The table of a diamond is one of the facets that make up its crown and is widely regarded as the most important facet when evaluating the quality of the diamond's cut. This flat, topmost surface serves as the primary entry point for light, allowing it to enter the diamond before reflecting and refracting throughout its interior.
The table also plays a crucial role in releasing the diamond’s fire and sparkle, which are key attributes of its visual appeal. Although the table is typically the largest facet on a diamond, its proportion relative to the overall size of the stone varies depending on the specific shape or cutting style. For instance, in a round brilliant cut diamond, the ideal table size is approximately 56% of the girdle's diameter; whereas, in a mirror cut, this percentage can increase dramatically to as much as 90%.
The size of the table significantly influences the diamond's optical performance. A smaller table enhances the diamond's fire, producing more colorful light dispersion but at the expense of brilliance, or the overall white light reflected. Conversely, a larger table increases brilliance while reducing fire, making the diamond appear brighter yet less colorful. Striking the right balance between fire and brilliance is essential, and expert cutters aim to find the optimal table proportion that maximizes both features. Additionally, the table is often shaped to complement the diamond’s overall design, commonly appearing in forms such as round or oblong, depending on the cut style. This delicate balance between size, proportion, and shape highlights the importance of the table in defining a diamond’s beauty and value.
