A Diamond’s Table Size
The table of the
diamond is the largest facet of the diamond; the flat top surface of the
diamond.
The Table % of the diamond is calculated
by dividing the width of the table by the diameter of the diamond (taken from
each end of the girdle) multiply by 100.
Example: 3.5mm table / 6mm width
table x 100 = 58%
The size of the table may affect a
diamond's beauty in different aspects:
Spread
Diamonds with a larger table will appear
bigger than diamonds with a smaller table, hence having a larger spread.
Fire
A diamond with a smaller table has
more fire as there is a larger surface area of the crown facet area, where more
light enters and exists at a critical angle, causing more dispersion of light.
Brightness
Diamonds with a larger table appear
brighter. This is due to the contrast differences in the diamond. A smaller
table appears to have thicker arrows of contrast, leaving the diamond to be
less bright. A diamond with a larger table has smaller sized arrows of
contrast, leaving more space of brighter areas (more light return), resulting
in a brighter diamond.
Scintillation
Diamonds with a smaller table
produces a higher amount of scintillation. Since there is more interplay
between the crown and the pavillion facets, we will see more patterned
scintillation and sparkle scintillation.
Diamonds with a larger table
produces a lower amount of scintillation due to the lack of interplay between
the crown and the pavillion facets, we will see less patterned and sparkle
scintillation.
SUMMARY
Small table:
+ fire
+ sparkle scintillation
+ patterned scintillation
- spread
- brightness
Large table:
+ spread
+ brightness
- fire
- sparkle scintillation
- patterned scintillation
*danger of fish eye effect
CONCLUSION
With all this in mind, what kind of table diameter should I go for?
The ideal range would be 53-58%.
Diamonds are all about finding the
perfect balance of brightness, contrast, fire, scintillation and spread.
However, a diamond with a larger table appears to have more CON's than PRO's.
When the table reaches too high a level, light leakage is apparent under the
table. When a ring is worn, dust and dirt may be seen right through the table,
leaving the diamond appearing even less bright than it should.
When picking a diamond in the ideal
range of 53-58, look to the other angles and minor facets such as the stars and
lower halves, these would start to have a higher impact of how a diamond is
performing.