The Guide to Emerald Cut Diamonds (2024)

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. The naked eye is not as likely to notice a tint at color grade G or better. For the best quality and value of a stone, it’s best to stay at or above a G color for an emerald cut.

A final note about color is to consider the metal for your setting. If you are choosing a more cool tone of platinum or white gold, a G color grade or better will radiate with white color. If you’re going with a yellow or rose gold, the warm tones will complement slightly lower color grades like H or I nicely.

Clarity

With the cutting style of an emerald cut, the table – the top surface area – becomes a clear, unobstructed view into the center of the stone. Any inclusions in this middle area will be clearly visible. And since step cut diamonds are not as bright and fiery as brilliant cut stones, there’s nothing about the faceting style that can mask the blemishes within the stone.

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. The cut is meant to show clear, straight expanses of white light return, that means there’s no scattering of light to hide inclusions.

Considering that you can so clearly see inclusions in emerald cuts, a VS1 clarity or higher is the typical recommendation for a quality stone. However, It’s always important to view any diamond in person to make sure it looks clean to the naked eye. But if there are inclusions, it’s best that they not be in the center of the stone. Staying away from the table will provide the most coverage from viewing them.

Below see a VS2 clarity diamond, which would normally look eye-clean in a round brilliant cut, but in this emerald cut one can easily spot the black inclusions. Compare to the below VVS2 clarity diamond, which is a safer choice for emerald cuts. Some VS1 clarity diamonds can look eye clean as well, but this is not always the case.

The Guide to Emerald Cut Diamonds (2024)

FAQs

How to pick the perfect 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.

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 is the most important C in 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 table and depth for emerald cut diamonds? ›

Compared with brilliant cut diamonds, the emerald cut looks better with a large table – it opens up the stone and helps to create the famous “hall of mirrors” effect. Because of this, look for a diamond with a table percentage of 60-65%. The depth percentage should be similar – we recommend 58-65%.

How do you calculate the ratio of an emerald cut diamond? ›

Length to Width Ratio for Emerald Cut Diamonds

This ratio, which is simply the length divided by the width, determines how skinny or wide the diamond is. The larger the length to width ratio, the more rectangular the diamond. The smaller the length to width ratio, the more square the stone.

What should I prioritize in an emerald cut diamond? ›

Clarity. “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.

How many prongs for emerald cut? ›

The 4 prong setting is the best type of setting for emerald cut engagement rings. This type of setting will securely hold the diamond or gemstone, and it will also allow the maximum amount of light to enter and reflect off the stone.

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.

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 you? ›

The Emerald Cut diamond is an elongated favorite among individuals who appreciate clean lines, sophistication, and understated elegance. They often have a refined and discerning taste, valuing quality over quantity.

Why are emerald cut diamonds cheaper? ›

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.

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.

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.

Which C makes a diamond sparkle? ›

Diamond cut is the single most important of the 4Cs when it comes to the physical beauty of a diamond. Why? Because a diamond's cut determines how much it sparkles. The number of facets, the angle of the facets, and the symmetry and alignment of the shape will affect how the diamond returns light.

Does Gia Grade emerald cut diamonds? ›

The best you could hope for was an emerald cut diamond with GIA Excellent polish and symmetry. However, the GIA does not provide a cut grade for fancy shape diamonds, and they don't consider the proportions.

Can you see through an emerald cut diamond? ›

Whereas brilliant cut diamonds have all-over facets that camouflage flaws, emerald cut diamonds, with their large, see-through table and parallel facets, don't hide inclusions or blemishes very well. You can peer right into the diamond and any flaws can be easily seen.

Do emerald cut diamonds have a culet? ›

Emerald Cut diamonds don't have a culet; instead, there is a keel which, like the keel of a boat, runs parallel to the longest edge of the stone and is the point where the two sides of the base meet. Emerald Cut diamonds typically have 57 facets: 25 on the crown, 8 on the girdle, and 24 making up the pavilion.

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.

How much is a 1.7 carat emerald cut diamond worth? ›

1.7 carat emerald diamond prices usually range from $5,394 to $24,344 with an average price of $11,711.

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 emerald cut diamond symbolize? ›

Regardless of which setting you choose, an emerald cut engagement ring will never go out of fashion, and it will symbolize eternal love and commitment. If you consider a lab grown emerald cut diamond, your engagement ring can also be a symbol for a more sustainable world.

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 do I choose the best emerald? ›

What To Look For. The most desirable emerald colors are bluish green to pure green, with vivid color saturation and tone that's not too dark. The most-prized emeralds are highly transparent. Their color is evenly distributed, with no eye-visible color zoning.

Which cut is best for emerald? ›

There are various cuts for emeralds, with the best cut being one that you like. The historical cut for emeralds is the namesake emerald cut, with the asscher and octagon cuts created with the same techniques. Other cuts like cushion and oval are not necessarily less popular, but more unknown as cuts for emeralds.

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