When you decide to buy a diamond, many questions come to your mind. Choosing the right one will depend on your style, preferences, and budget. If you fell in love with the classic and unique Emerald cut diamond but still have some doubts about it, we have all the answers to your questions.
What is an Emerald cut diamond?
An Emerald diamond consists of a rectangular shape with 57 step facets and cut-off corners. It has three rows of steps above and another three below. This cut leaves a large and bright table. Light is reflected through its long lines like flashes, rather than the bright sparkles a round diamond provides.
The long shape of an Emerald cut diamond is flattering and versatile. Its geometric lines are classic in a unique way and can inspire all types of designs. I recommend this cut if you are looking for elegance and a large looking stone.
History of Emerald diamonds.
Emerald cut diamonds have increased their popularity in recent years. They come as a sophisticated and classic piece of jewelry. But its origins can be traced to over 500 years. Created for Emeralds, stoneworkers discovered that this process prevented chips in the stones due to the little pressure applied during the cutting process.
By the 1920s, the emerald cut was highly known. It quickly became the most popular cut due to the rise of art deco, which was characterized by geometric, symmetrical, and simple lines. Since then, the Emerald cut has remained as one of the classic choices for diamonds.
Considering buying Emerald diamonds? Here is what you should know.
Buying a diamond requires knowledge, and we have all the information you need to make the right choice. Every cut has its pros and cons. It would help if you got to know the specifications before buying a unique Emerald diamond.
The cut
The unique appearance of the Emerald cut has its origins in the positioning of the step cuts. 57 cuts facets, 25 on the top, 24 on the bottom, and 8 at the girdle. Corners are rounded to provide stability to the stone. This cut offers an untraditional reflection of light, and the large surface table allows to display the clarity of the stone.
The color
When we refer to a diamond’s color, we are talking about the amount of yellow tint a diamond has. This attribute is more noticeable in an Emerald cut, and the large table allows the eye to notice the yellow tint.
The classification of color in diamonds goes from the letter D to Z, being D colorless and Z the most yellow or brown tinted. We recommend for Emerald cut an H or lower grade. You do not need to spend more on a lower grade since the human eye will not notice a clear difference.
From a grade I and higher, you will start to notice the traces of yellow color. Remember that this cut shows the color more than others because their mirror-like facets do not cover color with sparkles of light.
Emerald cut vs. cushion cut.
The cushion cut is known to be a softer type of cut. With rounded edges and more rainbow-colored flashes than any other cut, this style usually comes in a square or rectangular shape. They can be modern or vintage, depending on the setting you choose. An emerald cut will have more of a classic look and a discrete shine.
Emerald cut vs. round brilliant.
Honoring its name, round brilliant has 58 cuts specifically made to reflect white light and increase the brilliance of a diamond. It is a classic cut, and you can incorporate it into many different settings that will look flawless.
It is extremely popular due to its beauty, brilliance, and versatility. The emerald cut has a timeless appearance and vintage look.
Emerald cut vs. radiant cut.
Radian cut is a recent design introduced in the 1970s. This cut is a combination of round brilliant and emerald cut. With its 70 facets, you get the best of both outstanding brilliance and the resistance of an emerald cut.
It will be the best choice if you look for emerald shape and durability but in a sparkly version. Emerald, on the other hand, has a rare beauty and a less brilliant look.
Emerald cut vs. princess cut.
One of the most popular choices for engagement rings is princess cut diamonds. A square shape is the main characteristic of this cut.
It does not have a specific number of facets, so that you will find different options. Its brilliance is high but not outstanding. The emerald cut has more durability since it has rounded corners, while the princess cut has a weak point in the corners, you should always look for prongs to protect them when choosing a princess cut diamond.
Are Emerald cut diamonds so expensive?
The emerald cut is known to be affordable. One of the main reasons is that there is little waste in the polish and cutting process. Low demand for this cut helps too in keeping it affordable. You will find it to be less expensive than a round brilliant cut, for example.
But there are also a couple of details to consider when purchasing an emerald cut diamond. Due to its glassy look, color and inclusions are very visible. You should buy a high-quality diamond with great clarity and color.
The setting of a diamond should enhance the beauty of the cut you choose. For emerald cut, you need to find the right setting that displays your diamond’s long and elegant geometry. It will all come down to your style, but here are some of the most beautiful settings.
- Solitaire. When you have a unique and high-quality diamond, you do not need anything else to make it stand out. All there is to choose is the metal you will pair it with.
- Pave. If solitaire is too simple for you, I highly recommend you complement your emerald cut diamond with a pave band. It brings a sparkly touch without taking the shine of your main stone.
- Three-stone. What can go better with an emerald cut diamond than another two stones? This setting is the classic art-deco style. Your emerald cut diamond will look amazing with another two emerald cut stones. A square or rectangle shape always works well.
How to buy an Emerald cut diamond.
When you decide to buy this type of diamond, you need to choose a high-quality stone. This cut does not hide imperfections because of the large table that acts like a big window. Here is what to take into consideration when buying your diamond.
Depth percentage means how deep the cut of your diamond is. A large percentage means that most of the carat weight is not visible. It is carried on the bottom of the stone. Look for a 67% or lower to assure you are paying for what is visible.
Clarity is determined by the number of imperfections or inclusions a diamond has. Look for a VS2 classification for the best value without spending too much money. VS2 is in the middle of the classification range. Imperfections will most likely be too small for the naked eyed.
Color, as written before, can range from colorless or white to yellowish or champagne tone. Classification goes from D to Z. For the best quality-price relation. We recommend H grade. You can go for better classification, such as D to F, but you will not see the difference unless you are a diamond expert, and it will be more expensive.
What to look for in Emerald diamonds.
A diamond’s value is determined by the four C’s: carat, color, clarity, and cut. Here is a guide on what to look at to find the perfect emerald cut diamond.
Carat
The weight of the stone is measured in carat. Each carat equals 0.02 grams. The weight determines the size of the stone. Look for the proper size for the setting you prefer. Solitaire can be small and still stand out. When you want a three-stone setting, your main diamond should be larger to stand from the other two.
Color
I prefer a colorless stone, as this characteristic is very visible for an emerald cut. You should pick anything from D to H. Grades I to Z will look yellow tinted.
Clarity
Imperfections on a diamond determine the level of clarity a diamond has. The classification includes 9 designations from internally flawless to visible, noticeable inclusions. Pick a diamond with VS2 or higher designation to ensure your emerald cut diamond looks flawless.
Cut
The quality of the cut is measured according to the symmetry, finish, and proportions. There is no consensus or grade designation for this characteristic. But some of the points that make a high-quality emerald cut are:
Depth between 61% and 67%
Table percentage of 61-69
Cutlet from very small to none.
Conclusion
You can now make an informed purchase of an Emerald cut diamond. As you were able to read, this cut has a large history and many positive points. It is a classic cut that will always look elegant and beautiful. Just make sure you are buying a quality stone with the correct specifications; this will ensure your diamond looks as unique and amazing as you envisioned it.