Emerald Cut Diamond Guide

Emerald cut diamonds are rated as one of the most elegant diamond shapes.?The pattern of an emerald cut diamond greatly differs from brilliant diamond shapes. They are very distinctive in their overall look and in the type of optics they generate. The most distinctive feature is the horizontal step-like facets, as opposed to the vertical facets of brilliant cuts. Despite the diamonds horizontal step cuts, it offers decent reflection of both white and colored light. The cut suits best for deep clarity and a large surface table amongst all diamond shapes. Emerald Cuts are more prominent in rectangle but are available in square as well. Traditional or entirely bespoke, an emerald cut is truly a classic choice. Keep reading to know all about this unique diamond shape.

1.??????Diamond Cut

Emerald cut diamonds are not cut for brilliance like most other diamond shapes, it is a more sophisticated and vintage choice. The facets are step cuts and offer a subtle sparkle producing a hall of mirrors effect. The modern emerald cut diamond has 58 facets- 25 spread roughly across the crown, 25 across the pavilion, 8 across the girdle, with 3 row steps top and bottom.?

Because of its unique cut, instead of having sparkles of light from the facets, light flashes in a subtle- on and off way. These flashes of white light complement the dark planes in each step. While emerald cut diamonds are vastly recognized as rectangles, they can also be squared. An asscher cut also defined by the GIA as a square cut emerald, is something you might prefer if you’re looking for a square emerald cut diamond. They often have blocked or cut-off corners to give it a more classic look.

2.??????Diamond shape and Ideal Proportions

Proportions and length-to-width ratios affect the visual appearance of a stone highly. Here are the ideal proportions for the emerald cut diamond.

• Length-width ratio: 1.00-1.04 (square)
• Length-width ratio: 1.40-1.60 (rectangle)
• Table %: 61 - 69
• Depth %: 61 - 67
• Girdle: Very Thin to Slightly Thick
• Culet: None

Review the table above for ideal cut recommendations or?contact us?to get your emerald cut evaluated.

3.??????Color and Clarity grade

Color?in emerald cuts is more noticeable than other fancy shapes. The diamonds large table and step cuts retain more body color, allowing the eye to see the natural Color of the stone. In emerald cuts color range D – G are recommended for a white colored diamond. However, the topic of color is subjective, and the diamond color must be compared to the setting. Emerald cuts are vintage styles so an I – J color grade with a visible yellow tint, set in yellow gold is also a choice amongst some.

Emerald-cuts have step cuts which expose the most minor blemishes unlike brilliant cut diamonds. So alike to the diamond color, one also needs to careful with clarity grades in emerald cut diamonds. They have less brilliance and scintillation and generally require a higher clarity rating to stay eye clean. At least a VS2 clarity is needed for the diamond to be eye clean. For larger diamonds, a better clarity grade is recommended. Further the positioning of the inclusions is very important, we recommend getting the diamond inspected by an?expert.

4.??????Setting style

While setting is a subjective topic, here are some personal and market favorites:

• Solitaire setting: A simple four prong solitaire setting is highly popular, as it allows the stone to showcase the step cut facets amplifying the “hall of mirrors” effect.
• ?Three stone setting with side baguettes: The three-stone vintage look is perfect for the vintage cut emerald cut diamond. They have a classic and timeless appearance making them a superior cut for emerald cut diamonds with side baguettes.
• Pave setting: A pavé setting allows the diamond to truly stand out and gives a more vintage look. Moreover, the accent diamonds add some flair to the ring.