A Diamond's Components
A diamond's ability to refract and reflect light is determined by the relationship between its various components. The light a diamond returns and emits is greatly impacted by the size and depth of its table (top), relative to its diameter.
Table
Crown
Gridle
Pavilion
Culet
Depth
Table
A diamond's flat, top surface.
Crown
A diamond's upper portion, from the table to the girdle.
Girdle
A diamond's widest part; the narrow rim separates the pavilion from the crown. Sometimes called the setting edge also, as it is the area where a stone is clutched when set in an item of jewellery.
Pavilion
A diamond's lower portion, from the culet to the girdle.
Culet
A point or facet of a diamond's pavilion, on the bottom.
Depth
A diamond's height, from the table to the culet. Calculated as a percentage of the gemstone's total diameter.
