What is the crown of a gemstone?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
The crown is the upper portion of a cut gemstone, all the facets above the girdle. On a round brilliant diamond it includes the large flat table facet at the top, eight star facets, eight kite-shaped bezel facets and sixteen upper girdle facets. Crown angle has a significant effect on the fire and brilliance of the stone: shallower crowns give a broad, watery sparkle, while steeper crowns produce more concentrated flashes of colour.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the crown and the table of a diamond?
- The table is the single large flat facet at the very top of the diamond, the biggest facet on the crown. The crown refers to the whole upper portion of the stone, from the girdle up, and includes the table plus all the smaller facets around and below it.
- How does crown angle affect a diamond's look?
- Crown angle is a key factor in how much fire (coloured light flashes) a diamond shows. A higher, steeper crown angle tends to produce more fire; a shallower, lower crown angle tends to give broader, brighter white light return. The best-cut diamonds balance both.
- Can you see the crown clearly when a diamond is set?
- Yes, the crown is the visible part of the stone from above, so it is what you see when looking at a ring or pendant face-on. The pavilion, below the girdle, is hidden by the setting, while the crown and its table are fully on show.
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