A Complete Guide to Emerald-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings (2024)

Emerald-cut diamond rings are timelessly beautiful. Though this diamond shape originated from the earliest cut of gemstones, the table cut, in the 1500s, it’s still widely popular and regarded as a modern style. Emerald-cut diamond engagement rings became especially chic in the 1920s and 1930s with the rise of Art Deco, a French-inspired style movement with geometric allure.

Compared to round and other brilliant-cut stones, emerald-cut diamonds have a more subdued sparkle. But look closer and you’ll see a “hall of mirrors” effect created by this shape’s step cut, a symmetrical faceting pattern that resembles a staircase. Because this shape has fewer but wider facets, clarity and color stand out more. This means inclusions, or small imperfections, are more visible in emerald-cut diamonds.

Nonetheless, emerald-cut diamond engagement rings are an exquisite choice because of their sleek look. Their elongated shape makes them appear bigger than other diamond shapes, which also has a slenderizing effect on the finger. (For those who prefer a square shape, an Asscher cut is a type of emerald cut sometimes thought of as a “square emerald.”)

Those drawn to the cut tend to have a sophisticated taste—they prefer a subtle, understated look over more eye-catching flair. In this way, emerald-cut diamond engagement rings project a poised and self-assured confidence.

A Complete Guide to Emerald-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings (2024)

FAQs

Is emerald hard enough for an engagement ring? ›

The recommended hardness for a gemstone you intend to wear daily is around 7.5 and upwards, meaning an emerald is most certainly durable enough for an engagement ring.

What is the most important C for an emerald cut diamond? ›

For this reason, clarity is one of the most important gradings to consider for an emerald cut diamond. Step cut stones are generally not as bright and never as fiery as brilliant cut stones.

What is the best color for an emerald cut diamond? ›

CutExcellent to Very Good
ColourD – F
ClarityVS2 or higher
Carat weightThe dimensions are more important than the weight
SymmetryExcellent to Very Good
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What is the ideal size for an emerald cut diamond? ›

Most emerald cut diamonds have length to width ratios ranging from 1.30 to 1.50. A ratio of 1.40 is considered “ideal”. However, ratios are dependent on personal preference. A lower ratio should be chosen for a more square shape, while for an elongated, more rectangular shape, a higher ratio is best.

Why can't you wear emeralds every day? ›

When considering buying an Emerald It is important to be aware that they are brittle gemstones. This means they are softer than sapphires, rubies and diamonds and are more prone to scratching and chipping over time. Don't panic, they are perfectly fine to wear everyday, they just require more care when being worn!

Why not get emerald engagement ring? ›

Are There Any Downsides to an Emerald Engagement Ring? Due to their naturally occurring inclusions which is what makes them brittle and prone to possibly chipping or cracking, most emeralds are treated with an oil-filler for clarity, which means that they can never go into a jewelry cleaning machine of any type.

What does an emerald cut diamond say about a woman? ›

Sophistication and Timeless Elegance:

Women who choose an emerald cut diamond are often seen as having a refined taste and a sense of classic style. The emerald cut is also associated with a sense of calm and tranquility, making it the perfect choice for women who value inner peace and balance in their lives.

What should I prioritize in an emerald cut diamond? ›

“You should prioritize clarity for your Emerald diamond. Their larger facets won't hide inclusions as easily as smaller facets do. VS1 is a good safety zone for most Emerald diamonds.

Is VS2 OK for emerald cut? ›

A Very Good cut grade is the best cut grade possible for an emerald cut diamond, giving you a beautiful center stone for your engagement ring. A VS2 clarity grade is a great choice for an emerald cut diamond since emerald cut diamonds reveal flaws more easily than other diamond shapes.

Why do celebrities like emerald cut diamonds? ›

It's a popular cut for celebrity rings and for people who want their ring to showcase their refined taste, as the cut exudes status and elegance. The long, step cut look gorgeous on the finger and don't have the dramatic sparkle that other cuts do. This is why many celebrities are drawn to the elegant cut.

What does an emerald cut diamond symbolize? ›

If you're curious about what wearing an emerald cut diamond will say about you, you can be confident it will signify great taste. This cut is bold, yet sophisticated, fashionable, yet classic. And, like its sparkle, its wearer is subtle yet striking. You can also rest easy knowing you'll be in good company.

What is the second most popular cut for engagement ring? ›

The square-shaped princess cut diamond comes second in popularity. Although square-shaped diamonds have roots going back centuries, the princess cut itself is a relative newcomer to the engagement ring market. However, the exact number of facets and their arrangement are not standardized.

How much is a 100 carat emerald cut diamond worth? ›

NEW YORK - A "perfect" 100-carat diamond in a classic emerald cut sold for just over $22 million at auction on Tuesday. The internally flawless D color stone is the only classic emerald-cut white diamond of the highest color and clarity and over 100 carats to come to auction, according to Sotheby's.

What cut makes a diamond look biggest? ›

The marquise diamond shape has the largest appearance of any shape. It has a similar elongated look as the oval and pear shapes, but both ends form tapered points. The marquise shape will always look the largest because those tapered points create the largest surface area of all the shapes.

What is the actual size of a 1 carat emerald cut diamond? ›

A 1 carat Emerald cut diamond measures around 7 by 5 mm, while the size range of a 1.5 carat Emerald cut diamond goes from 8.20 by 5.65mm to 8.40 by 5.85 mm.

Can you use an emerald as an engagement ring? ›

Traditionally, we know emeralds as the May birthstone and the gift for 55th wedding anniversaries. However, in recent years, more brides-to-be are choosing vibrantly colored stones for their engagement rings — and emeralds are one of their top choices.

Are emeralds hard enough for daily wear? ›

Can you wear an emerald ring everyday? Sure. Because Emeralds are a 7.5-8 on the hardness scale, they are durable enough for everyday wear. Like all fine jewelry (yes, even diamonds), you should remove your rings before doing anything strenuous.

Is an emerald cut engagement ring a good idea? ›

Emerald cuts are popular with people who have long, thin fingers because they emphasize that trait. It elongates their appearance in a manner that princess cuts do not. However, some buyers deliberately avoid emerald cut engagement rings since they do not consider this trait to be complementary to them.

How hard should a gem be for engagement ring? ›

For most engagement rings, it is best to choose a gemstone with a Mohs rating of 7 or above. Gemstones that fall into these ratings can generally withstand the stresses of everyday wear.

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