Bevel vs. Bezel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 19, 2023
A bevel is an edge cut at an angle other than 90 degrees, often seen in carpentry. A bezel is a grooved ring holding a gem, watch crystal, or other object, typically seen in jewelry and tech products.
Difference Between Bevel and Bezel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A bevel refers to an edge of a structure that is not perpendicular to its faces. This slanted edge is often used in woodworking and glassmaking to create a decorative or functional angle. Conversely, a bezel pertains to the rim or the setting that encloses and secures an object such as a gemstone or a watch crystal.
In carpentry and construction, a bevel can provide a decorative touch, mitigate sharp edges, or help pieces fit together more seamlessly. The bezel, on the other hand, is primarily seen in the domains of jewelry, watchmaking, and even in technology where it describes the edge surrounding a screen.
Tools like bevel gauges or bevel squares are utilized to measure and create beveled edges. In contrast, bezel tools or bezel pushers are instruments used by jewelers to set gemstones into bezels securely.
The bevel's main purpose revolves around creating angles for joinery or for aesthetic appeal, making structures more refined or fit better. The bezel serves a dual role, both functional in holding items securely and decorative by enhancing the appearance of a piece of jewelry or device.
While both bevel and bezel have their roots in crafting and design, their application and relevance are distinct, with bevel being more versatile across different crafts and bezel being more specialized.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Edge cut at an angle other than 90 degrees.
Grooved ring or edge holding an object in place.
Main Application
Carpentry, glassmaking.
Jewelry, watchmaking, technology.
Associated Tools
Bevel gauge, bevel square.
Bezel tool, bezel pusher.
Purpose
Decorative or functional angle.
Securely hold and accentuate gemstones or screens.
Material Use
Wood, glass, metal.
Metal, often seen with gemstones or glass.
Compare with Definitions
Bevel
An angle other than a right angle on an edge.
The woodworker gave the table a bevel to avoid sharp corners.
Bezel
A grooved ring holding an object in place.
The diamond is set within a protective bezel.
Bevel
The slant given to the edge of something.
The bevel on the blade allowed for more precise cuts.
Bezel
The rim that encases and secures gems or watch crystals.
The gold bezel beautifully framed the sapphire.
Bevel
A sloped edge or surface.
The mirror's bevel added a touch of elegance to its design.
Bezel
The frame around a display, like a computer monitor or watch.
The smartphone boasted a minimal bezel for more screen space.
Bevel
A surface that does not meet at a 90-degree angle.
The bevel on the joint improved its fitting.
Bezel
A slanting surface or bevel on the edge of a cutting tool, such as a chisel.
Bevel
A bevelled edge (UK) or beveled edge (US) is an edge of a structure that is not perpendicular to the faces of the piece. The words bevel and chamfer overlap in usage; in general usage they are often interchanged, while in technical usage they may sometimes be differentiated as shown in the image at right.
Bezel
The upper, faceted portion of a cut gem, above the girdle and below the table.
Bevel
The angle or inclination of a line or surface that meets another at any angle but 90°.
Bezel
A groove or flange designed to hold a beveled edge, as of a gem.
Bevel
Two rules joined together as adjustable arms used to measure or draw angles of any size or to fix a surface at an angle. Also called bevel square.
Bezel
A ring that secures the crystal of a watch or chronometer, often rotatable and marked so as to allow timekeeping functions.
Bevel
To cut at an inclination that forms an angle other than a right angle
Beveled the edges of the table.
Bezel
The frame around a display screen.
Bevel
To be inclined; slant.
Bezel
The sloping edge or face on a cutting tool.
Bevel
An edge that is canted, one that is not a 90-degree angle; a chamfer.
To give a bevel to the edge of a table or a stone slab
Bezel
The oblique side or face of a cut gem; especially the upper faceted portion of a brilliant (diamond), which projects from its setting.
Bevel
An instrument consisting of two rules or arms, jointed together at one end, and opening to any angle, for adjusting the surfaces of work to the same or a given inclination; a bevel square.
