An emerald cut is a type of diamond or gemstone shape made to emphasize long parallel step cuts along with clipped corners to fashion a sort of octagon-like shape.
Although most emerald cuts are rectangular; square variations exist, and these are called square emerald cuts. The typical emerald cut will have rows of elongated facets on the pavilion and crown, running parallel to the gem’s girdle, with sets at the corners and on each of the stone’s four sides. While the number of steps or rows may vary, the standard number is three on the pavilion and three on the crown.
Seldom used for diamonds in the low or intermediate color grades, the emerald cut tends to emphasize color, making it an excellent choice for colorless stones. It is also a fine option in instances where it is desirable to emphasize the color of fancy stones.
Emerald cut stones usually flaunt elongated, rectangular shapes with chiseled step cuts and straight linear facets, typically arranged in parallel fashion down the stone. To prevent fractures and add stability, the corners of the stone are usually cropped. Emerald cut diamonds have a large surface table and deep clarity. Through their long step cuts, emerald cut diamonds offer abundant reflections both of colored and white light.
Do Emerald Cut Diamonds Look Bigger?
A popular option for larger gemstones with higher price points, an emerald cut diamond will typically appear larger than other shaped diamonds of the same quality in similar carat weights.
Emerald cuts fit quite well in a variety of different styles but are generally preferred with understated settings. Emerald cuts work very well with simple pave and solitaire settings, and are an ideal choice for three-stone settings.
Are Emerald Cut Diamonds More Expensive?
An emerald cut diamond ring will usually be cheaper than an engagement ring with a round diamond and most other shapes. This is due to the lower demand for emerald cut diamond engagement rings and higher yield on cutting.
How the Cut Affects Color
Similar to clarity, diamond color is another key attribute that is more pronounced in an emerald cut. Its step cuts and large table retain more color than most other common diamond shapes, allowing the eye to see much more of the natural color of the gemstone.
When you assess an emerald cut diamond of a J color grade or higher, you will easily be able to notice a slightly yellow tint. Since the naked eye is unable to spot any tint at an I color grade or lower, it’s generally best to select a stone in this range to maximize beauty and value.
When choosing a diamond for an emerald cut, it’s also important to make sure your stone looks white in relation to the ring setting. For instance, a well-cut emerald diamond bursts with radiant, white color in a white gold pave setting. Whatever the case. it’s best to review the diamond’s color and the ring setting before making a purchase.
Pros and Cons of Emerald Cut Diamonds
As with every kind of gemstone shape, emerald cuts have their advantages and disadvantages, including:
Pros
- They have a lower price per carat compared to most shapes.
- They provide an elegant, understated appearance.
- They are relatively easy to find.
Cons
- They aren’t as brilliant as some other diamond shapes.
- They require a higher clarity grade, since their glassy nature can make inclusions appear more noticeable.
When it comes to assessing the pros and cons of a diamond cut, it all comes down to individual preferences. What might seem like a drawback to some can seem like an advantage to someone else. This is why it's important to talk to an expert to get sound guidance that will help you decide whether a specific cut is right for your situation.
Everyone’s diamond search is unique. At John Atencio, our experienced experts can help you find the perfect diamond cut and style. Paired with a lovely John Atencio setting, our beautiful diamonds result in a breathtaking artistic expression of beauty and luxury unlike anything else. Explore our diamond search or schedule an appointment at one of our many locations, where our expert team will provide a personalized approach to help you find the best diamond option for your jewelry.
FAQs
When compared to brilliant cuts, it has less brightness and is a more elegant shape. If the brilliance of your diamond is the most important factor to you, an emerald cut engagement ring is something you might want to pass over in favor of a round, princess, or radiant cut.
What is the disadvantage of emerald cut? ›
When compared to brilliant cuts, it has less brightness and is a more elegant shape. If the brilliance of your diamond is the most important factor to you, an emerald cut engagement ring is something you might want to pass over in favor of a round, princess, or radiant cut.
Is emerald cut a good cut? ›
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.
What are the benefits of emerald cut diamonds? ›
What are the benefits of emerald-cut diamonds?
- Emerald cuts can make the stone look larger due to the greater surface area. ...
- Emerald-cut diamonds can make your fingers look longer. ...
- Emerald-cut diamond rings are quite rare.
The only downside is that they show dirt quickly so if you want a super shiny ring you have to clean it a little more carefully.
What is the negative effect of emerald? ›
Excessive exposure to emeralds may lead to overstimulation and hyperactivity in some individuals. Additionally, there is a caution against relying too heavily on gemstones for emotional well-being, as it may disrupt one's natural emotional equilibrium.
What does emerald cut say about you? ›
The emerald cut is elegant and sophisticated with its long rectangular facets reflecting like a hall of mirrors. If you love emerald cuts, you don't follow trends, you set them. You know who you are and where you're going. Your sense of organization and attention to detail is legendary.
Why do celebrities like emerald cut? ›
Elegance, Sophistication, and Class
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. They can get a large diamond without it appearing too flashy.
Why don't emerald cut diamonds sparkle? ›
Emerald cut diamonds do have a cut style that can result in less sparkle, brilliance, and fire. In contrast to round and princess cuts, which have multiple facets that help refract light and create a sparkling effect, emerald cut diamonds have fewer, long, and narrow facets.
Do emerald cuts look bigger? ›
Yes, emerald shaped diamonds tend to look a bit larger than other shapes due to their long length and nice spread. Unless Princess cuts and cushions, which carry their weight in their depth, emerald cuts carry their weight in their diameters.
In general emerald cut diamond rings and other jewellery can be more expensive than other shapes because of their high clarity and excellent light refraction, as well as the amount of time it takes a master gem cutter to produce them.
What diamond color is best for emerald cut? ›
For the best quality and value of a stone, it's best to stay at or above a G color for an emerald cut.
How to keep an emerald cut clean? ›
How to care for your emerald-cut diamond? We advise cleaning emerald-cut diamonds with soap and water, using a soft toothbrush to gently wipe away any dirt or smudges.
What is the most popular emerald cut size? ›
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.
Is radiant or emerald cut better? ›
The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and style. If you prefer a classic, elegant look with clean lines, an emerald cut diamond may be the right choice for you. If you prefer a modern, sparkly look with a unique shape, a radiant cut diamond may be the way to go.
How to make an emerald cut more sparkly? ›
The Sparkling Emerald-Cut Pavilion: Step-By-Step
- Begin by shaping the outline at 90º.
- Create a girdle by cutting a row of facets around the stone at 65º.
- Set your angle for the pavilion mains (42º or 43º). ...
- Finish the mains by raising the angle ½ a degree and cut two facets in the center at I 96 & 48.
Beyoncé, Paris Hilton, Grace Kelly, Amal Clooney, and Anne Hathaway are only some celebrities who adore their emerald cut engagement rings. Beyoncé's stunning ring is said to be a 24-carat, flawless diamond worth millions of dollars. Paris Hilton's ring features a 20-carat emerald cut diamond.
Do emerald cuts hide color? ›
Similar to the discussion on clarity, color is going to be more visible in an emerald cut. The large table and step cuts display more color than other fancy shapes. So, color will be more easily noticeable to the naked eye. An emerald cut diamond of color grade I or lower will very clearly show a yellowish tint.
What are some facts about emerald cuts? ›
Emerald cuts have long, lean facets which produce mesmerizing flashes of light. A clarity grade of VS2 (very-slightly included) and higher will ensure a completely eye clean appearance.
