What Is a Tablecut Diamond?
The table cut diamond receives its name from the flat top of the stone. Table cut diamonds are also referred to as step-cut diamonds. The diamond has four sides and each side a simple facet. Diamonds are believed to have originally come from India, where they were gathered instead of mined. The diamonds were found along the alluvial--mineral deposits in streams and river beds. In later centuries, South Africa and Australia began diamond mining operations.
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History
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Originally, diamonds were not cut; they were used in their natural octahedral shapes. Diamonds of other shapes were not used in jewelry settings. The next step was to polish the diamonds to increase the stone's luster. Diamond cutting developd initially to get the desired octahedral shape from what was otherwise a rough shape. The first cut diamond was the point shape. The appearance of the table cut in the 15th century led to an improved shape. Cutters removed roughly half the octahedral shape to create what came to be known as the table cut.
The Table Cut
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After the table cut diamond made its appearance, the shape was further developed by cutting off a piece at the bottom. The cutlet as it was called was a small piece cut off from the base of the diamond. This was done to give the stone stability in its setting. Then came creation of four more facets to the table cut diamonds, by cutting off the corners of the stone. The improvements made to shape the table cut diamond did not enhance the fire or brilliance of the stone. The re-shaping did exemplify the luster that the people of that time sought.
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Table Sizes
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Table sizes are measured as a percentage of the diameter of the diamond stone. The best sizes for table cut diamonds are table sizes in the range of 55 percent to 60 percent. In larger stones of over half carat, the table sizes are considered more important. In large tables, the scintillation---flash and sparkle of light, is less. Table size variations are not as critical as, what in diamond terminology are called the crown and pavilion angles. A diamond cutter would generally cut larger tables to conserve the weight of the stone.
Diamond Selection
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Diamonds are purchased based on various factors including the four 'Cs of cut, color, clarity and carat. Table cut diamonds with table sizes over 60 percent are generally more affordable. These stones have less crown height and a larger diameter. The principle, quite simply, is a larger stone for less money. Beautifully cut diamonds display brilliance and fire. A larger amount of light is reflected back out of the stone. The most desirable diamonds are the ones without color. Flawless clarity diamonds are very rare and very expensive. Carat is the weight of the diamond and often dictates the price, but the other 'Cs are important in the selection of diamonds.
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