Diamond Depth | Table Education

The depth percent refers to the percentage depth of the Diamond, measured from the table to the culet, relative to the width of the stone. The table percent is the width of the largest facet on the top of the diamond to the diamond's total width. These two critical ratios determine how well a loose diamond has been cut.

The size of the table makes a big difference on the amount of brilliance and fire from a diamond. Brilliance, or sparkle of the stone, is determined by how much light is reflected back; the fire is created during the flight reflection. If the table is too small, the diamond will loose its brilliance, but add more fire. If the table is too large, the diamond will lose its fire, but add more brilliance.

The depth of a diamond determines the amount of light that is reflected back. With a shallow depth, the light will pass through the diamond through the bottom, and the diamond appears glassy and watery. With a deep depth, the light will also leak through its side, and the center of the diamond will appear to be dark. Depth can also give the illusion of a bigger or smaller stone.

Diamonds with table depth ratios within these ranges have a great balance between brilliance and fire, but also can be more expensive than other diamonds.