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Table % Question

skylarr

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2018
Messages
15
I was just wondering if there are any visual differences between a 54% and a 57% table if all the other variables such as depth, crown, pavilion, cut are the same.
I have read through the forum and found that most people prefer a smaller table like 55% which is supposed to give more fire, but if the ideal range for table is 54-57, will the 57 have less fire/brilliance than the 54?
Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question

Thanks!
 
Not a dumb question. As the table size grows, the upper facets shrink. Rainbow light is reflected in the upper facets. So in effect a smaller table will have bigger upper facets that will allow more rainbow light (fire) to be seen. As those upper facets shrink (in a larger table) the white light return increases and fire decreases.

You are correct in the fact that as one attribute increases, another must decrease. Generally speaking the 54-57 range is a pleasing balance of fire & brilliance (white light return). The trick is finding balance, as with all things in life. Staying in this range allows you to favor a smaller or larger table without negatively affecting the overall beauty of the stone. As you start to go to extremes, you lose that overall balance.
 
Here are a few illustrations -

I was just wondering if there are any visual differences between a 54% and a 57% table if all the other variables such as depth, crown, pavilion, cut are the same.
The key to your question is 'all other variables equal.' We can think of the diamond's crown as being similar to a mountain, with the table facet as a plateau. As @sledge mentioned - if everything else is equal - larger plateau = shorter mountain ... smaller plateau = higher mountain.

This is reflected in the overall crown-height.
ps-table-ca-ch-1.jpg

As you likely know, everything changes when you begin changing crown-angle (slope of the mountain). In fact the overall crown-heights from above can essentially be reversed with changes in crown-angle.
ps-table-ca-ch-2.jpg

Depending on crown-angle, three diamonds with the same table % can have notably different crown heights.
ps-table-ca-ch-3.jpg

All of these things have visual implications, not to mention the fact that (in all the above) there are only 9 facets discussed. Details of all 57 - or 58 - facets contribute to overall performance integrity and character.
 
It is complex because diamond changes on the physical level are relational in their effects on the optics of the diamond.
A small change by itself may have little effect, but it changes a relationship in a way that has a much larger effect.
Diamond design/performance is full of steep sloops where for small changes nothing even perceivable happens but just a small bit further and a lot of things change quickly that are eye perceivable.
 
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