Which term describes the initial stage of facet placement on a diamond?

Which term describes the initial stage of facet placement on a diamond?

• A. Bearded Girdle
• B. Belly
• C. Brightness
• D. Blocking

Answer: (D)

Blocking is the first step in facet placement. In faceting, the cutter lays down the large, primary facets—setting the table, crown facets, and pavilion facets—to establish the diamond’s overall geometry, symmetry, and proportions. This rough blueprint ensures the angles and girdle height are correct before adding more facets and polishing. The other terms describe features or outcomes rather than this initial setup stage: a bearded girdle refers to a girdle texture, the belly describes a bulge, and brightness is a trait of light performance, not a phase of facet placement.

Blocking is the first step in facet placement. In faceting, the cutter lays down the large, primary facets—setting the table, crown facets, and pavilion facets—to establish the diamond’s overall geometry, symmetry, and proportions. This rough blueprint ensures the angles and girdle height are correct before adding more facets and polishing. The other terms describe features or outcomes rather than this initial setup stage: a bearded girdle refers to a girdle texture, the belly describes a bulge, and brightness is a trait of light performance, not a phase of facet placement.