Don’t Overlook the Importance of a Polished Culet in Diamonds

When it comes to diamond cuts, the culet is often overlooked. However, a polished culet can make all the difference in a diamond’s appearance.

The culet is the small facet at the bottom of a diamond, and its purpose is to prevent damage to the stone during cutting and polishing. In older diamonds, this facet was left unpolished or even chipped, creating what’s known as an “open” culet. This type of culet can detract from a diamond’s brilliance by allowing light to leak out of the bottom.

By contrast, a polished culet reflects light back up through the diamond and enhances its overall sparkle. A “closed” or fully polished culet also adds symmetry and balance to a diamond’s facets.

Some experts believe that a polished culet can even increase a diamond’s value by up to 5%. However, it’s important to note that not all diamonds need or benefit from this feature. It ultimately depends on the specific cut and shape of each stone.

If you’re shopping for diamonds, consider asking your jeweler about their policy on polished culets and how they might affect pricing. And next time you admire someone’s sparkly engagement ring or statement earrings, take note of whether its culet has been given some extra attention – you just might be able to tell!