Emerald-Cut Diamonds Buying Guide

EMERALD-CUT DIAMONDS: KEY FEATURES

With a 500-year history, the emerald-cut diamond is one of the oldest diamond shapes around. It gets its name from the emerald gemstone, as stonecutters first created this shape to help protect the vulnerable gem from chipping. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that the term “emerald cut” was used. The cut rapidly gained popularity for its clean lines and symmetry during the Art Deco period and has remained an attractive choice for engagement stone rings ever since.

Shape

While many other diamond shapes are brilliant cuts, the emerald-cut diamond is a step cut. It features an elongated rectangular shape with chiseled linear facets. These step-like facets produce a hall-of-mirrors effect. The corners of emerald-cut stones are usually cropped for added durability. The classic length-to-width ratio of an emerald-cut diamond is around 1.50. Depending on your personal preferences, you might opt for a lower ratio for a squarer shape, or you might prefer a higher ratio for a more elongated look.

Style

Emerald-cut diamonds are popular among those seeking a vintage style. While emerald-cut diamonds are not as brilliant as other diamond shapes, the step-like facets accentuate the diamond’s clarity, giving it a unique glassy look. With its distinct, striking design, the emerald-cut diamond evokes an elegant and glamorous aesthetic. The diamond’s elongated shape can also give the wearer the illusion of slender fingers while appearing bigger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight.

Price

The emerald-cut diamond typically has a lower price per carat than most other diamond shapes. This is partly because emerald-cut diamonds maintain a high percentage of the rough diamond during the cutting process. Additionally, the diamond’s elongated shape can give it a larger appearance than many other diamond shapes of equal carat weight, which means you can still make a big impact on a small budget. However, since emerald-cut diamonds don’t hide inclusions as well as other cuts, it’s best to choose one with a relatively high clarity grade.

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BEST SETTINGS FOR EMERALD-CUT DIAMONDS

While emerald-cut diamonds are often admired for their Art Deco aesthetic, this diamond shape lends well to a variety of ring settings. Whether you want to give your ring a modern twist or up the sparkle factor, there’s a setting for every taste. Here are some of the best settings for an emerald-cut diamond engagement ring:

SOLITAIRE

Let the stone be the star! If you want to highlight the emerald-cut diamond’s unique shape with a minimal amount of metal, a simple solitaire setting puts the stone front and center.

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THREE-STONE

If you want to give your ring some character, a three-stone setting can add extra depth and sparkle. This setting features two accent stones on either side of the center stone for an eye-catching look.

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HALO

If you’re ready to dial up the shine, a halo setting can give you a bold, brilliant look. A ring of smaller accent stones surrounds the center stone, making the center stone appear bigger and enhancing the overall sparkle.

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VINTAGE

When it comes to emerald-cut diamonds, you can’t go wrong with a vintage-inspired engagement ring. Ornate settings add to the diamond’s antique charm while upping the glamour.

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UNIQUE

Stand out from the crowd with a non-traditional engagement ring! Featuring colorful designs and unique details, these showstopping styles are sure to turn heads.

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