What is the pavilion of a diamond?

The pavilion is the lower half of a diamond, spanning from the girdle down to the culet at the point. Its depth angle is the single most critical factor in how light behaves inside the stone. When the pavilion is cut to the correct angle, typically between 40 and 41 degrees for a round brilliant, light reflects internally and exits through the table, producing the brightness the cut grade measures. A pavilion cut too deep sends light out through the sides; one cut too shallow lets it leak through the bottom. Both flaws reduce the face-up appearance regardless of color or clarity grade. IGI evaluates pavilion geometry as part of its cut grade, so a lab-grown diamond graded Excellent or Very Good has already passed that threshold. When comparing stones, prioritize cut grade over carat weight; a well-cut 0.90 ct lab-grown diamond will outperform a poorly cut 1.00 ct stone in visible brightness.