Picking an engagement ring is a huge step for any relationship. This milestone signifies that you are ready to spend the rest of your life with your partner. You can either buy a lab-grown diamond or a natural diamond. Either way, this is an important decision to make.
Getting a simple but beautiful engagement ring can still mean a lot to a woman as much as an expensive one does. By giving her a beautiful ring, you are showing your commitment to her and your relationship. This is the kind of offering that she will cherish and remember forever.
There is a lot to consider when buying an engagement ring for your partner. You should be aware of the 4Cs of diamond quality, metal characteristics, setting styles, and more. But, a diamond cut that gives off a sleek and clean look has gotten women’s attention for a while now. This cut is called the emerald cut diamond.
This sophisticated diamond usually has 57 facets. The cut is not as brilliant as the others. But, the flat surface of the diamond’s top highlights the clarity that makes this cut sparkle and shine.
Emerald-cut diamond engagement rings are timelessly beautiful. People who are drawn to this cut tend to have sophisticated tastes. These people prefer a subtle, understated look to a more eye-catching flair. Often, the emerald-cut diamond rings project a poised and self-assured confidence.
What is an Emerald-Cut Diamond?
An emerald-cut diamond shows off a rectangular, elongated shape and chiseled step cuts. It also has straight linear facets that are usually arranged parallelly down the stone. The corners of an emerald-cut diamond are usually cropped to add stability and prevent fractures.
Because of its long step cuts, the emerald diamond offers an abundant reflection of both white and colored light. This type of diamond cut provides deep clarity and a large surface area.
Emerald-cut diamonds are known to be rectangles but can still be cut in squares. It appears bigger than other kinds of diamond cuts in the same carat weight. This is why this cut is a popular choice for those who want a large stone without the extra cost.
History of Emerald-Cut Diamonds
The emerald-cut diamond is one of the oldest diamond shapes there is. This cut’s origin dates back to the 1500s. The emerald cut was initially created by stonecutters for emerald stones.
This cut reduced the pressure placed on the gems during the cutting process. Doing this prevented chips from happening to the gems. That’s why the cut became famous. The diamond cutters noticed the emerald cut shape and then began to incorporate it into diamonds as well.
The term “emerald cut” was only used in the 1920s when the cut had increased in popularity. The rise of clean lines and symmetry which is known as art deco is what inspired the trend of the emerald cut. The emerald-cut diamond has since then remained one of the most popular choices for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces.
The word “emerald” which means green has its meaning dating back to ancient greek. Emeralds were known for their susceptibility to fractures and other imperfections.
Benefits of an Emerald-Cut Diamond on Engagement Rings
An Emerald-Cut Ring Looks Larger
Due to its wide surface area, a classic emerald cut diamond looks larger compared to other cuts of the same carat weight. The diamond’s size is measured in carats, hence two diamonds with the same carat weight are the same size.
However, a diamond’s weight isn’t visible to the naked eye and for most brides, the diamond’s size is what counts. Emerald cuts can be as big as seven millimeters by five millimeters. Thus, you should consider an emerald-cut engagement ring if you’re concerned with the size of the diamond.
It has a Wide Range of Shapes
The range of shapes that an emerald-cut diamond can create is a huge advantage of this cut. Some cuts are only available in one shape like the circular cut.
Emerald-cut diamond engagement rings can expand and shrink from rectangular or square. Some of them can also appear unique in appearance, which is something that a round cut can’t create.
An Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring Slims the Finger
Your finger can appear wide or narrow depending on the cut of the diamond ring you wear. An emerald-cut design is popular for people who have long and thin fingers. This is because they try to emphasize those traits.
Emerald cut elongates the fingers’ appearance in a manner that princess cuts don’t. But, some people avoid emerald-cut engagement rings because they do not consider such traits to be complementary to their fingers.
It has Snag-Free Cropped Corners
There are a lot of drawbacks when a diamond has sharp corners. It can easily snag on fabric, furniture, hair, and other common items. Because of this, they are more susceptible to chipping or disconnecting from their mount. Emerald cuts with reduced corners are less likely to have such problems.
The corners of an emerald-cut diamond wedding ring have a smooth, diagonal edge rather than a sharp right angle. Compared to princess and baguette cuts, the corners can endure more impacts and bumps.
An emerald-cut diamond engagement ring can help you maintain your ring’s longevity. It can also prevent it from getting snagged on clothes.
