Speaking Diamond
Diamond Glossary
- 4Cs
- The four universal quality factors: cut, color, clarity and carat.
- Brilliance
- The white light reflected back to the eye from a diamond’s crown and table.
- CVD
- Chemical Vapor Deposition — a method of growing lab-grown diamonds from carbon-rich gas.
- Fire
- The flashes of spectral color a well-cut diamond disperses.
- Girdle
- The narrow band around a diamond’s widest point, where it is set into the mounting.
- HPHT
- High Pressure, High Temperature — a growth method replicating natural diamond formation.
- Inclusion
- A tiny internal imperfection; fewer inclusions mean higher clarity.
- Pavé
- French for “paved” — many small diamonds set closely together.
- Solitaire
- A single diamond mounted alone — the classic engagement silhouette.
- Table
- The large flat top facet of a diamond, through which light enters.