A Gemstone's Anatomy: Table, Crown & Pavilion
Learn the parts of a cut stone — and why each one matters for sparkle.
A cut gemstone has named parts, just like a ring does. Knowing them helps you understand certificates, compare cuts, and appreciate why proportions matter. Here is the simple map of a stone.
The main parts
| Part | What it is |
|---|---|
| Table | The large flat facet on top |
| Crown | The angled top section above the middle |
| Girdle | The thin band around the widest point |
| Pavilion | The lower cone that reflects light back up |
| Culet | The point (or tiny facet) at the very bottom |
Why these parts matter
Light enters through the table and crown, bounces off the pavilion, and returns to your eye. If the pavilion angle is right, you get brilliant sparkle; if it is off, light leaks away. Proportions are everything.
How it connects to cut
When a certificate or listing mentions table percentage or depth, it is describing these proportions — the heart of cut quality. See How Facets Create Sparkle and Gemstone Cut vs Shape.
The ring has its own anatomy too
Just as the stone has parts, so does the ring that holds it — see The Anatomy of a Ring.
FAQs
What is the table of a gemstone?
The table is the large flat facet on the very top of a cut stone — the main window light passes through.
Why does the pavilion matter?
The pavilion's angle reflects light back up through the top. Cut at the right angle, it creates brilliance; cut poorly, light escapes.
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