Parts of a Diamond: Diamond Crown

Welcome to the next part of our Anatomy of a Diamond series. On this Education page, we will be looking at the crown of a cut diamond.

Those who have been following our content, and those who have kept pace with the study of diamonds and fine jewellery, would know that the study of the specific structures or parts that make up an engagement ring is a pertinent matter. So it seems only right that we dedicate some time to understand the specific parts that make up its top gemstone of choice: the diamond.

The term ‘part’ may seem confusing to some. For technically the diamond is one unit, which is unlike an engagement ring: which consists of various sub-parts that make up the metal band. However, this descriptive approach is a helpful aid for those who wish to learn how cut diamonds are used in fine jewellery, such as engagement rings.

Key Considerations for Understanding Cut Diamonds

When it comes to the study of diamonds, in the world of precious stones and fine jewellery, the point of consideration is almost invariably that has been cut, shaped and faceted per the specifications of the jewellery, or the gemstone jewellery buyer.

Whilst rough stones, particularly those which have been polished, carry a certain kind of appeal in the market for gemstones and jewellery; the main focus is mainly on cut stones. When it comes to diamonds we are talking about gems which have been cut, shaped and polished to meet the standards of modern fine jewellery. And the key requirements that are demanded by 4Cs.

Essentially the diamond’s cut is about enhancing its visual look in relation to the 4Cs. Notably the Cut and Clarity. With respect to the latter, it is about minimising inclusions, and blemishes and putting forward a gemstone that has great colour. (Which is the diamond world refers to the absence of secondary hues).

More importantly the Cut of the stone: measures the symmetry, proportions, and depth of the cut stone. And is arguably the most significant factor when purchasing a cut diamond, no matter the type of cut (step, mixed or brilliant), or shape of the stone: princess, cushion or round etc. However, when it comes to a cut diamond there are certain fundamentals or parts that one must be aware of. Which takes us to the anatomy of a diamond.

The Anatomy of a Diamond

The diamond in its rough form is not ready to be used in fine jewellery items like a diamond necklace or diamond engagement ring. Whilst rough polished stones have been adopted by some, there are not the most popular. Thus a diamond once it is deemed as a gem-quality stone is subject to cutting and shaping.

When a diamond is cut, it is subjected to a certain type of faceting style. The most popular in the diamond world is the brilliant cut. Next is the particular shape of the stone, here the round shape is most noteworthy. To a point where the round brilliant cut that combines the shape and the cut stand apart from the rest.

However, irrespective of the cut of the diamond, or its shape, the gemstone in question, when it is faceted will come to contain a number of key parts. They are the diamonds: crown, table, culet, pavilion and girdle. These together make up the anatomy of (cut) diamonds. On this Education page, our focus is on the crown of the diamond.

What is the Crown of the Diamond?

Picture a king (or queen). What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of one? Well besides their entourage, if they happen to be in a royal setting, and their rich attire that sets them apart from the rest, the most prominent feature in their regalia is of course the crown. The crown is a jewel that communicates luxury and status. It is also an instrument of power that showcases the authority of the wearer.

In the world of diamonds, when the crown of the diamond is among the more significant part or aspects of the stone. When viewed head-on at the same viewing angle the crown stone sits between the table which is the top of the stone (think it of like the section of a crowned king that is visible when viewed from the top) and the girdle: which is the wide perimeter that separates the crown from the table.

So the crown part of the diamond is the most notable, for as in a real crown laden with jewels on the head of a monarch, a large portion of the glitter and glow that emanates from the stone is showcased from this section, especially when the loose cut diamond is viewed sideways.

When it comes to the faceting of the stone, the majority of the facets (Or the flat surfaces in the form of geometric shapes that aid the scintillation of the stone) lay on the crown of the diamond. In round brilliant cut diamonds, which as noted are the most popular, around 33 facets sit on this location. With the remainder, excluding the table and cutlet resting on the pavilion.

The Importance of the Diamond Crown

To understand the importance of the crown, think of the stone when it is placed carefully on an engagement ring. When the gemstone is placed, depending on the style of the ring, the area below the girdle is usually hidden beneath the head of the ring. So much of the light reflectivity of the stone would depend on the table and crown.

The next key consideration is the type of faceting. Often the type of faceting that the diamond chooses for the stone: step or brilliant cut, would be featured most prominently on this part of the diamond.

Also when it comes to measuring the cut quality of the diamond, the crown area is an important consideration. Notable here are the cut diamond’s crown angle and height. The crown angle of the cut stone ought to be within a certain range (30 – 37) to optimise its sparkle. The height of the crown, in relation to the table, affects the amount of light that may escape from the sides. Shallow and deep-cut diamonds point to problems with the crown of the diamond in relation to other parts of the stone.