When a diamond crystal comes from the ground, the brilliance, fire, and scintillation that constitute the unique beauty of a polished diamond are still locked within it. The way in which a diamond cutter decides to the cut the diamond ultimately determines the diamonds beauty and brilliance.

The white table reflection appears larger as the pavilion depth percentage increases and smaller as pavilion depth percentage decreases.

38.0 = Girdle seen in table
39.0 = reflection broken up
40.0 = reflection broken up
41.0 = 1/8 size of table
42.0 = 1/4 size of table
43.0 = 1/3 size of table
44.0 = 1/2 size of table
45.0 = 5/8 size of table
46.0 = 2/3 size of table
47.0 = 7/8 size if table
49.0 = Dark table facets
50.0 = Dark star facets

Increasing the pavilion angle causes light to leak out the pavilion and makes the center of the stone noticeable darker. In diamonds with very deep pavilions, the darkness covers the entire table and extends out into the star facets, creating what many experts call a nail head. On the other hand, decreasing the pavilion angle by just two degrees often produces a fisheye with a gray girdle reflection visible through the table.

The pavilion depth percentage represents the actual height of a diamonds pavilion or the distance from the lowest point of the girdles edge to the point of culet.

Pavilion depth percentage is calculated by dividing crown height by the diamonds average girdle diameter.

The pavilion depth percentage is a very important element of a diamonds proportions and it is greatly responsible for the amount of brilliance that a diamond will display.

Diamonds which have ideal to very fine cut with proper pavilion angles provide the greatest brilliance. The facets on the bottom of a diamond are called pavilion facets. When you look at a round brilliant cut diamond face-up, the pavilion facets act as mirrors which reflect the image of the table, the large facet on the top of the diamond. This white table reflection seen within the center of the diamond provides the sparkle in the center of the diamond.

I n a very fine to Ideal cut diamond the diamond will exhibit a white table reflection that appears in the center of the table. This reflection should be 1/4 to 1/2 the size of the large table facet on top of the diamond

The AGS Ideal 0 Cut grade includes a narrow range of pavilion depth percentages from 42.2 degrees to 43.8 degrees.

Ideal to Very Fine Cut Diamonds have pavilion depth percentages between 41.7 Degrees and 44.8 Degrees. Diamonds within this range usually provide excellent brilliance. Diamonds that have depths outside these ranges usually cost less, but a degree of brilliance is lost. The diagram below illustrates how the white table reflection changes in size as the depth percentage changes.

Round Brilliant Cut Pavilion Depth Percentage:

Certified-Plus Diamonds Certified Gemologist -Appraisers carefully examine every diamond to ensure that crown height, crown angles, pavilion depth percentage and pavilion angles are within the ranges of ideal to very fine quality before it is shipped to you.

Certified-Plus Diamonds  gemological laboratory is accredited by the American Gem Society (AGS) and is equipped with a Sarin proportion analyzer, the same non contact optical measuring device used by GIA to measure diamond proportions. (See diagram right) Certified-Plus Diamonds does not ship a diamond until cut quality is confirmed to be very fine or ideal cut and all elements of cut are discussed with you.

Certified GIA diamond quality reports provide the total depth percentage but does not provide enough information on diamond cut to give you complete assurance that a diamond will have ideal or very fine cut quality.

GIA diamond quality reports do not provide crown height, crown angles, pavilion depth percentages and pavilion angles. Selecting a diamond without the assurance of these important elements of cut is not advisable.

Certified-Plus Diamonds is unmatched in quality assurance and lower diamond prices. Don’t take chances or waste time. Only Certified-Plus Diamonds gives you the complete story on diamond quality. Buy your diamond direct from knowledgeable experts you can trust. Certified-Plus Diamonds Certified Gemologist-Appraser will be happy to answer any questions you may have in regards to selecting a properly cut diamond. Call us at 1-800-766-7119.