The Ultimate Guide to Emerald Cut Diamonds

The History of Emerald Cut Diamonds

Emerald cut diamonds trace their origins to the 16th century, originally designed for cutting emerald gemstones. Their step-cut design was later adapted for diamonds to reduce stress during cutting, resulting in a shape that balances durability and beauty.

Historical Highlights:

Origins: First used for emeralds, their unique cutting style became popular for diamonds in the Art Deco period (1920s–1930s).

Famous Emerald Diamonds: Iconic pieces like Elizabeth Taylor’s 33-carat Emerald cut diamond and Beyoncé’s engagement ring have cemented this shape as a symbol of sophistication.

Modern Appeal: Today, Emerald cuts are beloved for their minimalistic design and vintage allure, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry.

Understanding the Unique Aspects of the Emerald Cut

Emerald cut diamonds are distinct for their step-cut facets, creating a “hall of mirrors” effect with flashes of light rather than a traditional sparkle. This cut emphasizes clarity and color over brilliance.

Key Features:

Step Cut: Long, parallel facets emphasize clarity and give the stone a sleek, architectural look.

Open Table: The large top facet showcases the diamond’s clarity and transparency, making imperfections more visible.

Elongated Shape: Creates a slimming effect on fingers and adds a sense of elegance to jewelry designs.

Durability: Straight edges make Emerald cuts less prone to chipping compared to more intricate shapes like Pear or Marquise.

Why are there no Cut Grade on Emerald Cut Diamonds’ Lab Reports?

Cut Quality and the Absence of Standardized Grades for Emerald Cut Diamonds:

Unlike round brilliant diamonds, which receive standardized cut grades from institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), fancy shapes—including emerald cut diamonds—do not have universally accepted cut grading systems. This absence is due to the diverse shapes and facet arrangements of fancy diamonds, making it challenging to apply a uniform grading standard.

Despite the lack of formal cut grades, evaluating a emerald cut diamond’s cut quality remains important. Focus on aspects such as polish and symmetry, which are assessed individually and reported on grading certificates. High-quality polish and symmetry contribute to the diamond’s ability to reflect light effectively, enhancing its sparkle.

natural 10 carat emerald cut diamond GIA lab report

Emerald Cut Diamonds: Choosing the Right Quality

Selecting an emerald cut diamond, like most fancy shapes, requires a deep understanding of its cut and how it influences the diamond’s overall beauty. The cut is usually the single most important factor that determines the diamond’s brilliance and charm.

Since there is no official consensus on what the cut of a emerald cut diamond should be let us share what we look out for in emerald cuts as professionals.

avoid diamonds with too large crown tiers (1st diamonds); to deep pavilions (2nd diamond) and dark inclusions right below the table (3rd diamond)

Proportions:

Symmetry and ideal proportions are vital for ensuring maximum light reflection as well as the “hall of mirror effect“. Aim for a total depth percentage between 61-67% and a length-to-width ratio of 1.30-1.50.

A disproportionate cuts can diminish the appeal of any emerald cut. For instance, diamonds with a flat crown and overly deep pavilion may show shadows at the centre, as seen in the second diamond in the video above.

Additionally, crown facets, also known as crown tiers, must be proportional. If these facets are too large, like in the first diamond in the video, the diamond’s overall harmony and sparkle may be compromised.

Clarity:

Due to the emerald cut’s open table and step-like facets, inclusions can be more noticeable compared to other cuts. For this reason, we recommend opting for diamonds with a VS1 clarity grade or higher.

Furthermore, ensure that any inclusions are transparent and discreetly located along the sides of the diamond rather than beneath the table, as shown in the third diamond in the video with a dark inclusion marring its pristine beauty.

Prioritizing these factors will ensure your emerald cut diamond achieves its full potential in brilliance and elegance.

Our Commitment:

At Ajediam, we strive to offer diamonds with exceptional cuts to maximize value and beauty and all our diamond come with a GIA grading report by default. We also encourage clients to compare multiple options before making a decision. Train your eye by reviewing offers from various sources to better understand what makes an exceptional emerald cut diamond. Remember, the right choice combines both technical excellence and personal preference.

When you receive an offer ask for a video of the diamond showing all sides, it is easy to hide less desirable aspects of a diamond in a well taken photos.

Ideal Settings for Emerald Cut Diamonds

The right setting can enhance the sophistication of an Emerald cut diamond while providing durability and elegance.

Popular Settings:

Three-Stone: Often paired with tapered baguette or trapezoid side stones to complement the shape.

Solitaire: Highlights the clean lines of the Emerald cut for a timeless look.

Halo: Surrounding the diamond with smaller stones enhances its brilliance and adds a modern touch.

Bezel: Encases the diamond fully, emphasizing its rectangular shape and protecting its edges.

