Every diamond has a crown and pavilion. The crown is at the top of the diamond and is what everyone sees first when looking at the piece. The pavilion, on the other hand, is the pointed bottom of the diamond.
So, where is the girdle? It's directly between these two sections, ultimately connecting the top of the diamond to the bottom. The girdle is exceptionally noticeable in some pieces, but that isn't always the case. In this guide, you can expect to learn more about the girdle and how to select the perfect diamond for any piece of jewelry, such as earrings, rings, and even necklaces.
Did you know there are several types of girdles a diamond can have? Not all diamonds are created equal, which is why the appearance of this point between the top and the bottom of the diamond may differ. The many types include:
- Extremely Thin - Some find the extra thin girdle more aesthetically pleasing. However, a super thin girdle does mean the diamond is at risk of chipping and sustaining damage, meaning you must handle the piece with care. If you have a diamond with an extra thing girdle, you shouldn't wear it all the time for the risk of unintentionally damaging it.
- Very Thin - Slightly less fragile than the extra thin diamond yet still incredibly aesthetically pleasing, the very thin diamond needs to be handled with care but offers more reliability than one with an extra thin girdle.
- Medium Thin - Considered the ideal proportion for any diamond, whether you're buying a ring, earrings, or even a bracelet, a medium-thin girdle is not too thick yet not too thin to the point that it becomes highly fragile. As a result, this is an excellent choice.
- Slightly Thick - Another great option for a diamond is one with a slightly thick girdle. It's as close to medium thin as it will get, with just a bit more thickness that still leaves the diamond look impressionable.
- Very Thick - The same goes for a very thick girdle. The diamond will still have a decent proportion and look good but will no longer be as fragile as those with too thin of a girdle.
- Extremely Thick - While some may assume that extra thick is the way to go, having such a large girdle can take away from the overall appearance of the diamond, making it look significantly smaller. If you would like your diamond to look bigger and shine bright, you may want to consider avoiding any diamonds with an extra thick girdle.
Now that you know the different girdle types, you're probably wondering which one is best. Although it comes down to preference, most would agree that the medium-thin or slightly thick girdle is the best overall choice for any diamond, no matter the jewelry selected. It tends to look the best, with the girdle noticeable enough to show the connection between the top and bottom of the diamond yet not thick enough to take away from its size and appearance.
Another reason you probably wouldn't want to go for a super thin girdle is because it makes the diamond more fragile. When investing in a high-quality piece, you don't want to constantly worry about unintentionally causing damage to it. However, that can easily happen when you have a diamond with a thin girdle. Because it's much more fragile, you might chip or scratch it, making the gemstone look dull and damaged.
While it may not seem important, the girdle plays a significant role in keeping the diamond together and looking its best. It keeps the diamond together in any setting, whether it's added to an engagement ring, a pair of earrings, or any other beautiful piece of jewelry. Although the girdle is necessary for any diamond, some are better than others, no matter their size or color.
A diamond with a super thin girdle is easier to damage, even when you're careful and remove your jewelry before doing things like hand washing the dishes or taking a shower. You have much less to worry about when wearing a diamond with a slightly thicker girdle that offers better protection. Of course, you don't want to overdo it and go for something too thick because it could increase carat weight and take away from the look and feel of any piece.
If you plan on purchasing diamond jewelry in the coming weeks or months, knowing what to look for can help you spend your money wisely on a durable, high-quality piece designed to look good for a long time. These are some of the top things to look for before you invest in any diamond:
- The Certification - Check the certification for the diamond to learn more about it. The certification would include several essential details you want to know about such a valuable piece, including the diamond's carat, cut, and overall clarity. With the clarity grade, you can determine if the diamond has flaws. Some pieces are considered flawless, making them even more valuable.
- Girdle Thickness Grade - Check the certification for the diamond to learn more about it. The certification would include several essential details you want to know about such a valuable piece, including the diamond's carat, cut, and overall clarity. With the clarity grade, you can determine if the diamond has flaws. Some pieces are considered flawless, making them even more valuable.
- The Appearance - After learning more about the diamond's clarity, girdle, and cut, you can select a piece based on those factors and its appearance. After all, you want to choose something you can enjoy wearing for years to come.
When you know what to look for in a diamond, you can ensure you're investing in a high-quality piece that will look stunning.
Not everyone knows the significance of a diamond's girdle and how it impacts the quality of the piece. But now that you know its purpose and what it means when you have a super thin or thick girdle, you can choose your diamonds wisely!
