Table (gemstone facet)

Table percentage

Table size is given as a percentage of the stone's diameter. In round brilliant diamonds, many well cut stones fall roughly between 53 and 60 percent, although grading labs accept a wider range. A larger table can make a stone look bigger and brighter face up, but it leaves less room for crown facets, which can reduce fire. A smaller table often gives more fire.

How the table looks

Through the table you see the reflections of the pavilion facets, which form the familiar pattern of a brilliant cut. In step cuts such as the emerald cut, the large table acts like a clear window, so clarity and colour show more easily.

Tables in renders

The table is the flattest and largest surface on a stone, so it reflects the environment most clearly. In a top view, a bright light directly behind the camera can create a white patch on the table that hides the facet pattern. Rotate the environment or tilt the camera slightly to move that reflection off centre.

Check that the table in the CAD is truly flat and that the stone's proportions match the real stone. Stones from CAD libraries are usually fine, but a custom cut needs custom proportions to render convincingly. For an important centre stone, the measurements on its grading report are the best reference.