Once Upon A Diamond

Looking to pick an exceptional Round Brilliant Cut diamond? Save these tips on diamond anatomy!

- 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: This is the largest facet at the top of a diamond. It allows light to shine into the diamond and reflect back out. A large table facet can make a diamond appear larger, but too large of a table facet can reduce the crown facets’ ability to disperse light. The ideal table size is between 52-62% of a diamond’s diameter.
- 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧: The crown facets at the top of the diamond consist of 8 bezels, 8 stars, and 16 upper halves. They gather and disperse light to create brightness, fire, and a scintillating pattern of light and dark. The crown angle – the angle between the bezel facet plane an the table plane – should be between 31.5 to 36.5 degrees.
- 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐥𝐞: The girdle surrounds the middle portion of a diamond like a “belt,” Separating the crown from the pavilion. It should not be too thick, which can hide weight, or too thin, which may make the diamond vulnerable to chipping.
- 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧: The pavilion or bottom facets consist of 16 lower halves and 8 mains. They reflect light back through the crown into the viewer’s eye. The pavilion, angle, the average angle made by the diamond’s pavilion facets and girdle plane, is a key dimension relating to the stone’s brightness, and ideally falls between 40.6 – 41.8 degrees.
- 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐭: The culet is an optional facet at the very bottom of the diamond. It can reduce the chance of the bottom tip chipping. An overly large culet can look like a distracting dark circle through the table facet.

Importantly, GIA considers how a diamond’s proportions relate to each other, rather than considering individual proportions in isolation.

Learn more saveable tips about the 4Cs of diamond quality on our blog: https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/how-to-select-round-diamond-engagement-ring/?utm_campaign=consumer-education&utm_content=1751299321&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=facebook

Pearls are timeless classics and are prized for their luminous glow. ⚪️ Whether you’re drawn to large South Seas, dramatic Tahitians, bright akoyas or colorful freshwater pearls, here are key factors to consider when choosing a pearl:

Size: South Sea and freshwater pearls are typically the largest, reaching 15mm or more. Akoyas over 9mm are considered large.
Shape: While round pearls are the most valuable, off-round strands can look round from a distance and baroque strands can make for affordable statement pieces.
Color: Overtone, orient and popular bodycolors such as deep gold can increase the beauty and value of pearls.
Luster: This is a pearl’s most important value factor. South Seas are known for their soft, satiny glow, while akoyas are known for their bright, mirror-like shine.
Surface: This refers to whether the pearl has any surface blemishes such as dimples and scratches. High surface quality pearls should be smooth and clean.
Nacre: Consider the continuity, thickness, and condition of a pearl’s nacre when evaluating pearl quality. Avoid pearls that appear dull or chalky, or where the nucleus is visible beneath the nacre.
Matching: In a well-matched strand, pearls should be consistent in key quality factors—especially luster, shape and surface. Designers may occasionally mix colors or use graduated sizes for artistic or unique effects.

Learn how to choose the best pearls for you on our website: https://www.gia.edu/pearl-quality-factor?utm_campaign=consumer-education&utm_content=1750693743&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=facebook

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