Diamond Table

Subject: Diamond Table Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:08 pm

Diamond Table
One of the key attributes to look at when selecting a diamond is the diamond’s table percentage. The diamond table percentage is a measurement that indicates the ratio of the table of the diamond to the width of the diamond as a whole. The table is the flat part of the top of the diamond. The size of the table is extremely important. It is one of the key factors that will determine how much brilliance and sparkle the diamond will have.
If the table is too small or large, then the diamond will not be as brilliant as it should be. This is why elongated and oddly shaped stones are often cheaper than round stones. The elongated stones will have a much poorer table than a similarly sized round stone. This means that an elongated stone that has the same number of carats as a round stone will have much less brilliance and sparkle.

At this point it may still not seem completely clear how exactly the table size is determined. Here is an example to help in the understanding of this concept. Say that the table of the diamond is 5.8 mm. Remember that the table is the flat part that is the top of the diamond. Then say that the total diameter of the diamond at its widest point is 10.0 mm. The table percentage is then derived in this way. The table size is divided by the total diameter of the diamond. The result is then multiplied by 100. So in the example the table of 5.8 mm is divided by the total diameter of 10.0 mm. The resultant number is .58. That is then multiplied by 100 to achieve the table percentage of the diamond of 58.0.

Different shapes of diamonds have different table numbers that are better for their particular shape. However, in general the following is a good guide to the different levels of diamond tables. An ideal diamond will have a table percentage between the numbers of 52.0 to 58.0. An excellent range for a diamond table percentage is between the numbers of 58.1 and 60.0. Diamonds with a table percentage of between 60.1 and 64.0 are considered good. Table numbers between 64.1 and 70.0 are considered fair. Diamonds with table numbers between 70.0 to 80.0 are deemed of poor quality.

As stated previously, the table numbers are different for different shapes. Although the preceding numbers are a good general guide, they should not be considered to apply to a very elongated diamond like a princess cut. A princess cut diamond will still display a good level of brilliance and sparkle even with a high table percentage. Anything up to a number of 80.0 is generally acceptable for a princess cut diamond.

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