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Anatomy of a Diamond
Understand diamond anatomy, including table, crown, girdle, pavilion, culet, facets, depth, spread and how these terms affect beauty.
Diamond Education Guide
Anatomy of a Diamond
Understand diamond anatomy, including table, crown, girdle, pavilion, culet, facets, depth, spread and how these terms affect beauty.
Quick answer
Diamond education page explaining table, crown, girdle, pavilion, culet, facets, report terms, proportions, light performance and face-up size.
- Main diamond parts include table, crown, girdle, pavilion and culet
- anatomy relates to cut quality and light performance
- shallow or deep stones may lose light or carry hidden weight
- carat is weight, not face-up size
- report terms include table percentage, depth percentage, crown angle, pavilion angle, girdle thickness and culet.
What are the main parts of a diamond?
The main parts of a diamond are the table, crown, girdle, pavilion and culet. These sit within the full structure and affect how the stone handles light, appears from the top and is set into jewellery.
How each part affects appearance
The table is the broad top facet, the crown sits above the girdle, the girdle is the setting edge, the pavilion forms the lower section and the culet is the bottom point or tiny facet. Facets, total depth and width also influence the result.
Why anatomy matters for cut quality
Diamond anatomy helps explain why some stones look lively while others look flat. The table, crown, pavilion and girdle need to work with facet precision, polish and symmetry to create attractive light performance.
Report terms
Diamond reports may record table percentage, total depth percentage, crown angle, pavilion angle, girdle thickness and culet description. These terms help buyers compare stones beyond carat weight.
Visual size and proportions
Carat weight tells you how much a diamond weighs, but anatomy helps explain how that weight is distributed. Two diamonds of the same carat may look different because of depth, girdle thickness and spread.
Frequently asked questions
What is the anatomy of a diamond?
Diamond anatomy refers to the structure and parts of a polished diamond, including table, crown, girdle, pavilion, culet, facets and measurable proportions.
What is the table of a diamond?
The table is the broad flat facet at the top of the diamond and one of the main windows through which light enters and returns.
What is the crown of a diamond?
The crown is the upper portion between the girdle and table. Crown angle and height can influence fire, brightness and face-up appearance.
What is the girdle of a diamond?
The girdle is the narrow outer edge where the crown and pavilion meet. It is important for setting security, durability and visual spread.
What is the pavilion of a diamond?
The pavilion is the lower section extending from the girdle to the culet. Pavilion depth and angle are important for light return.
What is a culet on a diamond?
The culet is the point or tiny facet at the bottom of the diamond and may be described on a grading report.
Why does diamond anatomy matter when buying a diamond?
It helps buyers understand how proportions, shape, light performance and visual spread connect, and makes diamond reports easier to read.
Is diamond anatomy the same as diamond shape?
No. Shape refers to the outline, such as round or oval. Anatomy refers to structural parts such as table, crown, girdle, pavilion and culet.
How does diamond anatomy affect sparkle?
Sparkle is influenced by how anatomy and facet arrangement manage light, while polish, symmetry and proportions affect crispness and liveliness.
Can GemTrove explain diamond anatomy during an appointment?
Yes. GemTrove can explain diamond anatomy, report terms and how these factors connect with natural or lab-grown diamond selection and custom ring design.
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GemTrove can help review the options, explain the details and guide a custom jewellery decision from the Melbourne CBD showroom.
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