Emerald-Cut Diamonds Make Great Accents
An emerald-cut diamond can be used in itself or combined with another cut in a solitaire setting. A lot of settings with embellishments can go well with an emerald cut. These settings include options for paving and channel.
An emerald cut is not only for the center stones of an engagement ring. Instead, they are also a popular choice for the accents next to or down the shank that matches the focal stone.
This design lets you wear a ring with multiple cuts. You can pair an emerald-cut diamond with a marquise, round, or radiant cut. This is if you want emerald cuts on your jewelry but would like a different cut in the middle.
Features of An Emerald-Cut Diamond
- The Length-to-Width Ratio of an Emerald-Cut Diamond
- The length-to-width ratio of a diamond tells how elongated or squared its shape is. An emerald-cut diamond ratio is determined by dividing the length of the diamond by its width.
On the other hand, a length-to-width ratio that is close would look like a square. This is because the length and width of the diamond are similar.
Rectangular is the ideal shape for an emerald-cut diamond. Its ratio would usually range from 1.30 to 1.60. Some people may choose a ratio that is close to 1.50. However, others might have a varying preference for a slightly longer and wider-shaped diamond.
Clarity of an Emerald-Cut Diamond
The table or the top surface area of an emerald-cut diamond should be a clear window into the center of the stone. Anything placed in the diamond’s center should be visible. This is because the pavilion, which is the bottom slanted portion of the diamond and the crown, which is the upper diamond resting atop the girdle, is comparatively shallow.
However, step-cut stones are generally not as bright and not as fiery as brilliant-cut stones. They would rather highlight a diamond’s clarity since even the slightest flaw would be highly visible.
Imperfections in an emerald-cut diamond will be more noticeable compared to a round or cushion-cut diamond. The Gemological Institute of America or GIA has a diamond clarity chart. The chart ranges from the best, which is void of inclusions to the worst, which has easily noticeable inclusions. The designation includes:
IF – Internally Flawless
- VVS1- Very Very Small Inclusions 1
- VVS2 – Very Very Small Inclusions 2
- VS1 – Very Small Inclusions 1
- VS2 – Very Small Inclusions 2
- SI1 – Small Inclusions 1
- SI2 – Small Inclusions 2
- I1 – Inclusions 1
- I2 – Inclusions 2
A VS2 clarity is recommended for the best value. Step cuts are not cut for their brilliance, which is why there is no scattering of light to hide inclusions. An SI1 and SI2 clarity grade is usually not recommended for step cuts such as emerald cuts and Asscher cuts.
Color of an Emerald-Cut Diamond
Similar to clarity, color is another attribute that is more noticeable in an emerald-cut diamond. The large table and step cuts would retain more color than other diamond shapes. This allows the eyes to see the natural color of the stone.
The color grade assigned by the GIA ranges from D to Z. D is the most colorless and Z contains an easily noticeable brown or yellow tint. You can quickly notice with your naked eye a slight yellow tint when you look at an emerald cut diamond of a J grade.
The eye cannot notice any tint at an I grade or better. This range is highly recommended for the most beautiful diamond and the best value.
You will most likely tell the difference if you choose a diamond below an I such as G or H. Paying more for a lower color grade is just not worth the additional price increase.
Other Facts About Emerald-Cut Diamond
- Emerald-cut diamonds do not receive a cut grade like the other fancy shapes.
- This type of cut is generally not as fiery and bright as brilliant-cut stones
- You would need a higher clarity grade. Because of their glassy nature, emerald-cut diamonds cannot hide inclusions like other cuts.
- A Characteristic called the black window effect exists. It’s best to avoid those black-looking diamonds as much as possible.
- Emerald-cut diamonds tend to look bigger than other-shaped diamonds. This is true even if they have the same carat.
- This cut is perfect for people who are after a timeless and classy ring
Types of Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring Settings
Pave Setting
A pave diamond band is the answer if you are looking for something that has a bit more sparkle. This setting is understated and still refined, but it can catch more light compared to a simple band.
The feature will surely draw the eyes to your ring. Pave wedding band or a pave engagement ring is a great compliment to a solitaire setting emerald cut ring.
Solitaire Setting
The solitaire setting is a no-brainer if you have a high-quality stone and you want it to have an emerald cut. This setting is perfect if you consider yourself a minimalist.
It is also a good choice if you are someone who would rather spend more on the center stone. The Solitaire setting also carries the subtle and refined nature of the stone.
