Anatomy Of Diamonds - A Closer Look

Diamonds!

Doesn’t the name sound lovely? Just like the name, the gemstone is precious. One cannot undermine the remarkable nature of diamonds. They are everyone’s favorite. They are fascinating little creations of nature, in the case of mined diamonds and science if they are grown in the lab. Whether you are looking to propose, celebrate, or cherish any occasion, all you need is a bit of sparkle, offered by diamonds. To find the perfect sparkle, it is essential to understand the anatomy of a diamond.

All you need is their sparkle and they make any moment special. Whether you are going to propose, get married, celebrate an anniversary, or just treat yourself, they are your go-to gemstones. 

In this blog, we will walk you through the different parts of a diamond, and how each contributes to its charm. This helps you especially when you are shopping for the perfect lab-grown diamond.

Get set! Let us dissect this sparkling wonder of nature, layer by layer.

What Is The Anatomy Of A Diamond?

Remember! Diamond isn’t just a mere rock that shines. In reality, it is a carefully cut, polished, and highly engineered masterpiece with multiple parts. Here, I am referring to its shape, structure, and sparkle, each playing a role in how it looks, glitters, and shines. Below is a quick look at the key components of a diamond’s anatomy.

• Table - The flat, topmost surface where light enters. 

• Crown - The upper portion of the table that slopes down from the table.

• Girdle - The thin edge that separates the top and bottom.

• Pavilion - The lower portion that directs the light upward.

• Culet - The very tip of the diamond.

• Facets - The multiple flat surfaces that cut into the diamond.

Each part has a role in the diamond's brilliance, fire, and overall beauty.  In the forthcoming sections, let us break it down further.  

Table - The Starting Point

The table is commonly referred to as the face of the diamond. It is the flat, top surface that first comes into view, which is also the largest surface of the diamond. It is where most of the light enters the diamond. This part plays a huge role in how much light enters and exits the diamond. It directly affects the sparkle. That is why it is one of the most important parts of the anatomy. A well-proportioned table ensures the diamond sparkles to its fullest potential.  

For round diamonds, the ideal table percentage, the width of the table compared to the diamond’s overall diameter, is around 55-60%. Too large or too small, and the sparkle can diminish. If the table is too large, it might lose brilliance. If it’s too small, the diamond may look dark.

Did you know? The ideal table percentage for a round brilliant cut is around 53-57%.

Crown - The Halo Of A Diamond

The crown is the upper part of the diamond. It is present just below the table. It extends down to the girdle. One of the interesting features of this part is that it includes several facets that break up light into its spectral colors that create those fiery flashes of red, blue, and yellow. It adds fire to the diamond’s brilliance. 

The crown's height and angle influence the diamond's fire which in turn adds to the diamond's brilliance. A higher crown can enhance these colorful reflections but may reduce brilliance. A shallow crown might lose some of that coveted fire. 

Did you know? A well-cut crown adds depth and dimension to the overall appearance.  

Girdle - A Diamond’s Waistline

Girdle, the unsung hero, is the edge that separates the crown from the pavilion. It is often ignored as it doesn't contribute to the sparkle directly. However, it is crucial for both its durability and aesthetics. It is also essential for structural integrity and setting the diamond into jewelry.

Please note that a thin girdle can make the diamond more prone to chipping. Alternatively, an overly thick girdle adds unnecessary carat weight without enhancing its overall appearance. This means you are paying for carat weight you cannot even see.

Girdles can be polished, faceted, or even rough. They are graded from 'extremely thin' to 'extremely thick' on diamond certificates.

Did you know? Faceted girdles are popular because they enhance the diamond’s overall sparkle.  

Pavilion - Where Magic Happens

The pavilion is where the magic happens. It is the bottom part of the diamond that extends from the girdle to the culet. It is the lower part of the diamond that reflects light back up through the crown, creating its brilliance. 

If the pavilion is too shallow, then the light escapes from the bottom. This makes the diamond appear dull. If the pavilion is too deep, light leaks out from the sides, creating dark spots. 

Did you know? A pavilion cut to ideal proportions ensures maximum light reflection, giving the diamond its signature glow.  

Culet - The Tiny Tip

The culet is the tiny point at the very bottom of the diamond. In modern cuts, the culet is often so small it’s invisible to the naked eye. In older diamonds, you might see a larger culet, appearing as a small dot when viewed from above.

A large culet can create a visible dark spot in the center of the diamond, so a ‘none’ or “‘very small’ culet is ideal for a flawless look.

Did You Know? The culet was intentionally larger in antique diamond cuts to prevent chipping.  However, the advancements in cutting techniques have made this less necessary today. 

The Facets - The Road To Spark

Facets are flat surfaces cut into a diamond. They act like tiny mirrors, bouncing light inside the diamond and reflecting it back to your eye. A round brilliant diamond has 57 or 58 facets, but other cuts, like emerald or princess, have their own unique facet patterns.  

The arrangement, size, and symmetry of facets determine how much light is reflected, refracted, and dispersed. In short, they’re the reason diamonds sparkle.  

Did you know? A well-cut diamond with symmetrical facets will always outshine one with poor proportions, regardless of size or clarity.  

Lab-Grown Diamonds - Modern Appeal

Here is the best part. Lab-grown diamonds have the exact anatomy of mined diamonds. Yes! Every table, crown, girdle, and pavilion is identical to their natural counterparts. The key difference lies in how they are made. It does not depend on how they look or perform. 

So, if you’re considering lab-grown diamonds, you’re not compromising on beauty, durability, or brilliance. Plus, you’re getting all that sparkle at a fraction of the cost (and with a clearer conscience, thanks to their eco-friendly and ethical appeal).

Importance Of Knowing Anatomy

Knowing your diamond anatomy isn’t just for gemologists. It is for anyone who wants to make an informed purchase. Understanding what makes a diamond sparkle, shine, and last forever helps you pick the perfect stone for your budget, style, and values.

And let’s be real! It feels pretty cool to talk about table percentages and crown angles when shopping for your dream diamond. Who doesn’t love a little sparkle and smarts?

Tips To Keep In Mind While Choosing A Diamond

• The cut has the most significant impact on sparkle. A poorly cut diamond, regardless of size or clarity, will look dull.

• While carat weight is important, a smaller diamond with excellent proportions can outshine a larger, poorly cut stone.

• Check for a medium or slightly thick girdle for durability without unnecessary weight.

• Ensure it’s “none” or “very small” for a flawless look.

Wrapping Up

The anatomy of a diamond is a masterpiece of design and engineering, whether it’s mined from the earth or grown in a lab. Every part plays a role in creating that signature sparkle we all love.

When you’re choosing a diamond, especially a lab-grown one, understanding its anatomy can make all the difference. It’s not just about buying a piece of jewelry; it’s about owning a piece of art that speaks to your personality and style.

So, next time take a look when you’re admiring a diamond. Behind every glittering facet lies a story of craftsmanship, precision, and, of course, a touch of magic. 

Happy diamond hunting with Renaissance Jewel.