Diamond Total Depth

The depth percentage is the depth of a diamond (from table to culet) divided by the width of the diamond. This number is a decisive element of a diamond’s proportion. The best depth percentage ranges between 59% and 63%. If a diamond with such depth percentage has a fine cut, it is considered to show the greatest brilliance. The higher the depth percentage, the deeper the stone looks. However, when depth percentage exceeds 65% the center of the diamond darkens. The price, in this case, is reduced.

The depth percentage is a combination of many significant factors that the gemstone has. Such elements as crown height, pavilion depth percentage, pavilion angle and girdle thickness should be properly proportioned to manufacture the perfect diamond.

It is possible for two diamonds to have the identical depth percentage and to be proportioned differently. For example a diamond may have too deep bottom (deep pavilion percentage combined with steep pavilion angles) or have a very low top (low crown height combined with shallow crown angles). Such gemstones produce less brilliance and reflect the light improperly. To understand it better, compare such diamonds with two men, who have the same tall but the proportions of their bodies are different.