Bevel vs. Bezel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Edge that is not perpendicular
Grooved ring or frame holding an object
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Material
Can be applied to various materials
Typically made of metal or plastic
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Functionality
Aesthetic, Joinery, Safety
Support, Protect, Aesthetic, Additional functionalities
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Associated Fields
Woodworking, Glass making
Jewelry making, Watchmaking, Technology
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Bezel
Bezels in watches may rotate, providing additional functionalities.
The diver used the rotating bezel to keep track of his underwater time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
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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.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Bevel
The angle or inclination of a line or surface that meets another at any angle but 90°.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 2023
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.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Bevel
To cut at an inclination that forms an angle other than a right angle
Beveled the edges of the table.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 2023
Bezel
A slanting surface or bevel on the edge of a cutting tool, such as a chisel.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 2023
Bezel
The upper, faceted portion of a cut gem, above the girdle and below the table.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 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
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 2023
Bezel
A ring that secures the crystal of a watch or chronometer, often rotatable and marked so as to allow timekeeping functions.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 2023
Bevel
(gambling) A die used for cheating, having some sides slightly rounded instead of flat.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 2023
Bezel
(computing) The area on the front of a computing device surrounding the display.
Modern smartphones have very thin bezels.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 2023
Bevel
Hence: Morally distorted; not upright.
I may be straight, though they themselves be bevel.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 2023
Bevel
A hand tool consisting of two rules that are hinged together so you can draw or measure angles of any size
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 11, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
What is a double bevel?
It's when both sides of an edge are sloped, typically seen on some types of blades.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
What tools are used to create a bevel?
Common tools include bevel squares, bevel gauges, and bevel-edged chisels.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can a bevel affect an object's strength?
Yes, beveling can distribute stresses more evenly, especially at welded joints.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
What is a bezel?
A bezel is the ring or frame that surrounds and holds a gemstone or watch face in place.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
How does bezel relate to electronics?
In electronics, it refers to the frame around displays, like on a TV or smartphone.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Where are bevels commonly found?
They are often found in woodworking, metalwork, and glasswork to create decorative edges or to prepare joints.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Why might a bevel be added to a mirror or glass?
Often for decorative reasons, but also to eliminate sharp edges for safety.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Why are thin bezels desired on electronic devices?
They maximize display area and give a modern, sleek appearance.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
How is bevel angle measured?
It's the angle between the beveled surface and a plane perpendicular to the surface being beveled.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Are bevels only straight?
No, they can be straight or curved, depending on the design.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Is the bezel functional or just decorative?
While often decorative, in jewelry, it secures gemstones, and on devices, it can protect the display.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
How do bezel settings differ in jewelry?
The bezel setting encircles the gemstone with metal, holding it securely, as opposed to prong settings.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can bezels be easily replaced?
In jewelry, it can be challenging. On electronic devices, it depends on the design and construction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
What is a rotating bezel on a watch used for?
Often found on divers' watches, it's used to track elapsed time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
What materials are bezels made of?
They can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, or ceramics.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
