Understated, classic, elegant—if these words resonate with your style, then an emerald-cut diamond might be just right for you. With its sleek, rectangular shape and striking mirror-like facets, this diamond cut makes a statement without being overly flashy.
In this emerald-cut diamond guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this cut and help you find the perfect piece to add to your collection.
What is an Emerald-Cut Diamond?
An emerald-cut diamond is characterized by its rectangular shape, cut corners and step-cut facets. Unlike the more common brilliant cuts, which focus on maximizing sparkle, the emerald diamond cut creates a hall-of-mirrors effect, emphasizing clarity and depth. The broad, flat surface (or table) of the emerald-shaped diamond allows for a dramatic display of the stone’s natural beauty.
History of Emerald-Cut Diamonds
The emerald cut, which dates back to the 16th century, was originally developed for cutting emeralds—hence the name. Its design was meant to reduce pressure during the cutting process and prevent chips in the stone. Over time, this cut was adapted for diamonds and became a popular choice during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s. The clean lines and geometric precision of the emerald cut made it an ideal fit for the era’s emphasis on symmetry and modernity. Today, its timeless appeal continues to shine across various jewelry pieces—from elegant emerald-cut diamond rings to stunning emerald-cut diamond pendants, bracelets and more.
Pros and Cons of Emerald-Cut Diamonds
Pros:
Elegant Appearance: The emerald cut stands out with its sleek, clean lines and step-cut facets, giving it a refined and unique appearance that catches the eye.
Illusion of Size: Thanks to its large table and elongated shape, an emerald-cut diamond can appear larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight.
Highlighting Clarity: The broad facets of an emerald-cut diamond emphasize the stone’s clarity, making it an excellent choice for high-quality diamonds.
Cons:
Visible Inclusions: The same facets that highlight clarity can also make inclusions more visible. Hence, it’s important to choose a diamond with a higher clarity grade.
Less Sparkle: Compared to brilliant cuts, the emerald cut offers less sparkle, focusing instead on a reflective, mirror-like effect.
Also Read: Emerald-Cut vs. Radiant-Cut: What’s the Difference?
How to Choose an Emerald-Cut Diamond
Carat Size: Emerald-cut diamonds come in a variety of carat sizes, so it’s important to select one that fits your style and budget. Larger carat sizes make a bold impression, while smaller ones offer a more subtle elegance.
Proportions: Pay attention to the proportions of the emerald-cut stone. Ideally, the length-to-width ratio should be around 1.5:1, but this can vary based on personal preference and the size of the emerald-cut diamond.
Clarity and Color: Due to the large, open facets of emerald-cut diamonds, clarity and color are crucial. Choose a diamond with high clarity and a color grade that enhances its unique appearance.
Best Settings for Emerald-Cut Diamonds
To truly let your emerald-cut diamonds shine, it’s important that you choose the right setting. Here are some of the best emerald-cut diamond settings to consider:
Prong Setting: This classic setting makes use of prongs to hold the diamond in place. It maximizes light exposure and allows the stone’s clean lines to be prominently displayed.
Channel Setting: In this setting, the emerald-cut diamond is placed within a groove or channel of metal along with smaller stones. It enhances the stone’s brilliance and offers a smooth, uninterrupted line of sparkle.
Bezel Setting: The emerald-cut diamond is encircled by a metal rim that offers both protection and a polished appearance. This setting highlights the stone’s shape and clarity and minimizes the risk of damage.
5 Must-Have Emerald-Cut Diamond Jewelry Pieces
When it comes to showcasing the understated elegance of an emerald-cut diamond, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer classic emerald-cut diamond earrings that highlight the diamond’s sleek lines or emerald-cut diamond bracelets to create your own chic stack, each piece offers its own unique charm.
If you’re considering adding an emerald-cut diamond to your jewelry collection, here are five stunning pieces to explore:
1. Emerald-Cut Diamond Halo Ring
A ring so timeless, it’s perfect for sealing the deal or celebrating life’s biggest moments. Its classic charm ensures it’s a piece that never goes out of style.
2. Emerald-Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
Get three times the sparkle with this diamond ring that has a way of turning milestone moments into cherished memories.
P.S. Want this ring at a way lower price? Check out its lab-grown diamond variant. And it’s not just this, we have several other emerald-cut lab-grown diamond rings for you to explore and love.
3. Vintage-Inspired Emerald-Cut Diamond Halo Pendant
When you want to stand out, this pendant is your go-to. It’s all about that subtle, refined sparkle that says quiet luxury without screaming for attention.
4. Emerald-Cut Diamond Hoop Drop Earrings
These earrings are our elevated take on classic hoops, perfect for when you want to rock that whole clean girl aesthetic.
5. Emerald-Cut Diamond Triple Halo Curb Chain Bracelet
For days when you want one accessory to do all the talking, this bracelet delivers all the sparkle and style you need to make a statement.
FAQs
1. Is an emerald-cut diamond more expensive?
Emerald-cut diamonds can be more affordable due to their simpler cutting techniques. However, the price can vary depending on the clarity and color of the diamond.
2. Is an emerald-cut diamond a good diamond?
Yes, emerald-cut diamonds are highly valued for their elegance and ability to showcase color and clarity.
3. What is special about an emerald-cut diamond?
The emerald cut is known for its sleek, rectangular shape and step-cut facets, which highlight the diamond’s clarity and offer a distinctive, mirror-like effect.
4. Is a 1-carat emerald-cut diamond big enough?
A 1-carat emerald-cut diamond typically appears larger than a round diamond of the same weight due to its elongated shape.
