Girdle
The narrow band around a diamond's widest point, separating the crown from the pavilion.
Definition
The girdle is the widest part of a diamond, forming the thin band that separates the upper portion (crown) from the lower portion (pavilion). The girdle can be faceted, bruted (rough), or polished. Girdle thickness — ranging from extremely thin to extremely thick — affects both the appearance and durability of the diamond. Thin girdles are more prone to chipping; very thick girdles add weight without adding visual size.
Why It Matters for Ring Design
Girdle thickness affects the price-to-appearance ratio. An extremely thick girdle can add 10%+ to carat weight without increasing the diamond's face-up size. For round brilliants, a 'thin to medium' or 'medium to slightly thick' girdle represents the best balance of durability and efficiency.
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