Emerald Cut Diamonds: Ask A Diamond Expert

What Is An Emerald Cut Diamond?

Emerald cut diamonds have a rectangular shape with clean, long, symmetrical step-cut facets. Emerald cuts are very dimensional and highlight the center of the diamond. They tend to reflect light in a way that creates a mesmerizing “hall of mirrors” effect.

Emerald cut diamonds are also one of the rarest and oldest shapes. “Emerald cuts have a long history that dates back to the 1500s when lapidarist's developed the cut to prevent accidental chipping or breakage during the faceting process of emeralds,” explains Queena Chang, Graduate Gemologist.

Why Should You Choose Emerald Cut Diamonds?

There are numerous reasons to choose an Emerald cut diamond. To start, Emerald diamonds boast a different type of shine than other popular diamond cuts. Most popular diamond shapes have brilliant and fire cuts while emerald diamonds have a step-cut. This allows them to reflect light differently, creating a unique and stunning shine.

Additionally, Emerald diamonds are generally more affordable than Round cut diamonds, even though Emerald cuts are often rarer diamonds. Plus, Emerald cut diamonds usually appear larger, with a slenderizing effect for your fingers.

Overall, Emerald cut diamonds are a timeless shape with a classic yet contemporary feel. If you’re looking for a cut that conveys confidence and timeless elegance, Emerald cuts are a wonderful choice.

Why Are Emerald Cut Diamonds Popular?

“Emerald Diamonds became abundantly popular during the Art Deco era due to their geometric shape and long facets. They are still popular today, as they bring a striking shine to diamonds that isn't seen in brilliant or mixed cuts,” says Chang.

Since Emerald cuts are so historic, some may wonder if they are a little bit old-fashioned. Thankfully, Emerald cuts are anything but. “I wouldn't say that Emerald cuts are old fashioned at all, as they have their own appeal of showcasing the qualities of a diamond,” Chang continues.

Emerald cut diamonds have a vintage feel that never looks dated. They have remained a popular shape since their creation, never going out of style.

Are Emerald Cut Diamonds A Popular Shape for Engagement or Wedding Rings?

Emerald diamonds are a wonderful cut for engagement rings. Their elegant shape uniquely demands attention, with subtle glamor and captivating shine. Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are often seen on the fingers of celebrities, furthering their popularity through the ages. Since Emerald cut diamonds tend to appear larger and elongate the finger, they make an excellent choice for an engagement ring.

Emerald cut diamonds can also be used to create a lovely wedding ring. If you’re looking for women's wedding rings featuring Emerald cut VRAI created diamonds, consider the Five-stone band, the Tetrad Ring, or an Emerald Eternity Band.

Are Emerald Cut Diamonds More Expensive?

Emerald diamonds can be less expensive than other popular diamond shapes of the same quality. Emerald cut diamonds are consistently less expensive than Rund Brilliant cuts, for example. This has nothing to do with their quality, but rather with demand as Round Brilliants are the most popular diamond shape in the world.

That being said, the cost of an Emerald cut diamond will greatly depend on the diamond 4Cs. Emerald cuts don’t hide inclusions in the way an Oval cut diamond with brilliant facets does. Referencing the 4Cs and prioritizing clarity, will ensure a high-quality emerald cut.

Our VRAI Diamond Experts can guide you through the process of selecting a pristine VRAI created Emerald cut diamond within your budget.

How Many Facets Are In An Emerald Cut Diamond?

All VRAI created Emerald cut diamonds have 49 rectangular facets. Their step cut helps attract and reflect light to create a generous shine.

How Many Millimeters Is A 1-carat Emerald Cut Diamond?

“Generally, a 1.00ct Emerald cut tends to be 7.00x5.00mm, but this can vary depending on the length-to-width ratio of the diamond,” Chang explains.

How Large Do Emerald Cut Diamonds Appear?

