Definition
A facet is a flat, planar surface ground onto a gemstone or diamond. Facets can be produced in many shapes and sizes and are generally arranged in groups depending on the shape and cutting style of the gem material.
Facets can be broken down into: Crown Facets and Pavilion Facets. The Table and Culet are also considered facets. The girdle of a stone can be faceted. The purpose of facets is to enhance the brilliance and scintillation of a gemstone.
Crown Facets
Table Facet
This often large and horizontally oriented facet is the central facet of a gemstone’s crown. Known as the table facet it provides a window into the gemstone.
Star Facet
The term star facet is used to indicate the facets that border the table facet. The name ‘star facet’ comes from the star pattern formed as these facets surround the table.
Main Facets
The Main Facets, usually known simply as ‘mains’ or ‘kite facets’ lie between the star and bezel facets, one point just touching the girdle edge.
Bezel Facets
Bezel facets, also known as the upper girdle facets/ These are the triangular facets that have an edge bordering the girdle of a cut gemstone.
Pavilion Facets
The pavilion of a faceted gem can be divided into Main facets and Bezel Facets just as with the crown.
On the image below the Bezel Facets, or lower girdle facets, are the light-colored ones and the Main Facets the darker-colored ones.
Furthermore, the pavilion harbors the culet, which in old cuts often consisted of a facet as well but has become a point in more recent times.
