Emerald can be used to describe the precious green gemstone or the diamond cut, or shape. Both bring to mind unmatched beauty and elegance, but for today, we’ll focus on the emerald cut diamond. This is one of the oldest and most classic diamond cuts, and one of the most popular for engagement rings.
It’s easy to see why women have swooned over this fancy shaped diamond for centuries. It is universally flattering, versatile, and entrancing. It can feel modern because of its straight lines and striking appearance in a solitaire setting, or vintage because of its affiliation with the art deco movement of the 1920s.
If you’re after a timeless center stone, the emerald cut is worth considering. So what is an emerald cut diamond and how do they differ from other styles? Our experts are here to help. Read on to learn more about this captivating diamond cut and how to shop for it for your engagement ring.
The Features of an Emerald Cut Diamond
From its elongated shape to its entrancing brilliance, these are the features that make the emerald cut unique.
Shape
The emerald cut stone has a rectangular shape, which can vary from long and narrow to more square-like depending on its length to width ratio. Typically, this diamond shape features cut corners, rather than sharp corners like you would see on a princess cut diamond. The corners are often the most vulnerable part of a diamond, so cut or truncated corners, or corners covered by prongs are less prone to chipping. While this creates a straight edge on each corner of an emerald cut diamond, it doesn’t affect the overall shape of the stone.
Other diamond cuts that share the emerald’s straight lines and step cuts include the Asscher cut diamond and the baguette cut diamond. The Asscher cut diamond is the most similar to the emerald cut but is square in shape. The baguette cut diamond is also similar to the emerald cut in shape and style, which is why it is commonly used as a side stone in emerald engagement rings.
Sparkle
One of a diamond’s most enticing traits is its sparkle. This quality is one of the reasons it is the choice gemstone for engagement rings. But not all diamond cuts sparkle the same. The sparkliest of them all is the round brilliant cut. However, the eye-catching fire and brilliance of a round cut diamond aren’t for everyone.
The emerald cut stone offers a much more subdued sparkle. Due to the nature of its facets, an emerald diamond emits less fire and brilliance than some other cuts, but it still catches and reflects the light beautifully, especially if its clarity grade is high. If it’s sparkle you’re after, you may want to consider a radiant cut engagement ring, which features a square or rectangular shape, similar to the emerald cut diamond, but star-shaped facets that emit more sparkle. Alternatively, you can set an emerald diamond with a pave band, a halo, or side stones to enhance its sparkle.
How To Shop for an Emerald Cut Engagement Ring
Selecting a diamond engagement ring is a big decision that requires a lot of thought and research. Here is our best advice to follow when shopping for an emerald cut engagement ring.
Mind The Four Cs
When shopping for any diamond, it’s important to consider the 4Cs of diamond quality- cut, color, carat, and clarity. When shopping for an emerald cut diamond shape, clarity is of paramount importance. The unique faceting structure of this diamond cut makes any flaws within the diamond more apparent, so seek out a stone with a high clarity grade.
Source an Ethical Stone
While sourcing a lab grown diamond is a more ethical option, it is also a more economical one. In the case of emerald cut diamonds, this is particularly true. You can find a lab grown emerald cut diamond with a high clarity grade without sacrificing carat weight, color, or cut. All of our loose man made diamonds offer the same sparkle and durability as mined natural diamonds minus the ethical implications and high price tag. This is why we recommend sourcing an ethical stone for your emerald cut diamond ring.
Sources:
Diamond Nexus