Features of a Diamond

In order to understand the shapes and styles of a diamond, it's important to know the basic structure of a diamond.

Anatomy of a Diamond

Facets: are the flat, polished surfaces or planes of a diamond.

Table: is the large, flat, top facet of the diamond.

Bezel Facets: are the kite-shaped facets on the crown of the diamond.

Star Facets: are triangular facets that surround the table. There are usually eight star facets on a brilliant cut diamond.

Upper-Girdle Facets: are the small three-sided triangular facets around the girdle edge on the crown. These are also known as Cross Facets. On a brilliant cut diamond, there are sixteen of these facets.

Lower-Girdle Facets: are the small three-sided triangular facets around the girdle edge on the pavilion. These are also known as Skill Facets. On a brilliant cut diamond, there are sixteen of these facets.

Break Facets: are the sixteen small triangular facets on the crown & pavilion and edging the girdle. These are the cross and skill facets.

Pavilion Facets: are the long, five sided facets on the pavilion.

Culet: is the tiny facet on the pointed bottom of the pavilion which is parallel to the table.

Girdle: is the narrow rim around the diamond. The girdle plane is parallel to the table and has the largest diameter of any part of the stone.

Crown: is the upper part of the diamond above the girdle.

Pavilion: is the lower part of the diamond below the girdle. It's a cone shape.