Bevel vs. Bezel: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Bevel refers to a sloped edge or surface cut, while bezel is a rim or band holding a watch face or gem in place.
Key Differences
Bevel is primarily used in the context of a surface or edge that has been cut at an angle that is not 90 degrees, creating a sloped edge. It is often seen in carpentry, metalwork, and design. Bezel, on the other hand, refers to a grooved ring or rim which holds a watch crystal or gemstone, securing it in place. It's commonly used in jewelry and watchmaking.
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Dec 06, 2023
In terms of functionality, a bevel is created to allow pieces to fit together at angles, reduce sharp edges, or for aesthetic appeal in design. It can be found on frames, mirrors, or edges of tables. The bezel serves a protective and securing function, as seen in watches where it holds the glass in place, or in jewelry where it secures a gemstone.
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Dec 06, 2023
Bevel cuts can be found in various forms, such as chamfered edges which are cut at a 45-degree angle, or more complex shapes in woodworking. This versatility allows for decorative and functional uses. Bezel settings, meanwhile, are recognized for their clean lines and the way they can highlight a gemstone or watch face, adding to the aesthetic while providing structural support.
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Dec 06, 2023
The application of a bevel is not limited to any particular material and can be applied to wood, glass, metal, and more. It's a technique used in various crafts and industries. Bezel, in contrast, is more specific in its usage, primarily seen in jewelry and watches, and is known for its role in securing and framing.
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Dec 06, 2023
Bevel enhances the appearance and functionality of an object, contributing to the ergonomics, safety, and aesthetic of the product. Bezel settings are prized for their ability to protect and showcase, offering a clean and secure way to display precious elements like stones or watch faces.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Sloped edge or surface cut
Rim or band holding an object in place
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Function
Joins pieces at angles, reduces sharp edges
Secures and protects gems or watch faces
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Purpose
Aesthetic appeal, ergonomics, safety
Display, protection, structural support
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Bevel and Bezel Definitions
Bevel
Angle formed between two surfaces
The two surfaces met at a 45-degree bevel.
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Bezel
Grooved ring holding a gemstone
The bezel setting made the sapphire stand out.
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Dec 06, 2023
Bevel
Tool for creating angled cuts
He used a bevel to achieve the precise angle.
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Dec 06, 2023
Bezel
Rim surrounding an instrument or control
The bezel around the dial protected it from impact.
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Bevel
Reducing sharpness of an edge
Beveling the glass edges made it safer to handle.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Bezel
Decorative band or rim
The ornate bezel added charm to the vintage clock.
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Bezel
A slanting surface or bevel on the edge of a cutting tool, such as a chisel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bevel
The angle or inclination of a line or surface that meets another at any angle but 90°.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bezel
The upper, faceted portion of a cut gem, above the girdle and below the table.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bevel
To cut at an inclination that forms an angle other than a right angle
Beveled the edges of the table.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bezel
A ring that secures the crystal of a watch or chronometer, often rotatable and marked so as to allow timekeeping functions.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bezel
The oblique side or face of a cut gem; especially the upper faceted portion of a brilliant (diamond), which projects from its setting.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bevel
(gambling) A die used for cheating, having some sides slightly rounded instead of flat.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bezel
(computing) The area on the front of a computing device surrounding the display.
Modern smartphones have very thin bezels.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bezel
Protective rim around a watch face
The watch's bezel was studded with diamonds.
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Dec 06, 2023
Bezel
Mechanical part in machinery or devices
He adjusted the bezel to secure the lens.
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Dec 06, 2023
Bevel
Hence: Morally distorted; not upright.
I may be straight, though they themselves be bevel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bevel
To deviate or incline from an angle of 90°, as a surface; to slant.
Their houses are very ill built, the walls bevel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bevel
A hand tool consisting of two rules that are hinged together so you can draw or measure angles of any size
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Oct 19, 2023
Bevel
Edge sloping away from a square surface
The beveled edge of the mirror added elegance.
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Dec 06, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a bezel?
A bezel is a frame or rim that encloses or holds another object, commonly seen in watches or electronics to hold screens or dials.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are bevels only used in carpentry?
No, bevels are used in various fields, including carpentry, metalwork, and graphic design, for creating angled edges.
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Dec 06, 2023
What is a bevel?
A bevel is an edge that is not perpendicular to the faces of an object, often angled or sloped for a smoother transition.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can bevels be decorative?
Absolutely, bevels can be decorative, adding aesthetic value to objects like mirrors, frames, and furniture.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can bezels be functional?
Yes, bezels can be functional, like rotating bezels on watches for tracking time or decorative, as in jewelry.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can bevel angles be adjusted?
Yes, in many tools and machines, the angle of the bevel can be adjusted for specific tasks.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is a beveled edge always at a 45-degree angle?
Not always. While 45-degree angles are common, beveled edges can be cut at various angles for different purposes.
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Dec 06, 2023
Do bezels affect screen size?
Yes, the size of a bezel can affect the visible area of a screen, with thinner bezels offering more screen space.
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Dec 06, 2023
What is the purpose of a beveled edge in tools?
In tools, a beveled edge often helps in cutting more effectively by reducing the tool's angle of entry.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are there different types of bezels?
Yes, there are several types, including fixed, rotating, and snap-on bezels, each with different functions.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are bezels only found on watches?
No, bezels are also common in electronics, jewelry, and camera lenses, serving different purposes in each context.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is the bezel part of the display?
No, the bezel is a separate component that frames or secures the display.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can bevels be both functional and decorative?
Yes, bevels can serve functional purposes like aiding in cutting or purely decorative purposes.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is beveling necessary in glasswork?
In glasswork, beveling is often used for decorative purposes and to remove sharp edges.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does a thinner bezel mean a more fragile device?
Not necessarily, but thinner bezels may offer less protection to the screen or display they enclose.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can a bezel be removed?
Depending on the object, some bezels can be removed or replaced, like in watches or electronic devices.
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Dec 06, 2023
How does beveling affect material strength?
Beveling can sometimes reduce the strength at the edge of a material but can also aid in stress distribution.
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Dec 06, 2023
Do bezels impact the aesthetic of a device?
Yes, the design and size of bezels significantly impact the overall aesthetic and user experience of a device.
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Dec 06, 2023
Do bevels affect the sharpness of blades?
Yes, the angle and quality of the bevel greatly affect the sharpness and efficiency of a blade.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can bezels be made of different materials?
Absolutely, bezels can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and gemstones.
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Dec 06, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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