What is an emerald cut diamond? 

What is an emerald cut diamond?

There is a large amount of different diamond cuts available to choose from when it comes to jewellery and engagement rings, but the emerald cut diamond has garnered immense popularity for its unique and sophisticated appearance. Here, we get into the distinctive characteristics of the diamond, its pros and cons, and the best ring styles to complement this shape. 

What defines an emerald cut diamond? 

The emerald cut diamond is renowned for its rectangular shape and chiselled step cuts, which create a mirror-like effect known as the “hall of mirrors.” This cut originally gained popularity in the 1920s during the Art Deco era and became popular due to its clean lines and symmetry. The emerald cut typically features 57 or 58 facets, with truncated corners that enhance its elongated appearance. 

Pros of emerald cut diamonds 

There are many pros to choosing this beautiful, vintage-style diamond shape, such as: 

• Unique: The emerald cut‘s step-cut facets and elongated shape offer a distinct and sophisticated look, setting it apart from other diamond cuts. 
• Enhanced clarity: The large table and open facets of the emerald cut highlight the diamond’s clarity, making inclusions and colour tints more noticeable. This necessitates a higher clarity grade, ensuring you receive a stone of exceptional quality. As long as you have a stone of good quality, the emerald cut will really enhance its beauty. 
• Vintage appeal: The emerald cut’s association with the Art Deco era gives it a timeless and vintage charm, perfect for those seeking a classic and elegant aesthetic. 
• Flattering on the finger: The elongated shape of the emerald cut diamond creates a flattering illusion of length and slenderness on the wearer’s finger.  

Cons of emerald cut diamonds:

There aren’t many cons when it comes to emerald cut diamonds, but there are a few things to consider, such as: 

• Less brilliance: Due to its step-cut facets, the emerald cut diamond does not exhibit the same level of brilliance and fire as other cuts like the round brilliant. Essentially, it’s less sparkly than a round diamond. 
• Visible inclusions: The large table and open facets make inclusions and colour more noticeable. This means that you’ll need a higher clarity and colour grade for your diamond for it to look good – so you might need to opt for a more expensive diamond.  

The best ring styles for emerald cut diamonds 

Love the emerald cut and want to show it off? Here are the best ring styles to maximise your diamond cut: 

• Solitaire setting: The simplicity of a solitaire setting allows the emerald cut diamond to take centre stage. 
• Halo setting: A halo of smaller diamonds encircling the emerald cut stone enhances its size and brilliance. Because an emerald cut sparkles slightly less than other cuts, adding a halo of diamonds can give it the sparkling appearance you might be looking for. 
• Three-stone setting: Pairing the emerald cut diamond with side stones adds depth and dimension, emphasising the cut’s clean lines. 
• Pavé setting: Similarly to a halo setting, a pavé band complements the emerald cut and adds a touch of sparkle and glamour to your ring. 

Looking for your dream emerald cut ring?

Take a look at our beautiful selection of emerald cut diamond engagement rings here. Emerald cuts not really your thing? Read our guides to other popular diamond shapes – such as round cut, oval cut and cushion cut.