What is a diamond facet?

A diamond facet is one of the many small, flat surfaces that make up the exterior of a cut diamond. These facets work together to create the sparkle and brilliance that is characteristic of this precious gemstone. The number, size, and arrangement of the facets vary depending on the cut of the diamond, with the most popular cuts being the brilliant cut and the emerald cut.

Brilliant-cut diamonds feature 58 facets, which are arranged in a specific pattern to maximize light reflection and dispersion. The top of the diamond, called the crown, consists of 32 facets, while the bottom, known as the pavilion, contains 24 facets. The remaining two facets are the culet, which is the tiny facet at the very tip of the diamond, and the girdle, which is the thin band of material that separates the crown from the pavilion.

The emerald cut, in contrast, has a simpler design with a rectangular or square shape and fewer facets. It typically has 57 facets, with 33 facets on the crown and 24 facets on the pavilion. The culet is usually absent in emerald-cut diamonds, and the girdle is wider and more prominent than in brilliant-cut diamonds.

Different cuts of diamonds feature different facet arrangements, which contribute to their unique appearances and optical properties. These cuts include the round cut, princess cut, marquise cut, oval cut, and pear cut, among others. Each cut has its own characteristics and is chosen based on personal preferences and the desired look of the diamond.