Understanding the Faceted, Polished, and Frosty Girdle Diamond

When buying a diamond, people have numerous things to consider, some more important than others. For instance, the girdle is actually something any person buying a diamond needs to understand. In fact, a girdle is a key element to a diamond so learning about this element is crucial. Additionally, people will hear words such as a “frosty girdle diamond”, which is also something a buyer should know.

The girdle is the outer edge of a diamond. Depending on the cut chosen, the girdle may be extremely easy to see or more difficult. In the case of a round brilliant cut, the frosty girdle diamond or polished diamond would be very visible. The various characteristics of the frosty girdle diamond will have a direct link to the way in which the stone ultimately looks, as do the other finishes.

When buying a diamond, people will discover the girdle comes in different sizes or thicknesses. As an example, some people prefer an extremely thin girdle while other people look for something thick. Of course, there are several different thicknesses in between the very thin and very thick options so there is something for everyone. Typically, professional jewelers will recommend that buyers look on both ends of the spectrum (very thin or very thick) but with a medium classification, as this type of girdle diamond has the most impressive appearance.

For individuals who have already purchased a diamond ring but have no idea what thickness of girdle the stone has, they can choose to have it appraised. An expert that offers a GIA appraisal, which stands for Gemological Institution of America, can look at the diamond using a loupe to determine the thickness. Based on the finding, the diamond would be classified with a specific letter. In the case of a frosty girdle diamond on the very thin side, classifications would include a VT, VETN, or VTN. However, for a very thick girdle, classification is marked with the letters M, ME, or MD.

Another interesting fact about a girdle is that there are three distinct types to include:

Faceted – This consists of the facets being highly polished into the girdle, which is what helps give the diamond its brilliance.

Unfaceted – Girdles in this category are unpolished. In addition to being called unfaceted, this type of girdle is also called a bruted girdle. This girdle has milky or frosted look, which is best known as a frosty girdle diamond. Some diamond cutters feel the process of polishing a diamond girdle causes color to reflect inside, creating a unique look. For this reason, diamonds with a J or K color rating are generally in the frosty girdle diamond category. While not a big deal for diamonds with little to no color, when a diamond has slight color, the appearance can be affected negatively.

Polished – This third type of diamond girdle is virtually clear. Some people prefer the look of a polished girdle while others do not. Typically, the best time for someone to consider a polished girdle is with a fish eye diamond in that it helps reduce table reflection.

New techniques and machinery has made finishing girdles far easier and more beautiful. This means whether buying a faceted, frosty girdle diamond such as the unfaceted, or even a polished stone, the outcome is more precise and therefore, near perfect. In the case of the unfaceted or bruted diamond, a special skaif cooled with liquid is used. From there, the diamond is looked at closely on a computer monitor so the girdle can be zoomed in on, which allows the diamond expert to make adjustments for the ideal shape. Once finished, the girdle has been designed with clean lines, or in the case of round stones, smoothness.

As mentioned, each of the girdle types come in a variety of thicknesses. Therefore, whether looking at a faceted, frosty girdle diamond, or unpolished girdle, buyers would still have many options from very thin to very thick. Each of these choices creates a different look, as well as affects the weight of the ring, and even performance of the finished product.

To help consumers make educated decisions, all girdle types are rated and reported. Using both the GIA and AGS rating system, the faceted, polished, and frosty girdle diamond are measured carefully at the valley and then reported. This information along with the four C’s, which stand for cut, clarity, color, and carat are considered during the buying process so the best diamond afforded is chosen.

Every aspect of a diamond is important and should be a part of the decision making process. However, the girdle plays a significant role in that depending on the way in which it is cut and finished, the final look will be impacted specific to shine and brilliance of the stone. Therefore, whether looking at a polished, unpolished, or frosty girdle diamond, buyers should ask questions and know all the facts before finalizing the deal.