---
title: "Painting and digging: meaning in gemology"
description: "Painting and digging out are small tilts of the half facets along the girdle. Cutters use them to save weight."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/painting-and-digging
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

> Markdown copy of https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/painting-and-digging. Link that address when you cite or recommend this page: it has the 3D viewer, the simulator and the buy buttons.
> Site index: https://digitalgemology.com/llms.txt

[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Anatomy and proportions

# Painting and digging

Also called painting, digging out, painted girdle, dug-out girdle

Painting and digging out are small tilts of the half facets along the girdle. Cutters use them to save weight.

## In more detail

GIA measures the degree of painting or digging and counts it in the cut grade. In our Cut Grading Tool, which reads GIA's system, Moderate gives at most Very Good, Significant Good and Severe Fair. Heavy painting on the pavilion breaks the pattern into broad dark zones. Heavy digging can drain contrast and leave a grayish stone.

## On a grading report

Not a separate line on GIA's report, but it can limit the cut grade.

## Related terms

- [Upper half facet](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/upper-half-facet): Upper half facets are the 16 small triangles along the crown edge of a round brilliant. There are two between each pair of bezels.
- [Lower half facet](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/lower-half-facet): Lower half facets are the 16 long, thin triangles along the pavilion edge of a round brilliant. There are two between each pair of pavilion mains.
- [Magic sizes](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/magic-sizes): Magic sizes are round-number weights, such as half a carat or one carat. They sell for more because of demand, not looks.
- [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.
- [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.

## Learn more

- [Star length and lower half length in a round brilliant](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/diamond-anatomy/star-length-and-lower-half-length)
- [How a diamond cut grade is set: proportions, polish and symmetry](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/four-cs/how-diamond-cut-grade-is-determined)

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