The pavilion is the lower portion of a diamond, extending from the girdle (the widest part) of the stone down to the culet (the point at the bottom). It plays a vital role in the diamond’s brilliance and overall visual appeal. The pavilion, along with the crown (the upper portion above the girdle), affects how light interacts with the diamond, influencing its sparkle, fire, and brilliance.
Key Features of the Pavilion
1. Location and Structure
The pavilion lies below the girdle, and is essentially the bottom half of the diamond that is invisible from above when the diamond is set in jewelry.
It extends from the girdle down to the culet, and its angle and depth are key to achieving the right balance of light reflection and brilliance.
2. Pavilion and Light Reflection
The pavilion plays a major role in how the diamond reflects light. When light enters the diamond from the top, it is refracted through the crown, and the pavilion helps to reflect the light back out through the top facets.
If the pavilion is cut too shallow or too deep, it can lead to poor light reflection, resulting in a loss of brilliance. Ideally, the pavilion angle should allow light to be properly refracted and reflected, contributing to the diamond’s overall sparkle.
3. Pavilion Angle and Proportions
The pavilion angle is a critical measurement in diamond cutting. It refers to the angle between the pavilion facets and the girdle. A well-proportioned pavilion will create the ideal light return, while a too shallow or too deep pavilion can cause the diamond to either lose light through the bottom or reflect it poorly.
Ideal Pavilion Angle: Typically, a pavilion angle of about 40.6° to 41.0° is considered ideal for most diamonds, as it creates optimal light performance.
How the Pavilion Affects the Diamond’s Appearance
1. Brilliance and Sparkle
A well-cut pavilion enhances a diamond’s brilliance, or the amount of white light that is reflected from the diamond. The pavilion’s shape and angle help to maximize light return and ensure that the diamond sparkles under various light conditions.
If the pavilion is too shallow, the light passes through the bottom of the diamond and does not get reflected back through the top, reducing the diamond’s brilliance. On the other hand, if the pavilion is too deep, light might reflect too much inside the diamond and fail to return to the eye, leading to a dull appearance.
2. Fire and Dispersion
The pavilion also plays a role in the diamond’s fire, or the dispersion of light into rainbow-colored flashes. A well-cut pavilion will help to disperse the light, creating a more vibrant, colorful display.
The depth and angle of the pavilion contribute to how well the diamond can display its fire.
3. Symmetry and Proportions
The symmetry of the pavilion is just as important as its angle. If the pavilion is not symmetrical, it can cause light to be unevenly distributed throughout the diamond, leading to a lack of balance in the diamond’s brilliance.
Properly proportioned pavilion facets should be symmetrical and aligned to ensure optimal light reflection and a uniform sparkle.
Pavilion and Diamond Shapes
While the pavilion is a significant feature in all diamond shapes, its structure and appearance can vary depending on the cut style of the diamond.
1. Round Brilliant Cut
In a round brilliant diamond, the pavilion is cut into 58 facets, contributing to its ideal brilliance and sparkle. The pavilion in round cuts is designed to reflect light in the most efficient manner, maximizing the diamond’s sparkle.
2. Princess Cut
The pavilion of a princess cut diamond is typically square or rectangular. Like other cuts, its angle plays an important role in how light interacts with the diamond.
A well-cut princess diamond will have a pavilion that allows for maximum light reflection, contributing to its signature brilliance.
3. Emerald Cut
Emerald cut diamonds have a step-cut pavilion, which is a series of rectangular facets that create a distinctive, hall-of-mirrors effect. This type of pavilion results in less brilliance compared to round cuts but highlights the diamond’s clarity and color.
4. Other Fancy Cuts
The pavilion in fancy shapes (e.g., oval, cushion, pear) is designed to complement the overall symmetry and proportions of the diamond. Each shape will have a pavilion with a unique cut style that maximizes the diamond’s light return and visual appeal.
Pavilion and Diamond Value
The quality of the pavilion is crucial for determining a diamond’s overall value and appearance. A poorly cut pavilion (too shallow or too deep) can reduce the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle, which in turn can decrease its market value.
1. Cutting Quality
The cut grade of a diamond is influenced by how well the pavilion is proportioned. A diamond with a well-cut pavilion will receive a higher cut grade, which can increase its overall value.
2. Impact on Durability
A well-cut pavilion also ensures that the diamond is structurally sound, reducing the risk of damage. If the pavilion is too shallow or deep, it can make the diamond more vulnerable to chipping or fractures. Proper proportions ensure that the diamond remains durable and suitable for daily wear.
How to Evaluate the Pavilion
When evaluating a diamond, paying attention to the pavilion angle and symmetry is crucial for ensuring that the diamond will perform well in terms of brilliance, fire, and overall visual appeal. Here are some things to consider when assessing a diamond’s pavilion:
1. Check the Pavilion Angle
A well-cut pavilion will typically have an angle between 40.6° and 41.0° for most round brilliant diamonds.
If the angle is too steep or too shallow, it can affect the diamond’s brilliance.
2. Inspect the Symmetry
Ensure that the pavilion is symmetrical to avoid any uneven light distribution. Gemological grading reports from organizations like the GIA and DCLA often assess symmetry and cut proportions, which can help you evaluate the diamond’s pavilion.
3. Look at the Diamond in Different Lighting
To fully appreciate the pavilion’s effect on the diamond’s sparkle, view the stone under natural light and artificial lighting. A well-proportioned pavilion should enhance the diamond’s sparkle and brilliance under both conditions.