Emerald cut diamonds, characterized by their ‘step cut’, are among the most elegant...

Emerald cut diamonds are among the most popular fancy cuts, noted for their subtle beauty, reflecting less light than the Round Brilliant or Princess cuts. The characteristic feature of Emerald cut diamonds is the ‘step cut’, originally developed for cutting emeralds, but equally well-suited to diamonds. Step cuts are comprised of larger facets which act like mirrors and resemble a staircase, hence the name.

Emerald cut diamonds reveal a classic beauty and elegance not seen in other cuts. Rectangular cuts are more popular than Square Emerald cuts.

They reflect the stately beauty of an emerald, a gemstone which some consider to be even more valuable than the diamond. The trim lines of Emerald cut diamonds lend an elegant, sophisticated air to both the simplest and most elaborate ring settings.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the quality of the diamond and to select the highest-grade stone you can afford. Because of the wideness of the Emerald cut, flaws, color weakness, and a poor cutting technique are more visible than in a Round Brilliant cut.

Emerald cut diamonds are not as traditional as the Round Brilliant or as trendy as the Princess cut, making them extremely economical when compared to the more popular cuts.

Ideal proportions

Table: 65% to 75% of the diamond; table depth: 65% to 75%; length-to-width ratio: 1.35:1 to 1.65:1.

If you are unsure about the terms, check out diamond terminology.

Useful tips

• As the Emerald cut has longer lines, it is usually less fiery than a Round Brilliant cut, but also tends to have wider, more dramatic flashes of light.
• The look of the 2 carat Emerald cut diamond is subtle, while larger Emerald cut diamonds have more brilliant clarity.
• If cost is a concern, choose 3-stone Emerald cut diamonds with higher color and clarity rather than a single Round Brilliant cut because the 3-stone setting is more likely to emphasize the brilliance of the diamonds.
• One of the best ways to enhance an elegant Emerald cut diamond is with paired side stones. The beveled edges on an Emerald cut diamond usually allow for a variety of stones to be placed alongside.
• You should consider length-to-width ratios when choosing an Emerald cut diamond. A 1.50:1.00 ratio is the usual preference, with the length of the diamond about 1½ times its width. However, like all fancy shapes, personal preference matters most, and you may prefer a squarer outline, or a longer, thinner rectangle.

An Emerald cut diamond in a platinum setting looks sophisticated and elegant and complements the beauty of the stone.

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