Education

DIAMOND TERMS GLOSSARY. 

Understanding these eight common terms will be helpful when comparing values and buying diamonds.

(1)"Carat" is a unit of weight measurement used for weighing diamonds. One (1) carat equals 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams, five (5) carats equal one (1) gram. 142 carats equals one (1) avoirdupois ounce.

(2) "Point" is a unit of weight equal to 1/100 of a carat, 100 points equaling one carat, and written as 1.00 carat.

(3) "Table" is the flat top surface of a cut diamond. Table diameter is considered acceptable when between 51.4-66.0% of the girdle's diameter.

(4) "Crown" refers to the upper domed surface above the girdle of a cut diamond. The angle of the crown between the girdle and the table is considered acceptable at between 30.0-37.0 degrees. Crown height is considered acceptable when between 11.0-16.2% of the girdle's diameter.

(5) "Girdle" refers to the edge where the crown and pavilion of a cut diamond meet, marking the maximum diameter or width of the diamond. A girdle width of between 2.0-4.0% of the girdle's diameter is considered acceptable. Too sharp or thin a girdle increases the likelihood of chipping.

(6) "Pavilion" is the tapered under half or base of a cut diamond below the girdle. The angle of the pavilion from the girdle to the culet is considered acceptable when between 39.7-41.7 degrees. Pavilion depth is considered acceptable when between 41.5-45.5% of the girdle's diameter.

(7) "Culet" is the end point of the pavilion, finer being considered better, however a sharp point is susceptible to chipping.

(8) "Girdle Diameter" is the diameter of the diamond at the point where the crown and pavilion meet. Other dimension characteristics of a cut diamond are expressed as a percentage (%) of the girdle diameter.