Style Inspiration: How to Wear Emerald Cut Diamonds

Emerald cut diamonds are versatile and can elevate various types of jewelry.

Engagement Rings: A classic choice that exudes elegance and individuality.

Eternity Bands: a favourite choice in shapes of diamond eternity bands

Necklaces: Emerald diamonds work beautifully in pendant designs, creating a statement of refined luxury.

Earrings: Symmetry and sparkle make Emerald cuts perfect for studs or drop earrings.

Bracelets: Line bracelets with Emerald cuts add an architectural sophistication.

Styling Tip: Pair Emerald cut diamonds with simple, minimalistic designs to let the stone’s clean elegance shine. For a bold look, choose colored gemstones like emeralds or sapphires as side stones.

Investment Value of Emerald Cut Diamonds

Emerald cut diamonds offer both timeless appeal and investment potential.

Market Demand: Less common than Round or Princess cuts, making them a distinctive choice.

Pricing: Typically more affordable per carat than Round diamonds due to their step-cut design.

Resale Value: High-quality Emerald diamonds (excellent cut, clarity, and color) tend to hold their value well.

Caring for Emerald Cut Diamonds

Protecting your Emerald cut diamond ensures its lasting beauty.

Care Tips:

Cleaning: Use mild soap and a soft brush to maintain clarity and brilliance.

Protection: Avoid wearing your diamond jewelry during physical activities.

Storage: Store separately in a soft-lined box to prevent contact with other diamond jewelry.

Emerald Cut Diamonds vs. Other Shapes

Diamond Shape	Key Features	Brilliance	Price Range
Emerald	Vintage, sophisticated	Moderate	Moderate
Round	Timeless, versatile	Highest	High
Oval	Elongating, brilliant	High	Moderate
Cushion	Soft, romantic	High	Moderate
Princess	Bold, contemporary	High	Moderate

Why Collectors like Lengthier Emerald Cut Diamond Models

Collectors and jewellers are often drawn to the more elongated emerald cut diamonds for their distinctiveness and refined appeal. They search for unique specimens with a length-to-width ratio of about 2.00.

These non-standard proportions create a lengthier silhouette that exudes sophistication, making them highly sought after by those who appreciate individuality in their gemstone selection.

The extended shape enhances the diamond’s natural luster, creating a striking play of light across its step-cut facets and amplifying its “hall of mirrors” effect.

This captivating interplay of reflections often evokes a sense of grandeur, making elongated emerald cuts a favorite for those looking to make a bold yet timeless statement.

Additionally, their rarity adds to their allure, appealing to high-end collectors who value exclusivity and are willing to pay a premium for these unique, show-stopping gems.

Celebrity fans of Emerald Cut Diamond

The Emerald cut is synonymous with sophistication and glamour, making it a popular choice among Hollywood elites.

Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s engagement ring from Jay-Z is an iconic Emerald cut diamond weighing a whopping 24 carats. The sleek, rectangular cut showcases exceptional clarity and timeless sophistication, mirroring Beyoncé’s larger-than-life persona.

Amal Clooney
Amal Clooney’s Emerald cut diamond engagement ring from George Clooney features a 7-carat stone set in a platinum band. Its refined and art-deco-inspired design complements Amal’s elegant and intellectual style.

Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary jewelry collection included a 33.19-carat Emerald cut diamond given to her by Richard Burton. The striking simplicity of the cut became one of her signature looks, embodying opulence and timeless glamour.

FAQs about Emerald Cut Diamonds

1. Are Emerald cut diamonds more expensive than other shapes?

Yes and no, their worth per carat is more affordable than Round diamonds. However, the minimum clarity grade recommended for emerald cuts is higher than for rounds thus making them often more valuable.

2. What is the best carat size for an Emerald cut diamond?

Carat weight of 0.80 or higher is recommended to accentuate its elegant proportions.

3. Are Emerald cut diamonds suitable for engagement rings?

Yes, they are a popular choice for their vintage charm and sophisticated appeal.

4. Do Emerald cut diamonds sparkle less?

They reflect light differently, offering a subtle “hall of mirrors” effect rather than traditional sparkle.

5. Which settings protect Emerald cut diamonds best?

Emerald cut diamonds do not need more protection than round diamonds. Three-stone settings are the most popular choice for this shape and enhance the diamond’s natural beauty.

Final Thought: Find Your Perfect Emerald Cut Diamond

Explore Ajediam’s collection of exquisite Emerald cut diamonds, each selected for its unique charm and exceptional quality. Whether you’re designing a bespoke engagement ring or looking for an elegant addition to your jewelry collection, our experts are here to help. Contact us today to discover the sophistication of Emerald cut diamonds.

The Ultimate Guide to Emerald Cut Diamonds: Timeless Sophistication Redefined