Tips and Tricks
What You Need to Know About Emerald Cut Diamonds | Rare Carat
- The emerald shape is classic - Beyoncé and Paris Hilton chose emerald cut diamonds.
- Emerald shape diamonds have what is called a “step cut”. Meaning, not only will your diamond have incredible flashes of light, it also won’t need to have an excessive depth, which leaves all the carat weight right on top (and thus looks bigger).
- When it comes to color, my advice is; don’t go below H, emerald cut diamonds are not forgiving.
- Emeralds are even also terrible at hiding inclusions. I wouldn’t go below a VS2 clarity diamond. Also, make sure you see an actual picture of the diamond to see where the inclusions are located.
Learn more about diamond shapes.
What makes an emerald-cut diamond different from a traditional brilliant cut?
An emerald cut has a rectangular shape with step-cut facets and cropped corners, which creates a “hall of mirrors” effect instead of the many tiny sparkles you get with a round cut.
Which 4 C grades should I prioritize when selecting an emerald cut diamond?
Because the facets are large and open, flaws and color tones are more visible in an emerald cut. The article recommends staying at least at H color and VS2 clarity (or better) to ensure the diamond looks clean and bright.
What length-to-width ratio works best for emerald cut diamonds?
A common sweet spot is a 1.40:1 to 1.50:1 ratio (length to width). That gives a balanced rectangular shape. If the ratio is much longer, it might start to look narrow or baguette-like.
Are there trade-offs to consider with emerald cuts compared to other shapes?
Yes. While they offer elegant style and allow more of the carat weight to show on the top surface, they don’t hide imperfections as well as brilliant cuts do. You might see inclusions or color tints more easily. So the cut calls for more careful evaluation of clarity and color.
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Emerald Cut Diamond FAQs