Three Stone Setting
Positioning the stone with diamonds on either side is a way to add a hint of sparkle to your setting, and make the emerald-cut diamond pop. This setting comes with additional costs but you can still make it affordable. You can do this by choosing a cluster of three small diamonds to form a triangle as opposed to 1 big stone on each side.
Baguette Setting
A popular choice to pair with an emerald-cut diamond wedding ring is a baguette-shaped diamond. Similar to emeralds, baguette-shaped diamonds feature rectangular facets so it’s a natural combination.
East-West Setting
The east-west setting is one of the most modern ways to set an emerald-cut diamond. This setting is done by turning it on its side so that the length of the diamond goes from east to west rather than north to south.
This setting is unique and incredibly timeless and simple. The cost is comparable to a solitaire setting since you only alter how the diamond is set.
Halo Setting
There’s no better option than a halo or double halo setting especially if what you’re after is a luxe setting. However, the more halo you add, the more expensive the setting will be.
Emerald-cut diamonds bounce less light compared to a round-cut diamond or a cushion-cut one. However, if your emerald-cut center stone is bordered by tiny diamonds, it will boast all the brilliance and sparkle of its brilliant-cut siblings.
Bezel Setting
This type of setting works by surrounding the stone with metal. The bezel setting can emphasize the sleek and geometric shape of the emerald-cut diamond. It can also make the diamond appear even larger. This setting is also known to be very durable. The bezel setting will ensure that your stone will not detach from the ring.
Types of Bezel Setting
Statement Prongs
The corners of an emerald-cut diamond are more sensitive to damage. Because of this, it is usually protected by sturdy metal prongs. Using white gold or platinum prongs can make the stone look even bigger.
Selecting a prong setting in a bold yellow gold metal or a unique vintage style will make a stylish statement on your ring.
Split Shank Band
Setting the diamond into a split shank band, which connects to the stone in its top and bottom corner will complement the emerald’s long rectangular shape.
This artsy design creates a space between the stone and the band, which makes it stand out and will flatter the wearer. Setting the split shank band with a pave diamond stone can add charm and sparkle.
Emerald Side Stones
Setting two small emerald-cut diamond stones on either side of a center diamond stone will result in a truly elegant and fantastic engagement ring. The result will offer a breathtaking look, but will be costly as well. Emerald-cut diamonds cost a lot and three of them are more pricey than one.
Other Things to Consider When Selecting a Diamond Ring Setting
The Metal Used
The color of the metal that you choose can make all the difference. This is in addition to the stone’s settings and the stones you set it with. The most popular metal color for an emerald-cut diamond ring is white gold.
The white gold color contributes to the bright whiteness of the diamond. This allows the diamond to shine and show off incredible clarity and color. However, white gold and platinum settings are not good for emerald stones with a lower color grade than H. This will make their color more noticeable.
A yellow gold setting will also look good for an emerald-cut diamond. An emerald-cut diamond that is set in a yellow gold metal can instantly feel more vintage or regal.
Rose gold metal is a unique choice for emerald-cut diamonds. This is because its whimsical and romantic nature does not always suit refined stone. Rose gold metal can soften the straight edges of emerald-cut diamonds. It can also add a flair of romance to the ring.
The Profile
The profile refers to how high or low the stone is being set. This is important to the overall look of the engagement ring. The stone’s height can make a difference in the ring’s overall appearance and durability.
Types of profile
High Setting Profile
The stone is set up above the finger using long prongs. This sets the diamond apart from the rest of the ring and places it in a grand display.
This setting is better suited for large diamonds because it allows more light to hit the stone. It also maximizes the diamond’s brilliance. A high setting can increase the amount of light and brilliance a diamond emits. This helps since emerald-cut diamonds give off less sparkle than other cuts.
Low Setting Profile
The stone is nestled close to the finger. It is often enclosed in a bezel or basket setting that secures the diamond tightly.
A low setting provides more security to the diamond. This also makes it less prone to damage. This setting is much more ideal for smaller emerald-cut diamonds in solitaire settings.
Conclusion
An emerald-cut diamond is the right choice for people who want a sophisticated engagement ring. This ring has a classic grace and an understated elegance with it.
Every kind of diamond cut has their advantages and disadvantages in terms of popularity, clarity, color and its overall design. An emerald-cut diamond is not exempt in this regard.
You should make the right decision before purchasing a diamond-cut ring. Knowing everything about emerald-cut diamonds will help you to decide whether this is the right cut for you.
Emerald-cut diamonds have an elegant shape and unique step cuts. They are a remarkable choice for people who want large-looking diamonds, and do not want to pay a hefty price.