The table cut diamond is the oldest diamond cut in history. By placing a rough diamond against a turning wheel that held another diamond, the point could be worn down, creating a square, flat surface that resembled a tabletop.

Today, we still call the top flat facet of a diamond the table facet.

In contrast, modern brilliant cut diamonds have a closed culet, a smaller crown and larger table, as shown to the right.

For more information, check out the following diamond jewelry firms for their selection of antique diamond jewelry and vintage diamond rings: