Gives diagrams and simple explanations for the most important aspects of proportion in polished diamonds.

Diamond 4C's Tour - Next Stop - Colour