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| The depth of a diamond is the distance between the table
and the culet. The depth percentage is calculated by dividing the
depth measurement by the full width of the diamond at the girdle.
A depth percentage that is too small (too shallow) or too large
(too deep) will result in light loss and reduced brilliance. In
combination with other factors, the depth percentage is a significant
component of a diamond's overall cut quality and value. |
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The table is the top and largest facet
of a diamond through which much of the light both enters and exits.
The table percentage is calculated by dividing the average width
of the table by the full width of the diamond at the girdle. A
table that is too large or too small will reduce the overall brilliance
of the diamond. In combination with other factors, the table percentage
is a significant component of a diamond's overall cut quality
and value.
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| The culet is the bottom most facet or point of a diamond.
The culet of some round diamonds may be so pointed that it is not
considered to be a facet at all. Unless the culet is abnormally
large, it generally has no impact on the value of a diamond. |
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Polish refers to the overall uniformity
of the polish of a diamond. Graded from poor to excellent, it
is the final finish applied to the facets and facet junctions
by the cutter. All else equal, well-polished diamonds are generally
more valuable.
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| Symmetry refers to the overall uniformity of the cut of
a diamond. Graded from poor to excellent, symmetry is based on the
diamond's proportions and the relation of one facet to another.
All else equal, a diamond with excellent symmetry is significantly
more valuable than a less symmetrical stones. Stones with poor symmetry
can actually appear off-centered. |
| The measurements of a diamond represent the dimensions
of the diamond expressed in millimeters in the following order:
maximum width, minimum width, and depth. These measurements are
important in matching stones for use in earrings and other jewelry
and for evaluating the shape of fancy shapes such as marquise cuts,
emerald cuts, oval brilliants, radiant cuts, etc. All other features
describing the cut of a diamond, with the exception of polish, are
based on the stone’s measurements. You can learn more about
diamonds at 4 C. |
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