Congratulations! You’re on a quest – not just any quest, but one that leads to a symbol of love and commitment: the engagement ring! and if there’s one diamond cut that can be relied upon to bring an understated but impressive wow factor, it’s the Eemerald cut. And if you’re leaning towards an emerald cut diamond, you’ve set your sights on something truly special. As a professional jewelry designer Specialized in custom design rings, I’ve guided many couples through this journey, and now, it’s your turn. Let’s dive into the world of emerald-cut diamonds with a mix of expert advice and personal anecdotes, making your path to the perfect ring as smooth as possible.

Understanding Emerald Cut Diamonds

The Sophistication of Emerald Cuts

the emerald cut diamond is one of the oldest diamond shapes Originating in the 1500s, these diamonds were actually first cut for emeralds (the green gemstone), hence the name. Emerald cut diamonds are like the James Bond of diamond cuts – classic, elegant, and always in style. Their large, open tables and step cuts create a hall-of-mirrors effect, which is less about sparkle and more about subtle, understated glam. Their elongated shape can also make the finger of your loved one appear longer and more slender – a hidden bonus!

Personal Tip: I once had a client who chose an emerald cut because it reminded him of his partner’s love for vintage charm. Ultimately It’s these little stories and meanings that make the ring truly special.

The Four C’s Specific to Emerald Cuts

1. Carat Weight

The price of an emerald-cut diamond increases with the increase in its carat weight, as it does with all diamond shapes. However Bigger isn’t always better. With emerald cuts, it’s all about proportion. A well-proportioned diamond will outshine a larger one with poor cut quality any day.

2. Clarity

Since emerald cuts have unique cutting style as fewer facets, any inclusions are more visible. Opt for a higher clarity grade VS1 Minimum is my recommendation to ensure the diamond’s beauty shines through and there are no inclusions visible to naked eye, Again the higher the clarity the more expensive the stone will be, so if you decide to pick a diamond in VS2 Or SI Range, make sure the inclusions not located in the table the center of the stone.

3. Color

Emerald cuts tend to show more color, so aim for a higher color grade G or higher. However, if set in yellow gold, a slightly lower grade can still look stunning.
A final note about color is to consider the metal for your setting Platinum or white gold with more of a cool tone will have a G color grade or higher.
If you’re going with a yellow or rose gold, the warm tones will complement slightly lower color grades like H or I nicely.

4. Cut Quality

A well-cut emerald diamond will have equal, parallel facets, and a bright, open table. This is where the diamond’s unique character shines. My recommendation is to choose a diamond with ratio between 1.35 to 1.50, and total depth of 58% to 68%. This range is considered optimal for balancing the diamond’s brilliance with its overall appearance. Emerald cut diamonds are known for their elongated, rectangular shape and stepped facets, which create a unique play of light different from other cuts like the round brilliant.