Parts of a Diamond: Diamond Girdle

When you hear the word girdle don’t let your mind go to the form-fitting undergarment sold by certain clothing companies: those elasticized fittings that help produce a more toned, leaner look (mainly) for women. The girdle that we are talking is another component that makes up the anatomy of a diamond.

The girdle of the diamond, as the implies refers to the thin strip that wraps around the diamond, dividing the crown above, and the V-shaped pavilion that extends below. The girdle is an important part of the cut diamond, which is the subject of this Education page.

What is the Diamond Girdle?

The girdle simply is the widest part of the cut diamond. Like the girdle rope, string, or belt that one may find wrapped around certain pieces of clothing, the girdle of the cut carbon-based gemstone wraps around the diamond, providing that notable dividing line between two parts, and giving the cut diamond its distinct structure.

If one wishes to know the diameter of the diamond that is set upon an engagement ring, or as simply that of an individual cut gemstone, one can determine this number by measuring the girdle of the stone which would correspond to the distance covered by the table and crown, the latter that would extend on either side of the table.

The Importance of the Diamond Girdle

In addition to being the main dividing line that separates two key parts of the anatomy of the diamond, the girdle area is an important contact point that is often the place where the ring band (in engagement rings) clasps or holds onto the diamond and keeps it in position. Ensuring the visibility of the important crown and table of the diamond.

When it comes to the importance of the diamond girdle, it like all other parts that together make up the anatomy of a diamond rest on the fundamentals of the diamond: its cut, carat, clarity, and colour. The 4Cs. Notably, the cut, which is the most important variable, and along with it, the carat of the stone. As the total size and weight of the stone will certainly have an effect on the girdle of the diamond.

Notable here is the crafting of the girdle of the diamond. As noted, the cut of the stone is the most significant element, which greatly depends on the skill and the size of the diamond, in relation to the specific shape, and the faceting structure (brilliant, step, or emerald) of the stone. In relation to these variables, the girdle is one of the first considerations for the diamond cutter. For once its diameter is established, the rest of the cutting process can proceed.

The Shape and Thickness of the Girdle

An Important consideration when looking at a cut diamond with respect to its girdle is its thickness. Not all girdles are of the same thickness, and the principle is to keep the girdle area as thin and minimalistic as possible. As much of the attention is directed to the top crown and pavilion of the diamond; however the diamond buyer must note that the thickness of this part of the diamond can vary: from extremely thin to relatively thick.

In addition to thickness, depending on the style of the diamond and the ring setting, and/or the discretion of the gemstone cutter, the girdle area can vary in a number of ways. In addition to the aforementioned thickness, this area can vary in terms of the particular shape or special curves that would define its outline: which whilst small will add a distinct look to the diamond.

Other variations include the specific finish of the girdle area: which, unlike the rest of the diamond, which would consist of polished facets, could have a matte-like finish, or a more roughed look that makes it stand apart from the other parts of the diamond. Certain diamond cutters even go as far as introducing novel additions like miniature facets into the very girdle area. Which technically don’t count as facets, but nonetheless stand out as a stylistic option.

When it comes to the exact thickness of the girdle, the diamond cutter faces a balancing act. In that girdle cannot be too thin; in which case the distinct area which is meant to be marked by the girdle is likely to disappear during the polishing and especially the repolishing of the diamond at a later stage. On the other hand, a too thicker girdle could disrupt the visual unity of the cut diamond, and may even appear out of place on the faceted surface of the diamond.

The Girdle in Fine Diamond Jewellery

As noted the girdle is the area that often is held by the metal band: in necklaces, chains, and especially in engagement rings. Since much of the attention is directed towards the table, and the crown: parts of the diamond where much of the light hits and reflects and refracts, the girdle is viewed as a solid base. The part which helps anchor the diamond. Even though it is not the lowest part of the diamond. Which are held by the pavilion and the culet.