Bezel
The rim and flange which encompasses and fastens a jewel or other object, such as the crystal of a watch, in the cavity in which it is set.
Bevel
(gambling) A die used for cheating, having some sides slightly rounded instead of flat.
Bezel
(computing) The panel that covers the front of a computer case, or the panel covering each drive bay that can be removed to install a removable drive that requires external access, such as a CD/DVD-ROM drive, which usually has its own preinstalled bezel.
Bevel
(transitive) To give a canted edge to a surface; to chamfer.
Bezel
(computing) The area on the front of a computing device surrounding the display.
Modern smartphones have very thin bezels.
Bevel
Having the slant of a bevel; slanting.
A bevel angle
Bezel
The rim which encompasses and fastens a jewel or other object, as the crystal of a watch, in the cavity in which it is set.
Bevel
Morally distorted; not upright.
Bezel
A sloping edge on a cutting tool
Bevel
Any angle other than a right angle; the angle which one surface makes with another when they are not at right angles; the slant or inclination of such surface; as, to give a bevel to the edge of a table or a stone slab; the bevel of a piece of timber.
Bezel
A metal border on jewelry, often securing a gem.
Her ring's bezel setting gave it a modern appeal.
Bevel
An instrument consisting of two rules or arms, jointed together at one end, and opening to any angle, for adjusting the surfaces of work to the same or a given inclination; - called also a bevel square.
Bezel
The edge or setting that encompasses a decorative or functional piece.
The intricate bezel of the antique clock drew many admirers.
Bevel
Having the slant of a bevel; slanting.
Bevel
Hence: Morally distorted; not upright.
I may be straight, though they themselves be bevel.
Bevel
To cut to a bevel angle; to slope the edge or surface of.
Bevel
To deviate or incline from an angle of 90°, as a surface; to slant.
Their houses are very ill built, the walls bevel.
Bevel
Two surfaces meeting at an angle different from 90 degrees
Bevel
A hand tool consisting of two rules that are hinged together so you can draw or measure angles of any size
Bevel
Cut a bevel on; shape to a bevel;
Bevel the surface
Bevel
A chamfered or angled edge.
He applied a bevel to the glass edge for a polished look.
Common Curiosities
Can both bevel and bezel be found on a single item?
Yes, for example, a watch might have a beveled edge and a bezel securing the crystal.
Why are bezels used in jewelry?
Bezels securely hold gemstones and can enhance the gem's appearance and protection.
Why are bezel-set stones considered secure?
The bezel surrounds the stone's edge, offering protection from chipping and loss.
Can glass have a bevel?
Absolutely, beveled glass edges are common in decorative pieces and mirrors.
What's the primary function of a bevel in woodworking?
In woodworking, a bevel can enhance joint strength or provide a decorative touch.
Are beveled edges safer?
Yes, beveled edges often eliminate sharp corners, making items safer to handle.
Does a bevel change the structural integrity of an item?
Depending on the material and angle, a bevel might affect strength but can also enhance joint integrity.
Is a bezel purely decorative?
While bezels can be decorative, they also serve the functional purpose of securing objects.
Are all bevel angles the same?
No, bevel angles vary based on purpose and aesthetic preference.
Are thin bezels better on tech devices?
Thin bezels offer more screen space, but durability can be a concern.
What tools are essential for creating a bevel?
Tools like bevel squares, planes, or routers are often used.
How is a bezel different from a prong setting in jewelry?
A bezel encloses a stone's edge, while prongs grip the stone at individual points.
Can metals other than gold be used for bezels?
Yes, bezels can be made from various metals, including silver, platinum, and more.
Can a bezel affect the visibility of a gemstone?
Yes, bezels can impact how light interacts with a gem, which may influence its appearance.
Are there disadvantages to using a bevel in design?
While bevels can be functional and decorative, they might complicate some assembly processes or affect material strength.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
