Emerald Cut Diamond | Taylor & Hart (2024)

Emerald

Round Cushion Emerald Oval Princess Asscher Marquise Pear Heart Hexagon Radiant

The emerald cut is an elegant diamond shape and is sometimes referred to as a square emerald cut. While initially created for emeralds, it became a popular diamond cut back in the 14th century. Its long facets and large table are a window into its mesmerizing beauty. That’s likely why its popularity hasn’t decreased in over 700 years.

On this page

  • The basics
  • Why choose an emerald cut diamond?
  • Emerald Ratio
  • Expert Advice
  • Cut
  • Color
  • Clarity

On this page

  • The basics
  • Why choose an emerald cut diamond?
  • Emerald Ratio
  • Expert Advice
  • Cut
  • Color
  • Clarity

What is an emerald shape diamond?

The basics

An emerald cut diamond typically consists of 57 facets and boasts an elongated rectangular shape with cut-off corners–its appearance is commanding. Instead of the brilliance and sparkle you’re used to with round or cushion diamonds, you’ll see flashes of light in the emerald cut due to its linear, straight facets. This effect is known as the “Hall of Mirrors”.

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Why should I choose an emerald cut diamond?

The emerald diamond shape is striking–the flashes of light stand out against traditional brilliant cuts like a round or cushion shape.

This unique and commanding aesthetic is seen on the wedding fingers of celebrities around the globe–from Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez to Camilla, Queen Consort, this diamond shape caters to all styles.

The elongated shape of an emerald cut diamond is also incredibly flattering–it moves with the natural lines and curves of your finger.

Emerald diamonds offer a huge range of versatility in terms of engagement ring design.You could consider the soft curves of an organic-inspired design to balance its clean, geometric lines. Alternatively, stick to its linear structure and choose an Art Deco inspired design to maintain the structural look of an emerald cut. Traditional or entirely bespoke, an emerald cut diamond is a truly unique choice.

Emerald Cut Diamond | Taylor & Hart (12)

Emerald Cut Diamond | Taylor & Hart (13)

Emerald Cut Diamond | Taylor & Hart (14)

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.

Emerald Cut Diamond | Taylor & Hart (15)

Emerald Ratio Chart

The chart below serves as a general guideline for choosing the ratio of an emerald cut diamond–dependent on whether you want a more square or rectangular shape.

ExcellentVery GoodGoodFairPoor
Square1.00-1.031.00-1.031.04-1.051.06-1.08>1.08
Rectangle1.40-1.501.30-1.39
or
1.51-1.60
1.20-1.29
or
1.61-1.80
1.15-1.19
or
1.81-1.90
<1.15
or
>1.90

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.

David Macdonald, Diamond Buyer

Emerald Cut Guide

While emerald cut diamonds don’t have an official cut grade, the chart below serves as a general guideline for evaluating the cut of an emerald cut diamond.

ExcellentVery GoodGoodFairPoor
Table %61-6957-60
or
70-72
54-56
or
73-74
51-53
or
75-79
<51
or
>79
Depth %61-6759-60.9
or
67.1-70
57-58.9
or
70.1-74
54-56.9
or
74.1-79
<54
or
>79
GirdleVery Thin - Slightly ThickVery Thin - Slightly ThickVery Thin - ThickVery Thin - Very ThickEx. Thin - Ex. Thick

Emerald Color Guide

What color should I consider when choosing an emerald diamond?

Customers may prefer the warmer tones of color grades G-H to the icy cool tones of color grades D-F, especially when set in rose or yellow gold.Evaluating color in emerald cut diamonds is entirely dependent on the preference of its buyer or wearer.

However, due to the large, open facet structure of an emerald cut, any color present in the diamond will be more visible. The color chart below serves as a general guideline when it comes to choosing a color grade for emerald cut diamonds.

ExcellentVery GoodGood
<0.50ctD-GH-IJ
0.51-1.00ctD-FGH-I
1.00-2.00ctD-FD-FG
>2.00ctD-FD-FG

Emerald Clarity Guide

What clarity should I consider when choosing an emerald diamond?

When diamonds are formed deep in the earth, they develop clarity characteristics–slight irregularities visible under 10x magnification.Depending on the size, quantity, placement, tone or color of these clarity characteristics, they may or may not be visible to the naked eye. This is one of the reasons why a truly flawless diamond is so rare.

