Everything You Need to Know
About Diamond Girdles

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.

What Are the Different Types of Girdles in a Diamond?

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.

Which Is Better, a Thin or 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.