What is the pavilion of a gemstone?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
The pavilion is the lower portion of a faceted gemstone, sitting below the girdle, the narrow band around the stone's widest point. In a round brilliant diamond the pavilion facets are cut at precise angles so that light entering through the crown bounces between them and returns back up through the top of the stone as sparkle. If the pavilion is too deep the light escapes through the sides; if it is too shallow the light leaks out the bottom. Getting the pavilion angle right is fundamental to a well-cut stone.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the crown and the pavilion?
- The crown is the upper part of a faceted stone above the girdle, and the pavilion is the lower part below it. Together with the table on top and the culet at the very bottom, they make up the complete anatomy of a cut gemstone.
- How does pavilion depth affect a diamond's sparkle?
- A well-proportioned pavilion reflects light back toward the viewer's eye, which is what creates brilliance. A pavilion that is too deep sends light to the sides rather than up through the crown, making the stone look dark in the centre. A shallow pavilion lets light escape through the bottom for a similar effect.
- Does pavilion depth matter in coloured gemstones?
- Yes, though the priorities shift slightly. In coloured stones the pavilion depth also affects how saturated the colour appears. A deeper pavilion means the light travels a longer path through the stone, which can intensify colour, so cutters balance sparkle and colour saturation depending on the individual stone.
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