Everything You Need to Know About Diamond Anatomy
While every diamond is unique, they all share a fundamental anatomy that affects their sparkle, perceived size, and overall appeal. In this guide, we'll explore the eight key components of a diamond's anatomy. Understanding these elements will empower you to find quality stones that go beyond just the 4Cs.
What is Diamond Anatomy?
Each diamond cut (and shape) has its own uniqueness, but they are composed of the same essential sections. How these sections interact determines how much light enters and reflects off the diamond. A diamond with superior anatomy will dazzle with incredible sparkle.
Although a diamond's cut grade is a useful measure of its anatomy, it doesn't tell the full story. By understanding diamond anatomy, you can make more informed choices and potentially save money.
The Building Blocks of a Diamond
Diamond Anatomy
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Table | The table is the largest facet on the diamond, located front and center across the top of the stone. Its size is measured as a percentage of the total girdle diameter. |
| Crown | The crown is the angled area surrounding the table. Crown Height: Measured from the girdle to the table. Crown Angle: Formed where the girdle and bezel facets meet. This angle significantly affects the diamond's appearance and directs light entering and exiting the stone. |
| Girdle | The girdle refers to the widest middle portion of the diamond, also known as its setting edge. A thick girdle adds unnecessary weight, while a thin girdle can make the stone fragile and prone to chipping. A medium thickness is ideal. |
| Diameter | The diameter is the total width of a polished stone at its widest point, often called the girdle diameter. |
| Pavilion | The pavilion is the lower portion of the diamond from just below the girdle to the culet. Pavilion Depth: An ideal cut maximizes light reflection upward through the crown. Pavilion Angle: This angle influences the diamond's overall brightness. |
| Lower Girdle/Half Facet Length | This ratio measures the length of the lower girdle facets relative to the pavilion length, impacting the contrast and brilliance of the diamond. Longer facets create increased scintillation. |
| Culet | The culet is a tiny facet at the bottom of the diamond. Ideally, it should not be visible to the naked eye. Larger culets can cause light to escape from the stone's bottom, reducing brilliance. |
| Total Depth | Depth refers to the measurement from the table's surface to the culet. |
Radiant and Pear Cut Diamonds
Radiant and pear cut diamonds are renowned for their unique shapes and exceptional sparkle. They are perfect choices for those looking to express their individuality in their jewelry. Explore our stunning collection of these beautiful cuts at SHENKRAIT & CO!
Conclusion
Considering the cut of a diamond is crucial when making your selection. It's the secret behind its enchanting sparkle. At SHENKRAIT & CO, our diamonds are meticulously chosen for their fire, brilliance, and scintillation, and we believe that the cut is paramount.
Now that you're familiar with the key components that make a diamond shine, you can confidently choose the cut that's perfect for your crown… or your engagement ring, which likely makes more sense!