It is in the hands of the master diamond cutter to bring out the scintillating fire of a diamond. A well cut diamond reflects the maximum amount of light, through the diamond from one mirror-like surface to another, dispersed through the top of the stone. Diamonds cut too shallow or too deep lose light that spills through the side or bottom. Consequently, a poorly proportioned stone is less brilliant and spectacular and accordingly less valuable.
FACETS: A diamond's flat, polished surfaces and planes.
TABLE: A diamond's large flat "top" facet.
GIRDLE: A diamond's narrow diameter rim.
CROWN: A diamond's upper portion above the gridle.
PAVILION: A diamond's lower portion below the gridle.
Culet: A diamond's tiny facet on the pointed bottom.
BRILLIANT CUT: 32 facets above and 24 facest below the girdle.
BEZEL FACETS: Kire-shaped facets on the crown of brilliant cuts.
Continue to learn about the Ideal Cut or if you're ready, take the GIA Diamond Buyer Primer Course.
