Emerald cut diamonds are a unique and classic class of diamond cuts. Unlike most other shapes that are brilliant cuts, an emerald cut diamond is actually a step cut. Its faceting is not the traditional kite and star shaped facets of other loose diamonds; rather, emerald cuts have small rectangular facets that resemble stairs or steps.
The step-cut facets most certainly emit sparkle and brilliance but in a more subdued way. Emerald cuts have high appeal because of their long, elegant body. You can easily see the attraction of an emerald cut diamond ring: the stone shape tends to look larger than others. It means the emerald cut is the right choice for a show-stopping engagement ring. Although emerald diamonds are most commonly rectangular, they can also be square.
Diamond Emerald cut engagement rings look best in higher clarities because their large table and lack of brillianteering makes it difficult to mask inclusions. They do, however, handle color better than other fancy shapes.
Choosing a lower color emerald diamond is not necessarily a problem. Even better, this combination of attributes can help your budget go further. Although a higher clarity diamond will cost more, you will save some money without sacrificing on look if you go for a lower color with the emerald cut diamond.
Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are sophisticated, and the diamond cut is actually commonly thought to be quite modern. However, emerald cut diamonds have origins that can be traced back to hundreds of years ago. As a matter of fact, this diamond cut is really one of the oldest diamond shapes.
Elongated stones like emerald cut diamonds look larger because the top surface is bigger than a round cut diamond of the same carat weight. When comparing a 1 carat round cut diamond and 1 carat emerald cut diamond, the emerald cut looks larger. Emerald cut engagement rings often make your fingers look longer and more slender as well. Here are some points to considerwhen buying an emerald cut diamond.
Length-to-Width Ratio
Decide on your ideal length-to-width ratio. This ratio is found by dividing the diamond’s length by its width. Depending on the LxW ratio, an emerald diamond can be a long, thin rectangle or an almost-square shape.The diamond’s total depth percentage will also affect how much light it reflects. Go for a depth percentage of 60% to 70% of the stone’s width for the most brilliance.
The 4 Cs
Clarity Grade
Emerald cut diamonds don’t conceal imperfections well due to their long, open facets, so clarity is important.
Cut Grade
The cut grade of a diamond refers to the quality of a diamond’s proportions and symmetry. While the GIA and the AGS don’t assign cut grades to emerald shaped diamonds, they do assign polish and symmetry grades. Many diamond stores use polish, symmetry and proportions to approximate an emerald shaped diamond’s cut grade, since these factors are indicators of sparkle in the absence of a true cut grade. Choose an emerald cut diamond with Excellent polish and Excellent symmetry grades for the most sparkle.
Color Grade
There is no right color grade for emerald cut diamonds or any type of diamonds. While diamond grading labs tend to value colorless diamonds at a premium, the color grade you choose should really be based on what you find most attractive.
Carat Weight
The cost of an emerald shaped diamond can vary quite a bit from one carat weight to the next. Always focus on finding a diamond with the right proportions, symmetry and polish within the carat weight range you desire.
Choose the Right Setting for an Emerald Cut Diamond
Simple, classic solitaires and elegant halos tend to be the most popular settings for emerald shaped diamonds. An emerald cut halo engagement ring is a really breathtaking vintage-inspired engagement ring, with the added benefit that the diamonds in the halo bring extra shine to the center diamond.
Final Thoughts on Versatile Emerald Cut Diamonds
An emerald cut is a beautiful and sophisticated diamond. Emerald cut diamonds offer an elegant shape and unique step cuts. To ensure stability and prevent fractures, the corners of an emerald cut diamond are usually cropped. Emerald cut diamonds are a phenomenal choice for those looking for a larger looking diamond without a hefty price tag.
