Brilliance:
The brightness created by the reflection of light that makes a diamond unique.
Brilliance is created when light enters through the table, travels down to the
pavilion and is reflected back through the table.
Crown:
The upper portion of the stone above the girdle.
Culet:
The lowest point on the bottom of the diamond. It is the smallest facet.
Depth:
The distance between the table and the culet. It is measured in millimeters.
The depth percentage refers to the comparison of the diamond’s depth to its width.
Facet:
The smooth flat surface of a diamond that allows light to enter and be reflected.
Feathering:
Small fractures in a diamond. When examined under a microscope, they resemble a feather.
Fire:
A rainbow of color. When white light hits a skillfully cut diamond, the light is reflected
in a prism effect, creating flashes of color. This is also referred to as dispersion.
Fluorescence:
A diamond’s distinctive glow when the stone is seen under an ultraviolet light. The fluorescence
of a diamond is defined by its intensity — as either None, Faint, Medium, Strong or Very Strong.
In the very high colors — D, E, and F — strong blue fluorescence is less desirable. However, in
the slightly lower colors of J and below, strong blue fluorescence is desirable, as it makes the
diamond appear whiter.
Girdle:
The dividing line between the top and bottom of the stone. It forms the perimeter around the widest
part of the stone and is often the part held by prongs in a setting.
Graining:
ATiny internal imperfections that may appear milky or as streaks.
Inclusions:
Internal imperfections in the diamond that can affect its clarity grade.
Pavilion:
The bottom part of the stone from the girdle to the culet.
Polish:
The finishing touch to the facets. The polish is graded from Excellent to Poor.
Select a diamond that is graded Good or higher for polish.
Scintillation:
Sparkling tiny flashes of reflected light.
Symmetry:
The alignment and positioning of the diamond’s facets. The symmetry of a
diamond generally ranges from Excellent to Poor. When purchasing a diamond,
select one that is defined as Good or higher.
Table:
The flat top facet in the center of the stone. It is the largest facet of the diamond.
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