Table
The table is the large, flat facet on the top of a cut diamond, the biggest of all its facets.
The table is the large flat facet lying across the very top of a cut diamond. It is the biggest facet on the stone and the main window through which light enters and leaves. How wide it is relative to the diamond, expressed as a percentage, is a key measurement in judging cut quality.
What the table does
Most of the light that creates a diamond's brilliance passes in and out through the table, so its size has a direct effect on light performance. Table percentage is the width of the table divided by the overall width of the diamond. For round brilliants, a table around 54 to 60 percent is generally considered good, though the ideal depends on the crown angle it is paired with.
There is a balance to strike. A table that is too large lets in plenty of light but reduces the crown facets that create fire, so the stone can look bright but flat. A table that is too small can boost fire at the cost of brilliance. The best cuts pair table size with crown angle to balance both effects.
- The largest facet, flat across the top
- Table percentage is table width divided by stone width
- Around 54 to 60 percent is typical for a well cut round
- Too large sacrifices fire, too small can dull brilliance
Table in the cut grade
GIA factors table percentage into the cut grade for round brilliants, because it is one of the proportions that decides how efficiently a stone returns light. On a grading report the table percentage sits among the measurements, so you can check it against the recommended ranges rather than relying on the overall cut letter alone.
- The table is the large flat facet on top of a diamond.
- It is the main window for light entering and leaving the stone.
- Table percentage is its width relative to the diamond's width.
- Around 54 to 60 percent is typical for a well cut round brilliant.
- It is one of the proportions GIA uses in the cut grade.
Table, in short.
What is a good table percentage for a diamond?
For a round brilliant, roughly 54 to 60 percent is generally considered good, though the ideal depends on the crown angle. Check the table percentage against the cut grade on the report.
Does table size affect sparkle?
Yes. A larger table lets in more light but reduces fire, while a smaller table can boost fire at the cost of brilliance. The best cuts balance table size with crown angle.
Related terms
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