---
title: "Durability (cut grade): meaning in gemology"
description: "Durability is the part of GIA's cut grade that checks for a risk of damage. The risk comes from a very thin girdle or thin points."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/durability-cut-grade
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Four Cs

# Durability (cut grade)

Durability is the part of GIA's cut grade that checks for a risk of damage. The risk comes from a very thin girdle or thin points.

## In more detail

It is one of the two design components of the cut grade, with weight ratio. GIA does not count a shallow crown as a risk unless the girdle is also very thin. In our Cut Grading Tool, which reads GIA's tables, a Very Thin girdle limits a T73 to Very Good. An Extremely Thin girdle limits it to Good.

## On a grading report

Not printed on its own line: read it from the girdle description.

## Related terms

- [Girdle thickness](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/girdle-thickness): Girdle thickness is how thick the girdle is at its thinnest and thickest points. A report gives it as a range of words, such as "Thin to Medium".
- [Weight ratio](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/weight-ratio): Weight ratio is the part of GIA's cut grade that compares a diamond's weight with its diameter. A stone can carry too much or too little weight for its width.
- [Cut grade](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/cut-grade): The cut grade rates how well a diamond's proportions and finish work, from Excellent to Poor. GIA gives it only to standard round brilliants in the D-to-Z color range.
- [Girdle](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/girdle): The girdle is the narrow band at the widest part of a cut stone, between the crown and the pavilion. It is the edge that a setting grips.

## Learn more

- [How a diamond cut grade is set: proportions, polish and symmetry](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/four-cs/how-diamond-cut-grade-is-determined)
- [Diamond girdle thickness: thin, medium, thick and what it costs you](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/diamond-anatomy/diamond-girdle-thickness)

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)