The Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA)

A wavy girdle refers to a girdle of a diamond that is uneven in thickness or does not maintain a consistent, smooth plane all the way around the diamond’s circumference. This type of girdle is irregular, and rather than being perfectly straight and uniform, it undulates, creating a wave-like pattern along the edge of the diamond.

Key Characteristics of a Wavy Girdle
Uneven Thickness:

In a wavy girdle, the thickness of the girdle is not uniform. Some sections may be slightly thicker, while others are thinner. This unevenness in thickness can create a noticeable waviness around the diamond’s edge.
The girdle is the outermost edge of the diamond, and its thickness is important in protecting the stone from chips and fractures. A wavy girdle may make the diamond more prone to damage in certain areas due to its inconsistency.
Shape and Appearance:

A wavy girdle does not follow a straight, flat plane around the diamond. Instead, it may have a more undulating, curving, or irregular appearance. This undulation can result from imperfections in the rough diamond or the cutting process.
The effect is not always visible to the naked eye but can be detected under magnification or with careful inspection, especially if the waves are pronounced.
Effect on Symmetry:

The symmetry of a diamond is a critical aspect of its overall cut grade. A wavy girdle negatively impacts the symmetry of the diamond, as it deviates from the ideal, uniform shape that is expected from a well-cut diamond.
Since symmetry is a significant factor in the visual appeal of a diamond, a wavy girdle can detract from the diamond’s overall aesthetic and brilliance. It may cause slight misalignment in the overall shape of the diamond, making it appear less polished or balanced.
Impact on Diamond Grading:

When grading a diamond, the symmetry and girdle quality are evaluated. A wavy girdle will typically result in a lower symmetry grade. The grading report will often reflect this flaw, which can affect the overall value of the diamond.
A diamond with a wavy girdle may receive a grade that indicates some loss of symmetry, which can influence its desirability for certain buyers.
Causes of a Wavy Girdle:

A wavy girdle can result from the natural formation of the diamond in the earth or from imperfections in the cutting process. When the diamond is being cut, a lack of precision or inconsistency in the cutting machinery can lead to uneven girdle contours.
The shape of the original rough diamond may also play a role in the creation of a wavy girdle. In some cases, rough diamonds may have natural cracks, inclusions, or irregularities that cause the girdle to be cut unevenly.
Potential for Damage:

While the girdle is designed to protect the diamond from damage, a wavy girdle can sometimes create weak points or areas that are more vulnerable to chipping or cracking. Since the thickness varies along the edge, certain areas of the girdle may be thinner, making those points more prone to injury.
Aesthetic Impact:

Although a wavy girdle may not be immediately noticeable, it can impact the overall shape of the diamond, especially in certain cuts. For instance, in round brilliant or princess cuts, where symmetry is key, a wavy girdle may disrupt the round or square shape, creating an unbalanced or slightly skewed appearance.
For diamonds with specific shapes, such as emerald or pear-shaped, a wavy girdle can alter the uniformity of the outline, which may detract from the symmetry and elegance of the stone.

A wavy girdle is an irregularity in the girdle of a diamond, where the thickness varies or the edge does not follow a consistent plane. This can result from natural imperfections in the rough diamond or the cutting process and can negatively affect the symmetry and overall appearance of the diamond. A wavy girdle typically leads to a lower symmetry grade during the grading process, which in turn may impact the diamond’s value and desirability. Although it may not be immediately visible, a wavy girdle can influence the aesthetic balance and light performance of the diamond, making it an important factor to consider in a diamond’s evaluation.

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) is an international confederation of diamond bourses, or exchanges, which serve as key trading platforms for diamonds globally. Established to promote ethical standards and professional conduct in the diamond trade, the WFDB plays a vital role in the regulation and standardisation of diamond transactions, ensuring integrity and fairness within the global diamond industry.

Key Functions and Roles of the WFDB
Ethical and Professional Conduct:

The WFDB sets and enforces strict ethical guidelines for its members, ensuring that diamond transactions are conducted with honesty, transparency, and fairness. These rules cover areas such as business practices, trade ethics, and legal compliance.
Members of the WFDB are committed to responsible sourcing, adhering to established ethical principles to avoid the trade in conflict diamonds and ensuring that diamonds are sourced and traded in a manner that is both sustainable and legally compliant.
International Coordination:

The WFDB serves as a central body to unify the operations of diamond bourses worldwide. It facilitates international cooperation between diamond exchanges, promoting collaboration and standardisation of diamond trading practices across national borders.
The federation works to harmonise diamond grading standards, transaction protocols, and dispute resolution mechanisms to ensure a smooth and unified global market.
Advocacy and Representation:

The WFDB represents the interests of diamond bourses and their members in the global marketplace. It advocates for policies that promote the growth and health of the diamond industry and addresses issues related to trade barriers, industry regulations, and market access.
The organisation is a key voice in the international dialogue surrounding the diamond industry and plays an important role in discussions on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and the future of diamond trading.
Promoting Fair Trade and Transparency:

One of the WFDB’s core missions is to foster transparency within the diamond trade. By promoting the use of standardized grading systems and supporting initiatives like the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, the WFDB helps to ensure that diamonds traded on its exchanges meet high standards of quality, legality, and ethical sourcing.
The WFDB also offers guidelines and training to ensure that diamond professionals operate with integrity and respect for the rules governing the industry.
Support for Diamond Bourses:

The WFDB offers support to diamond bourses around the world, helping them operate efficiently and ethically. It provides a platform for member bourses to share information, best practices, and market trends, strengthening the global diamond trade community.
Member bourses benefit from the WFDB’s global influence, networking opportunities, and access to a trusted, reliable marketplace.
Commitment to the Diamond Industry’s Future:

The WFDB is committed to the sustainable development of the diamond industry, supporting initiatives that promote long-term growth, environmental responsibility, and the welfare of local communities involved in diamond production.
It works to ensure that the industry remains robust and responsive to changing market conditions, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements, such as synthetic diamonds and blockchain technology.
Membership and Structure
The WFDB is composed of diamond bourses from around the world. These exchanges are member-owned organisations that serve as trade hubs for diamond dealers and manufacturers.
Membership in the WFDB is typically reserved for diamond dealers, manufacturers, and other professionals who engage in the wholesale trading of diamonds.
The WFDB’s structure is democratic, with each member bourse having a say in the decisions that affect the global diamond trade. This ensures that the needs and concerns of the broader industry are represented in the WFDB’s actions.

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) plays a critical role in maintaining ethical standards and promoting professional conduct within the global diamond trade. By unifying diamond bourses worldwide and setting clear rules and guidelines for diamond trading, the WFDB helps foster transparency, fairness, and integrity in the industry. Its efforts to advocate for ethical sourcing, sustainability, and responsible trade practices ensure that the diamond market remains strong, trusted, and sustainable for the future.