Table Cut

Table Cut is an early style of diamond cutting that was used extensively in Georgian and earlier jewellery, particularly from the 17th through the 18th centuries. It is one of the historical diamond cuts that preceded the more developed brilliant-cut styles used today.

The defining feature of a table cut is its large, flat table facet on the top of the diamond. The stone is generally shaped with a relatively simple arrangement of facets beneath and around the table, giving it a broad, flat appearance compared with later diamond cuts.

Table cut diamonds were hand cut, so their shapes and proportions can vary considerably. Many have a square, rectangular or irregular outline, while some examples have more rounded or modified shapes. Their simple faceting produces a gentle, understated reflection of light rather than the strong brilliance associated with modern cuts.

Table cuts are particularly important when examining Georgian jewellery, where they can be found in rings, brooches, earrings and other jewels. They may also appear alongside rose cut and other early diamond cuts within the same piece.

As diamond-cutting techniques developed, table cuts gradually gave way to more sophisticated cuts with additional facets and improved light performance. Their surviving examples are valued today for their age, craftsmanship and historical character.

At Weldons, table cut diamonds are appreciated as an important part of the development of antique diamond cutting and are assessed in the context of each individual piece.