Digging Out is the cutting technique that thins the area of the girdle where the upper half facet junctions meet the lower half facet junctions? Which term describes this technique?

• A. Painting
• B. Girdle Thickness
• C. Table Gauge
• D. Digging Out

Answer: (D)

Thinning the girdle in the junction area is done by a technique called digging out. This method targets the region where the upper girdle facets meet the lower girdle facets, removing small amounts of material there to reduce girdle thickness without altering the overall shape or facet angles. It’s used to fine-tune weight distribution and achieve a more balanced girdle proportion, which can improve overall cut quality and symmetry.

Girdle Thickness refers to the overall width of the girdle, a measurement, not a cutting method. Table Gauge relates to the size of the table, another measurement rather than a technique. Painting is not a cutting process and doesn’t describe how girdle material is removed.