The table of the diamond is one
of the facets that make up the crown and is the most important facet to be
considered when evaluating the cut of the diamond. It is the main point at
which light enters the diamond before going on to reflect and refract all
around it. It is also the facet that lets out the most fire and sparkle. Though
the table is usually the largest facet of any diamond, the proportion of its
size varies, depending on the particular shape or style in which the diamond
has been cut. In a Round Brilliant cut diamond, the ideal percentage of the
table’s size in relation to the width of the girdle is 56% while in the Mirror
cut, this percentage can soar dramatically, up to 90%. The size of the table
determines, to a large extent, the overall brilliance of the diamond: a smaller
table area will result in increased fire but reduced brilliance while a bigger
one will increase brilliance and reduce fire. The usual practice is to find the
optimum proportion that maximizes both features. In most cuts, the table is cut
in such shapes as round and oblong.