Diamond Cut Chart by Depth and Table

The dimensions of a diamond's table and depth are crucial in determining both its value and overall appearance. Each diamond cut adheres to specific ideal ranges for these measurements, which vary depending on the diamond's shape.

This guide has been carefully curated to present the optimal depth and table ranges for a variety of diamond cuts, including Round, Princess, Cushion, Oval, Asscher, Radiant, Emerald, Pear, Marquise, and Heart shapes. Additionally, it offers useful tips to help you find a diamond that fits your budget.

This resource provides a concise breakdown of the ideal depth and table percentage ranges for each diamond cut. To visualize how these proportions impact a diamond’s appearance, we recommend using James Allen's 3D HD video technology for side-by-side comparisons.

When purchasing a diamond, it's natural to focus on its dimensions, color, and clarity—three of the four Cs: color, clarity, and carat. However, the fourth C, Cut, is equally important in determining a diamond's overall value.

When examining multiple diamonds side by side, a key feature often stands out—the flat, level surface at the top, known as the diamond's "table." Of the 58 facets on a round diamond, the table is the largest and positioned at the top. Its role is crucial, as it allows light to enter the diamond, refracting and reflecting through the other facets on its sides and crown. This intricate interaction of light is what creates a diamond's signature brilliance and sparkle.

Because the table is the diamond’s largest facet, its size significantly shapes the diamond's overall appearance and brilliance. A well-proportioned table is essential to achieving an ideal cut and enhancing the diamond’s beauty.

When evaluating multiple diamonds side by side, a distinct feature often stands out—a flat surface reminiscent of a tabletop. This facet, known as the diamond's "table," is the largest of the 58 facets on a round diamond, positioned at the very top. The table plays a critical role in allowing light to penetrate the diamond, refracting and reflecting through the other facets to create the brilliance that diamonds are known for.

However, it's important to note that a larger table doesn’t necessarily mean a more brilliant diamond. The table’s size is not measured in physical dimensions but as a percentage of the diamond’s total width. This table percentage is a key factor in determining a diamond's quality. Like other aspects of diamond grading, the table quality is rated on a scale from "excellent" to "poor." To truly appreciate a diamond’s brilliance, it’s essential to understand its table percentage.

With this context, let’s explore the ideal table percentages for various diamond cuts:

Ideal Table Percentages by Diamond Cut

• Round Cut Diamond: For an excellent cut, aim for a table size between 54% and 60% of the diamond's width. A very good cut falls within the 52%-53% or 58%-60% range.
• Princess Cut Diamond: An excellent cut corresponds to a table size between 67% and 72%. A very good cut spans 56%-66% or 73%-75%.
• Emerald Cut Diamond: The ideal table for an excellent cut is between 61% and 69%. A very good cut ranges from 57%-60% or 70%-72%.
• Marquise Cut Diamond: For an excellent cut, seek a table size of 53% to 63%. A very good cut can range from 52% or 64%-65%.
• Cushion Cut Diamond: Aim for an excellent cut with a table size of 61% to 67.9%, or a very good cut with a table range of 58%-60% or 68%-70%.
• Oval Cut Diamond: The ideal table size for an excellent cut is between 53% and 63%. For a very good cut, look for a table between 52% or 64%-65%.
• Asscher Cut Diamond: An excellent cut corresponds to a table between 60% and 68%. A very good cut lies within the 70%-72% range.
• Radiant Cut Diamond: For an excellent cut, the table should be between 61% and 69%. A very good cut will have a table between 57%-60% or 70%-72%.
• Pear Cut Diamond: The ideal table for an excellent cut ranges from 53% to 63%. A very good cut falls within the 64%-65% range.
• Heart Cut Diamond: For excellent quality, the table should be between 53% and 63%, while a very good cut will have a table size of 52% or 64%-65%.

Importance of Staying Within Ideal Table Ranges

Deviating from these ideal ranges can negatively impact the diamond’s appearance. A table that is too large can lead to reduced light dispersion, diminishing the diamond’s fire and brilliance, even if the stone itself is attractive. Therefore, understanding and adhering to the recommended table percentages is essential for selecting a diamond that truly shines.

