Bevel vs. Bezel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 4, 2023
Bevel refers to a surface that is not perpendicular to the adjacent surfaces, while Bezel is a grooved ring holding the glass or plastic cover of a watch face or other instrument in position.
Key Differences
A "bevel" is generally a term associated with the edge of a structure that is not perpendicular to the faces of the piece. It is often used in carpentry, masonry, and metallurgy, among other domains. The term "bezel," however, pertains to a grooved ring or frame typically observed in jewelry and instrument protection, often holding a gem, lens, or watch face in place. The contexts of their utilization are quite different, even though they might occasionally pertain to related fields, such as craftsmanship or design.
To discuss "bevel" in detail, one could consider its role in carpentry and design. A beveled edge can be utilized to augment the aesthetic appeal of a piece, adding a nuanced detail to furniture, frames, and more. This angling of edges or faces is not merely for aesthetics but can also aid in connecting separate pieces in a more snug and supportive fit, which is especially crucial in carpentry and construction. Bevel cuts are integral to creating joints, fittings, and when a smooth transition between materials or angles is necessary.
On the other hand, "bezel" finds its primary use in jewelry and watches. The bezel holds in place the glass, gemstone, or other precious items, providing not only an aesthetic frame but also functional support. In watches, for instance, bezels can sometimes be rotated to perform additional features, such as tracking elapsed time or providing dual time zones. The bezel, while providing a functional use, often also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the piece, providing an elegant frame for the item it encases.
Diving deeper into "bevel," it is crucial to note that this term also finds relevance in optics and glass working. Beveling of mirrors and glass serves to reduce the risk of chipping, providing a safer edge to handle and often providing a decorative aspect to the piece. The beveled edge can also redirect light in interesting ways, creating a unique effect and thus is not only functionally relevant but also serves a visual purpose.
Bezels also find functionality in technology. In electronic devices, such as smartphones and monitors, the bezel refers to the outer frame around screens, sometimes holding protective glass in place. In this context, it serves to protect and support the screen while also potentially housing various buttons and sensors. The bezel thereby can influence the aesthetic and functional aspects of the device design, with trends often leaning towards minimizing bezel size to maximize screen real estate.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Edge that is not perpendicular
Grooved ring or frame holding an object
Primary Use
Carpentry, Construction, Optics
Jewelry, Watches, Electronics
Material
Can be applied to various materials
Typically made of metal or plastic
Functionality
Aesthetic, Joinery, Safety
Support, Protect, Aesthetic, Additional functionalities
Associated Fields
Woodworking, Glass making
Jewelry making, Watchmaking, Technology
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Bevel and Bezel Definitions
Bevel
A bevel is an angled surface cut onto the edge of a material.
The carpenter made a bevel on the tabletop to create a decorative edge.
Bezel
Bezels in watches may rotate, providing additional functionalities.
The diver used the rotating bezel to keep track of his underwater time.
Bevel
Bevel can refer to the angle formed between a line and the surface or line it intersects.
The machine created a bevel on the steel, providing an angled edge.
Bezel
Bezels can sometimes serve primarily as a decorative frame, enhancing aesthetics.
The ornate bezel around the pendant accentuated the sparkle of the encased gemstone.
Bevel
Bevel gears are gears where the axes of the two shafts intersect.
Bevel gears are utilized in differentials to allow wheels to rotate at different speeds.
Bezel
A bezel can refer to the grooved and flanged ring around a lens, providing protection.
The camera lens was protected from impacts by the sturdy bezel.
Bevel
The angle or inclination of a line or surface that meets another at any angle but 90°.
Bezel
In technology, a bezel refers to the frame around displays, like those on smartphones.
The smartphone boasts a minimal bezel to enhance the display size.
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 bezel is a securing ring that holds a gem, watch crystal, or other insert in place.
The diamond was firmly held by the bezel on the ring.
Bevel
To cut at an inclination that forms an angle other than a right angle
Beveled the edges of the table.
Bezel
A slanting surface or bevel on the edge of a cutting tool, such as a chisel.
Bevel
To be inclined; slant.
Bezel
The upper, faceted portion of a cut gem, above the girdle and below the table.
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
A groove or flange designed to hold a beveled edge, as of a gem.
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
A ring that secures the crystal of a watch or chronometer, often rotatable and marked so as to allow timekeeping functions.
Bevel
(gambling) A die used for cheating, having some sides slightly rounded instead of flat.
Bezel
The frame around a display screen.
Bevel
(transitive) To give a canted edge to a surface; to chamfer.
Bezel
The sloping edge or face on a cutting tool.
Bevel
Having the slant of a bevel; slanting.
A bevel angle
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
Morally distorted; not upright.
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
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
(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
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
(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.
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
Hence: Morally distorted; not upright.
I may be straight, though they themselves be bevel.
Bezel
A sloping edge on a cutting tool
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
In graphics, a bevel refers to an effect that smoothens the edges of an image.
He added a subtle bevel to the logo to give it a three-dimensional appearance.
Bevel
In optics, a bevel minimizes the risk of chipping on the edges of glass or mirrors.
The bevel on the mirror not only enhanced its appeal but also reduced sharp edges.
FAQs
What is a bevel?
A bevel is a sloping edge or surface, usually created by cutting or shaping an edge at an angle other than a right angle.
How is a bevel different from a chamfer?
While both are angled cuts on an edge, a bevel typically spans the entire thickness of the material, while a chamfer is typically a flat, angled cut along the corner.
What is a double bevel?
It's when both sides of an edge are sloped, typically seen on some types of blades.
What tools are used to create a bevel?
Common tools include bevel squares, bevel gauges, and bevel-edged chisels.
Can a bevel affect an object's strength?
Yes, beveling can distribute stresses more evenly, especially at welded joints.
What is a bezel?
A bezel is the ring or frame that surrounds and holds a gemstone or watch face in place.
How does bezel relate to electronics?
In electronics, it refers to the frame around displays, like on a TV or smartphone.
Where are bevels commonly found?
They are often found in woodworking, metalwork, and glasswork to create decorative edges or to prepare joints.
Why might a bevel be added to a mirror or glass?
Often for decorative reasons, but also to eliminate sharp edges for safety.
What does "beveled edge" mean in terms of a phone screen?
It refers to a screen edge that's been slightly angled, typically for aesthetic reasons.
Why are thin bezels desired on electronic devices?
They maximize display area and give a modern, sleek appearance.
How is bevel angle measured?
It's the angle between the beveled surface and a plane perpendicular to the surface being beveled.
Are bevels only straight?
No, they can be straight or curved, depending on the design.
Is the bezel functional or just decorative?
While often decorative, in jewelry, it secures gemstones, and on devices, it can protect the display.
How do bezel settings differ in jewelry?
The bezel setting encircles the gemstone with metal, holding it securely, as opposed to prong settings.
What is a "bezel compensation" in multi-monitor setups?
It's a feature that adjusts for the physical space taken by bezels to provide a continuous image across multiple displays.
Can bezels be easily replaced?
In jewelry, it can be challenging. On electronic devices, it depends on the design and construction.
Why do some smartphones have a "bezel-less" design?
This design aims to provide an edge-to-edge screen experience, enhancing the user's visual engagement.
What is a rotating bezel on a watch used for?
Often found on divers' watches, it's used to track elapsed time.
What materials are bezels made of?
They can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, or ceramics.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
