Pavilion

The pavilion is the entire portion below the girdle. The pavilion is an extremely important feature of the stone as the manner in which it is cut can greatly affect the brilliance of the stone. As light enters the stone, some of it will reflect off the facets that make up the pavilion and be directed through the stones table. A pavilion that is too shallow causes the light to be reflected out the other facets that make up the crown, and cause the table to appear dark. On the other hand, a pavilion cut too deep directs the light out the sides, causing the table to appear dull.