Emerald cut diamonds often appear larger than they are, thanks to their elongated shape. A 1-carat emerald cut diamond attracts plenty of attention but a Halo or Signature Bezel setting can make Emeralds look even bigger.

How Large Do Emerald Cut Diamonds Appear At Higher Carat Weights?

Emerald cut diamonds can appear larger and even more stunning at higher carat weights.

If you’re interested in buying a diamond, you can use VRAI’s size guide to see how your ring will look on your hand. You can do this by selecting your favorite VRAI created Emerald cut diamond and then using the size chart to compare what it will look like at higher carat weights. This is an easy way to see what carat weight you prefer, such as a 2-carat emerald cut diamond or a 3-carat emerald cut diamond.

Do Emerald Diamonds Look Bigger Compared to Other Diamond Shapes?

Emerald cut diamonds will look larger than certain diamond shapes, including the Round Brilliant cut. When compared to other elongated shapes, like Oval and Marquise, Emerald cuts may look similar in size.

How Do Emerald Cut Diamonds Compare To Other Shapes?

There are certain factors to take into consideration when choosing an Emerald cut diamond over other diamond shapes.

Since Emerald diamonds don’t hide inclusions in the same way that brilliant cut diamonds do, it’s important to choose a quality Emerald cut diamond like VRAI created Emerald diamonds.

Overall, Emerald diamonds boast a stunning and unique brilliance, often appear larger, and can be more affordable, than other shapes.

Emerald Cut Diamonds vs Princess Cut Diamonds

Emerald and Princess cut diamonds have some similarities with several key differences. While they both have a distinct, linear shape, Emerald cuts are elongated and rectangular while Princess cuts are square with square corners.

Emerald cuts have a step cut while Princess cuts have a brilliant cut. Both cuts are popular and beautiful, with their own stunning shine and appearance.

Emerald Cut Diamonds vs Baguette Diamonds

“Emerald cuts and Baguettes both are step cuts, meaning that they feature long flat facets that reflect the light in larger flashes, “ Chang explains. “The main difference is that Emerald cuts are Octagonal, not rectangular, so the corners are cut at an angle. Baguettes are truly rectangular, and tend to be much longer and thinner.”

Baguette diamonds are ideal for fine jewelry while Emerald diamonds are perfect for center diamonds.

What Are The Best Emerald Cut Diamond Settings?

The best setting for an emerald cut diamond is the setting that you prefer. Certain settings, however, can help highlight your Emerald cut diamond. A Cathedral setting, for example, will lift the Emerald diamond, which makes it appear larger.

You can find our most popular and beloved settings for VRAI created emerald diamonds below.

Classic Emerald Cut Engagement Ring Settings

“The Emerald Classic is perfect for showcasing a single Emerald as the star of the show and is the perfect option if you are considering a larger center diamond,” says Chang.

Multi-Stone Emerald Cut Engagement Ring Settings

“The Five Stone Heirloom, Three Stone Emerald with Emerald Sides, and Three Stone Emerald with Tapered Baguette Sides are also fantastic choices if you prefer a setting that has antique influences with a modern twist,” describes Chang.

Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Settings

Emerald cut diamond engagement ring settings greatly depend on your taste and style. Some of the most popular settings for Emerald engagement rings are Halo, Solitaire, and Three Stone. Three stone and halo settings will help your Emerald cut look larger while a solitaire setting will enhance the elegance of the shape.

What Are Popular Emerald Diamond Jewelry Styles?

Emerald cut diamonds are wonderful options for fine jewelry. Some popular emerald diamond jewelry styles include Emerald diamond rings, Emerald diamond earrings, and Emerald diamond necklaces.

Speak with A Diamond Expert About VRAI Created Emerald Diamonds

Whether you’re looking for a VRAI created customizable Emerald engagement ring or a timeless piece of fine jewelry, our Diamond Experts are here to help. You can book an appointment with a VRAI Diamond Expert to explore our vast, high-quality selection of lab-grown diamonds.