When evaluating diamonds of exceptional quality, proportion becomes a critical factor, and the depth of a diamond is one of the most significant determinants of its brilliance and optical balance. Depth refers to the measurement from the diamond's table—the flat top facet—to its culet at the base, essentially representing the diamond's top-to-bottom height. The depth percentage is calculated by dividing the total height of the diamond by its width, with the result expressed as a percentage. This depth percentage, often supplemented by the depth measurement in millimeters on grading reports, has a major impact on the diamond's overall appearance.

Like the table, the depth of a diamond plays a crucial role in its visual appeal. A shallow diamond, characterized by a low depth percentage, allows light to pass through the gemstone without sufficient refraction, resulting in diminished brilliance and reduced fire—those flashes of color that make diamonds sparkle. On the other hand, a diamond with excessive depth faces similar drawbacks. When the depth is too great, the diamond's brilliance is compromised due to poor light return. Additionally, overly deep diamonds can appear smaller than their actual carat weight, with much of the stone's mass hidden in its depth, giving it a narrower and thinner appearance compared to diamonds with better-proportioned depth.

Balancing the depth is, therefore, crucial to ensuring a diamond maximizes its sparkle and presence.

Just as with a diamond's table, the ideal depth varies depending on the specific cut. Each diamond cut has its own optimal depth range, which is graded from "excellent" to "poor." Choosing the correct depth is essential for maximizing the diamond’s brilliance and overall appearance. Let’s explore the ideal depth ranges for various diamond cuts:

Ideal Depth Ranges by Diamond Cut:

• Round Diamond: The excellent depth range is 59% to 62%. A very good depth can also be found in ranges like 58% to 58.9% or 63.4% to 63.5%.
• Princess Cut Diamond: For an excellent cut, aim for a depth range of 64% to 74%. Depths outside this range may compromise the diamond’s brilliance.
• Emerald Cut Diamond: The ideal depth for an excellent cut is between 61% and 67%. For a very good cut, you can also consider ranges like 59% to 60.9% or 67.1% to 70%.
• Marquise Cut Diamond: Seek a depth range of 58% to 62% for an excellent cut. A very good depth ranges from 56% to 57.9% or 62.1% to 66%.
• Cushion Cut Diamond: An excellent cut cushion diamond has a depth range of 61% to 67%. Very good cuts range from 58% to 60.9% or 67.1% to 70%.
• Oval Cut Diamond: For an oval cut, the excellent depth range is 58% to 62%, while a very good depth ranges from 56% to 57.9% or 62.1% to 66%.
• Asscher Cut Diamond: The excellent depth range is 61% to 67%, and the very good depth range is between 59% to 60.9% or 67.1% to 70%.
• Radiant Cut Diamond: Look for an excellent depth range of 61% to 67%. A very good depth falls between 59% to 60.9% or 67.1% to 70%.
• Pear Cut Diamond: The excellent depth range for a pear cut is 58% to 62%. Alternatively, very good cuts range between 56% to 57.9% or 62.1% to 66%.
• Heart Shape Diamond: The ideal depth for an excellent cut is 58% to 62%, with a very good cut ranging from 56% to 57.9% or 62.1% to 66%.

Why Depth Matters

A diamond with a shallow depth will fail to reflect light effectively, reducing its brilliance. Conversely, a diamond with excessive depth may appear too thin and compromise its sparkle, as the light becomes trapped within the diamond rather than reflected outward. Ensuring the depth falls within the ideal range is key to maximizing both beauty and value.

The importance of depth and table in a diamond cannot be overstated, as they significantly influence its appearance, brilliance, fire, and overall value. As you embark on your journey to acquire diamond jewelry, always remember that depth and table are fundamental attributes.

To make an informed choice when purchasing a diamond, use the recommended depth and table percentages as essential guidelines to distinguish well-cut diamonds from those of lower quality. Following these recommendations ensures you avoid subpar stones. However, while depth and table are undeniably crucial, they are just part of the bigger picture in diamond grading and market value. It is essential to also focus on the other three Cs—color, clarity, and carat—which play a pivotal role in the decision-making process when shopping for diamonds.