Due to the large, open facets of emerald cut diamonds, there’s no place for inclusions to hide. Because of this, we recommend considering clarity first when choosing an emerald cut diamond, before balancing up color and carat weight.

We recommend a VS1 clarity grade or higher to ensure an eye-clean appearance.

ExcellentVery GoodGood
<0.50ctFL-VS2SI1SI2
0.51-1.00ctFL-VS1VS2SI1
1.00-2.00ctFL-VVS2VS1-VS2SI1
>2.00ctFL-VVS2VS1VS2

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Emerald Cut Diamond | Taylor & Hart (2024)

FAQs

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.

Is emerald cut a good cut for a diamond? ›

The emerald cut may not have the razzle-dazzle of some of the other diamond shapes but what it lacks in sparkle, it makes up for in cool demeanour and vintage sophistication. It's also extremely good value compared to a round brilliant or princess cut.

Are emerald diamonds more expensive? ›

Like all fancy shaped diamonds, emerald cut diamonds are less expensive than round cut diamonds. An emerald cut diamond will cost around 15% to 25% less than a round cut diamond with similar qualities. Yet, because emerald cut diamonds are rare, they're slightly more expensive than some other fancy diamond shapes.

What table is best for emerald cut diamond? ›

Emerald Cut Diamond - Cut Guide
EXCELLENTVERY GOOD
Table %61 - 6957 - 60 or 70 - 72
Depth %61 - 6759 - 60.9 or 67.1 - 70
GirdleVery Thin - Slightly Thick
CuletNoneVery Small

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

Recommended proportions for AN EMERALD cut diamond
ExcellentGood
Depth %61-6754-56.9 or 74.1-79
GirdleVery Thin to Slighty ThickVery Thin to Very Thick
CutletNoneSmall
Length to widtch ratio1.4 to 1.51.2 to 1.29 or 1.61 to 1.8
2 more rows
Apr 28, 2024

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 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.

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.

Which cut of diamond has the most sparkle? ›

The round cut is the most brilliant or the most sparkling diamond cut. Fifty-eight facets (including the culet) are cut into brilliant round diamonds to allow light to pass through and reflect off each facet.

What is the most expensive diamond cut? ›

The most expensive diamond cut is the round brilliant

And it's not just because it's the most in-demand: The round brilliant has the most facets of any shape, which require more precision work, and cutters have to discard more of the rough diamond, so you essentially pay for a larger stone than you end up with.

Is emerald cut old fashioned? ›

Emerald cut diamonds are a timeless shape with a classic yet modern look. If you're looking for a cut that conveys confidence and timeless elegance, an Emerald is worth considering.

Is an emerald cut diamond high maintenance? ›

The thing about emerald cuts is that they don't have as many facets to hide dirt as most other cuts. However, I do not experience the same thing with my emerald as yours, mine is definitely not a “high maintenance stone”. I clean it maybe once or twice a week, but I don't think it's excessive.

What is another name for the emerald cut diamond? ›

Asscher” is the name for a square-shaped emerald cut diamond. Like emerald cuts, Asscher cut diamonds feature a series of horizontal facets that form a step pattern.

What is special about emerald cut diamond? ›

An emerald cut diamond typically consists of 57 facets and boasts an elongated rectangular shape with cut-off corners–its appearance is commanding. Instead of the brilliance and sparkle you're used to with round or cushion diamonds, you'll see flashes of light in the emerald cut due to its linear, straight facets.

How to pick the best emerald cut diamond? ›

To recap, here are my recommended guidelines for buying an emerald shape diamond:
  1. Depth: 60% to 65%
  2. Table: 61% to 68%
  3. Polish/Symmetry: Very Good or Excellent.
  4. Length to Width Ratio: Within a range of 1.30 to 1.50.

Is VS2 OK for emerald cut? ›

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.

What stones are best for emerald cut? ›

An emerald cut was intended to show brilliance, and that brilliance is not solely for emeralds anymore. This elegant timeless cut works well with beryls, including morganite, aquamarine, as well as tourmaline and topaz. And of course diamonds.

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.

Why don't emerald cut diamonds sparkle? ›

Even though this shape usually features 58 facets, emerald cut diamonds are less sparkly due to their step cuts. The emerald cut puts more emphasis on the clarity of the diamond than its sparkle. Get a diamond with excellent polish and excellent symmetry grades to maximize its sparkle.

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