What is An Emerald Cut Diamond

What is Emerald Cut Diamond

Emerald cut diamonds have an elongated rectangular shape and a well-defined step cut, with straight facets—usually arranged parallel to the gemstone. In order to increase stability and prevent cracking, the corners of emerald cut diamonds are usually cut.

Emerald cut diamonds evoke elegance, strength and modern tradition. Emerald-cut rings are rare, eye-catching and distinctive, suitable for confident women. If you are looking for a diamond and are not sure what shape to choose for it, then you must consider the emerald cut.

The name of this cut stems from the fact that it was originally only used for emeralds. Since it is suitable for diamonds, the emerald cut has grown into one of the top ten diamond cuts.

Origin

The history of "emerald cut diamonds" or "emerald shaped diamonds" can be traced back to the 1500s, when masonry first began to cut real emeralds into rectangles. Emerald gems (unlike diamonds) are soft and easy to break, but a stonecutter found that "tepped" facets make them more stable. The stepped facets are arranged in parallel along the length of the gemstone, reminiscent of the steps of an Aztec temple.

The term "step cut" refers to any gemstone that has these parallel, receding lines, and diamonds that follow the same pattern as the original rectangular emeralds are now called "emerald cut diamonds." Modern emerald cut diamonds have 58 facets, about 25 on the crown, 25 on the pavilion, 8 on the waist, and 3 rows of bottom and top steps.

Clarity

Perhaps the most unique and fascinating feature of an emerald cut diamond is its larger open table (top surface area). The table is made up of parallel facets, which instantly draws the eyes to the center of the stone. Because of this, clarity is very important in this particular diamond cut.

Because the pavilion (the sloping part of the diamond at the bottom) and the crown (the upper diamond at the top of the girdle) are relatively shallow, step-cut gems are usually not as bright and hot as brilliant-cut stones. On the contrary, they accentuate the clarity of the diamond, because even the slightest imperfections will be very obvious. Most importantly, check all possible emerald cut diamonds carefully to make sure they look clean to the naked eye.

Color

Because the lines of the shape are clean and clear, unlike the brilliant cut, the emerald cut tends to show color. However, when deciding on the correct color grade, it is important to know that there is no right or wrong choice.

Compared with other cuts, emerald cut diamonds have large and open facets, making it easier to develop color, especially diamonds of 1.5 carats or more. Diamonds from D to F show almost the same color, but if you look closely at the emerald cut from H to I, you will see how the warmer colors can be easily displayed:

Cut

GIA does not grade the cut of emerald shape diamonds (they only grade polish and symmetry). The retailer will not let you choose the cutting standard because there is none. Choose emerald cut diamonds with excellent polish and excellent symmetry grade for the most sparkle.

Length-to-width Ratio

Determine the desired aspect ratio. Intuitively, this ratio is derived by dividing the length of the diamond by its width. Depending on the aspect ratio, emerald diamonds can be elongated rectangular or nearly square in shape. The classic emerald cut is usually between 1.30 and 1.60, most buyers choose 1.50. If you prefer the appearance of a square emerald cut diamond, be sure to also consider an Ascher cut (the appearance is very similar, GIA defines it as a square cut emerald).

Carat Weight

The price of emerald cut diamonds can vary greatly from one carat to the next in weight. Focus on finding diamonds with the right proportions, polish and symmetry within the carat weight range you want.

Three Settings

It is also important to consider your settings. Some more refined designs, such as this three-stone design, will soften the edges of the emerald diamond and give it a more square appearance.

Solitaire

A solitaire ring allows a lot of light to shine on the diamond, magnifying the “hall of mirrors” effect of the well-proportioned emerald cut. Perfectly show the unique style of emerald diamonds.

Pave

The pavé setting will make your ring more prominent without losing the emerald cut diamond as the centerpiece. The accent diamonds adds some charm to the ring, while enhancing the fire of the center stone.

Three Stones

For fans of retro-style designs, we recommend three stones setting with side baguettes, which exude an elegant and timeless look. The tapered rectangular side stone also helps to highlight the main stone by drawing your eyes to the main stone.

Emerald-cut diamonds provide elegant shapes and unique step cuts, their clean and elegant appearance has proven to be timeless. The emerald cut is an extraordinary choice for those who want a larger diamond at a low price, because compared with other cuts of the same carat weight, it will provide a greater appearance on the hand.

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