Parts of a Diamond: Anatomy Explained

Quick answer: A cut diamond has five main parts: the table (the large flat top facet), the crown (the upper section above the widest point), the girdle (the thin widest edge), the pavilion (the lower cone that reflects light back up) and the culet (the tiny point or facet at the bottom). A standard round brilliant has 57 or 58 facets. The angles and proportions between these parts decide how much a diamond sparkles.

Knowing diamond anatomy helps you understand grading reports and choose a well-cut stone. Here is a simple guide.

Parts of a Diamond

Part	Where it is	What it does
Table	Flat top facet	Main window for light to enter and exit
Crown	Upper angled section	Creates fire by splitting light into colors
Girdle	Widest outer edge	Protects the edge; where prongs grip
Pavilion	Lower cone	Reflects light back up through the top
Culet	Bottom point	Usually "none" (a point) in modern cuts
Diameter	Width across the girdle	Determines face-up size
Depth	Table to culet height	Affects light return and apparent size

Facets of a Round Brilliant

Crown: 1 table, 8 star facets, 8 bezel (kite) facets, 16 upper girdle facets.
Pavilion: 8 main pavilion facets and 16 lower girdle facets.
Culet: sometimes a tiny extra facet, making 58.

Shown: Round Cut Moissanite Solitaire Stud Earrings With Classic Six Prong Setting

How Proportions Affect Sparkle

Too shallow

Light leaks out of the pavilion, creating a dull, glassy look called a "fisheye."

Too deep

Light escapes through the sides, making the center look dark and the stone look smaller face-up.

Ideal

Light reflects from the pavilion back through the table and crown, creating maximum brilliance and fire.

Girdle Thickness

Girdles range from extremely thin to extremely thick. Thin to slightly thick is ideal: very thin girdles can chip, and very thick girdles add hidden weight without adding face-up size.

Where to Find This on a Certificate

Grading reports list table %, depth %, crown angle, pavilion angle, girdle thickness and culet. Learn more in IGI vs GIA certificates.

Well-Cut Stones at Ivevar

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many facets does a round diamond have?

57, or 58 if the culet is faceted.

What is the table of a diamond?

The large flat facet on top.

What does the pavilion do?

It reflects light back up to create brilliance.

What is a culet?

The bottom point; most modern cuts have none (a point).

Why does girdle thickness matter?

Very thin girdles can chip; very thick ones add hidden weight.

The Bottom Line

Table, crown, girdle, pavilion and culet work together to create sparkle. Good proportions matter more than any single number.

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Author Bio

Aumsri Pradhan

Founder, Ivevar Luxury

Aumsri Pradhan is the founder of Ivevar Luxury, a Surat-based fine jewelry brand that designs and handcrafts lab grown diamond and moissanite jewelry in its own workshop. She leads the brand's design and customer experience, from engagement rings and bridal sets to custom pieces made to each client's story. Through the Ivevar blog, she shares practical guidance on lab grown diamonds, moissanite, diamond grading and ring design to help buyers choose with confidence.

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