Table size question

[meffaman]

I have a question on table size. When looking at diamonds within "acceptable" ranges throughout the diamond, does it make sense to choose the one with the largest table size? Assuming diamonds of the same weight.

My thought was the one with the larger table would face up better, giving the largest appearance? Looking at all of the stones on line is starting to make my head spin!

 

[pqcollectibles]

I have a well matched pair of diamond studs. The diamonds are within hundreths of a carat in weight. Diameters are very similar. One has a slightly larger table than the other. When I first looked at them up close, the one with the larger table seemed bigger. It's like the larger table size tricked my eyes. When I see them on my ears, both diamonds look the same size.

"Looking at all of the stones on line is starting to make my head spin!"

We've all been there, Meffaman!

 

[pricescope]

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My thought was the one with the larger table would face up better, giving the largest appearance?
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This is very logical. You'll get better spread (diameter) with larger table size assuming all other proportions are the same.

 

[oldminer]

One needs to consider the effect of a small versus larger table. In an otherwise properly cut diamond a small table gives room for larger crown facets and more room for dispersion. In a larger table diamond of very similar cut, there is more direct table reflection which might equate to more brilliancy and a bit less dispersion.

It has become apparent to me that maximum brilliancy is not the answer to the very best diamonds, just like maximum dispersion is not the best, either. You can go too far in either direction so the answer for what is best remains somewhat subjective but not at the extreme ends of the possible range of measured values.

For example, if you take a photo of a diamond and view it with a photo shop program and increase brightness beyond a certain level the diamond becomes washed out although brighter. If you decrease contrast to a certain point the diamond also washes out sort of like loosing scintillation.
It takes a proper mix of both to provide what the eye find beautiful. Now, that is a simplistic example, but one many people here might comprehend and appreciate. I think it is technically correct as an example however and in a way gives you an idea of what the definition of beauty in a diamond might encompass.

A larger table size does make a diamond look larger than a small table size generally because of more center brilliancy. It is like looking at a bright light bulb and having a glare ring around it making it look larger than a same sized, but dimmer bulb with little or no glare ring around it. The dimmer bulb would appear smaller while measuring the same diameter.

 

[hoorray]

So...if you had a choice between to very similarly cut diamonds, but one has a table of 55% and one 57%, which would you choose? Is it personal preference, or is there enough difference there that on will look bigger and/or brighter?

 

[oldminer]

It is a matter of personal choice for the most part. There are so many variables that rarely could anyone make a valid or factual blanket statement about which one would be "better". If there was a beauty contest held with diamonds I am sure there would be varying opinions about which were the very best. We coudlreadily discern the poorer ones, but how would we ever agree on the finest one? Right now we have a lot of facts, but not enough information to make such an arbitrary decision.

 

[fire&ice]

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On 1/24/2004 10:44:33 AM oldminer wrote:

? Right now we have a lot of facts, but not enough information to make such an arbitrary decision.----------------

But, wouldn't the decision basically be arbitrary as beauty lies with the beholder?

Stupid question, since larger tabled stones are for the most part more brilliant, would that translate at all the the color face up nature? In other words, in a well cut stone, would the larger tabled stone trick the eye into thinking it's whiter?

 

[Mara]

Larger table can mean more spread, but does not always mean better in terms of diamond cut and beauty.




You will have to balance out that larger table and most likely shallower crown with a slightly steeper pavilion and shallower depth in order to get that great balance.




So unfortunately it's not quite as easy as just finding a large tabled stone. The other numbers come into play as well, and I find that stones with the larger tables are the ones you need to see in person to really know if you like them. They look different than an 'ideal' parameter type stone...so you may not be happy with their extraordinary white light return and slight lack of fire.




If you are seeking online stones, the *safest* bet is always the 'ideal' or 'superideal' route IMO. But if you are shopping online and have the opportunity to consider other types of stones, your eyes AND the numbers of the stone will be a great way to find a beauty.




Good luck