Diamond Technicalities

Table: This is the largest facet on a diamond. It's where a majority of the light enters and exits bringing sparkle to the eye.

Girdle: This is the separation plane between the crown (top) and pavilion (bottom) of the diamond. It is used to measure the diameter of the diamond in millimeters.

Crown: This is the top portion of the diamond extending from the girdle to the table.

Pavilion: This is the bottom portion of the diamond extending from the girdle to the culet (or point).

Culet: This is the facet at the bottom of the diamond. Not all diamonds have a culet - if it does not, it will come to a point.

Table Percentage: The table percentage tells us how big the 'face' of the diamond is in comparison to the diameter. Too large, and it will leak light out the sides and bottom causing it to lose sparkle. Too small and it won't take in enough light causing it to look dark.

Depth Percentage: The depth percentage tells us how deep or shallow the diamond is cut. Too deep and there will be wasted carat weight sitting in the bottom that can't be seen in a setting. Too shallow and the stone will look larger up top, but will leak light due to improper angles.

Girdle Thickness: This tells us how thick or thin the girdle is. Too thin (extremely thin and sometimes very thin) and the diamond becomes susceptible to chipping. Too thick (extremely thick and sometimes very) and the diamond carries wasted carat weight along the middle and it becomes hard to keep it secure in the setting.