Cut - Terminologies

Girdle

The Girdle is the thin perimeter of a diamond which divides the crown above and the pavilion below. When loose diamonds are measured, they are measured by the girdle to obtained length and width in millimeters. When viewing the diamond in its setting or from a profile view, the girdle is the widest part of the polished diamond. This does not affect the value of a diamond. The girdle size is generally defined as extremely thin; very thin; medium, thin; slightly, thick, thick; very thick; and extremely thick.

Culet

The cutlet of the diamond is the tiny point at the base of the pavilion. In the majority of diamonds the pavilion facets are evenly cut at a proper angle and meet at a prefect point. The culet is generally graded as None or pointed; Very small,small; medium; slightly large, large; very large; extremely large.

Polish

This characteristic refers to the finishing or final polishing of the facets, or flat surfaces. Each facet should be carefully fashioned by the diamond cutter to shine and be free from polishing imperfections. The polish of a diamond is generally defined as Poor; Good; Very Good; or Excellent.

Symmetry

This characteristic refers to the alignment and positioning of the facets or flat surfaces. Each facet should be carefully position by the diamond cutter in proper proportion and relationship to the other facets. The alignment of each facet should be sharp and precise, improperly joined facet junction can make a diamond appear uneven. The symmetry of a diamond is generally defined as Poor; Fair; Good; Very Good; or Excellent.

Fluorescence

This characteristic refers to the diamonds ability to fluoresce under ultraviolet light. When exposed to UV light, many diamonds will give off a distinctive glowing blue coloration. The fluorescence of a diamond is defined by its intensity as either None; Faint; Medium; Strong; or Very Strong.

In the very high colour D, E, and F, strong fluoresence is considered less desirable. Ironically, in slightly lower colours of J and below, strong fluorescence is desirable.