Complete Emerald Cut Diamonds Buying Guide

 

Key Takeaways:

• Emerald cut diamonds are among the most popular diamond shapes. They are different because of their classic and antique nature. They have a step-cut with only 58 facets. If you are looking for something elegant, go for an emerald cut diamond.
• Since emerald cut diamonds have open facets on the table, we recommend that you prioritize the clarity grade in emerald cut diamonds. Go for VS2/SI1 at a minimum.
• A good square alternative of the emerald cut diamonds is Asscher Cut Diamonds.
• While a length-to-width ratio of 1.3-1.55 is standard, we generally prefer the 1.4-1.5 range. Make sure that you know what you prefer.
• In terms of cut, a depth of 59-69% and a table of 58-72% is recommended. See the chart below for accurate numbers.
• We recommend AGS and GIA as the top labs. Make sure that you buy a GIA-graded diamond.
• In terms of prioritizing the 4Cs, consider an option like this if you want a pure investment-grade diamond in the high-quality range (example 1). If you want to maximize both quality and carat weight, consider something like this (option 2). It will be a good option if you do not mind compromising slightly on quality to maximize the size (example 3). Finally, another option could be to compromise on color to maximize cut, clarity, and carat weight if the budget is an issue and you want a big diamond (example 4).
• Here is the list of our top websites for buying diamonds and engagement rings online to consider. 

Overview:

Cutting diamonds into an emerald shape dates to the 13-14th century when diamonds were beginning to make their way to popular culture. The modern emerald cut diamond has 58 facets, roughly 25 on the crown, 25 on the pavilion, and 8 on the girdle with 3 rows each of bottom and top steps. These luminous gems feature step-cut (or trap-cut) because it has rows of facets different from other fancy cut shapes. These facets are arranged in rectilinear style parallel to the girdle, typically in a staircase form, hence the name step-cut.

Usually, the corners of diamonds are the weakest points for a typical stone, but emerald cut diamonds beautifully address this concern. The emerald cut diamond features a keel running through the pavilion terminus that is not available in other diamond cuts.

During the Art Deco period, many of the antique jewelry pieces featured step-cut styles, which is why diamond lovers today are keen to recapture the aesthetics of that time. If you love the classic style typically found in antique jewelry, choosing an emerald cut diamond will not be a bad idea.

Analyzing the Cut:

We find it very useful to play with James Allen's 3D Video Technology and compare the 360-degree videos of different emerald cut diamonds to figure out how the following proportions and different length to width ratios affect the visual appearance of a stone. Try to play with their filter to get a good sense of what to prioritize in terms of cut.

Depth % Poor/Fair: <52.5 or > 80 / 74.6 - 80 Good: 57 - 59 / 71- 74.5 Very Good: 58-61/67.4-70.1 Excellent: 61.3 - 67	Table % Poor/Fair: <50 or >80/50-52.5 or 75.5-80 Good: 53-57/74 Very Good: 58-61/71 Excellent: 62-70
Culet Poor/Fair: Very Large/Large Good: Slightly large Very Good: Medium/Very Small Excellent: None	Girdle Poor/Fair: Ex. Thin – Ex. Thick Good: Very thin - thick Very Good: Very thin - slightly thick  Excellent: Very thin - slightly thick
Length to Width Ratio for Square Shape Poor/Fair: >1.09 /1.07-1.09 Good: 1.05-1.06 Very Good: 1.00-1.04 Excellent: 1.00-1.04	Length to Width Ratio for Rectangular Shape Poor/Fair: >1.90 /1.81-1.90 Good: 1.20-1.29/1.63-1.80 Very Good: 1.30-1.38/1.51-1.70 Excellent: 1.39-1.50

The chart above serves as a general guideline when evaluating the cut of an emerald cut diamond. The length to width ratio of 1.50 is considered the classic cut for a rectangular-shaped emerald cut diamond. However, the recent trend is towards a square shape with a ratio of 1.30. Consult Petra Gems for precise measurements and the length to width ratio of these elegant diamonds.

Evaluating Color:

Like evaluating the color in other diamond shapes, color in an emerald cut diamond is critical. The higher the color grade, the better. In our experience, many buyers prefer the warmer colors over the colorless colors given the price difference. The warmer colors refer to the near colorless range of G-I color diamonds in the color spectrum, while the colorless ones to D-F color diamonds. The price premium for a lower color grade emerald cut diamond would be significantly lower. Since the body of emerald cut diamonds is large and contains open facets, choosing a higher color grade is recommended when buying an emerald cut diamond.

For more detailed information on the color of the emerald cut diamond, use the table below:

< 0.50 Carat Poor/Far: >M/ L-M Good: I Very Good: G-H Excellent: D-G	0.51 – 1.0 Carat Poor/Fair: J-K / >L Good: I Very Good: H Excellent: D-G
1.0 – 2.0 Carat Poor/Fair: H-I / >I Good: J/I Very Good: G-H Excellent: D-F	>2.0 Carat Poor/Fair: H-I / >I Good: H-I Very Good: F-G Excellent: D-E
Florescence Poor/Fair: Very Strong/Strong Good: Medium  Very Good: Faint Excellent: None

Choosing Clarity:

Given that emerald cut diamonds have open facets, we recommend buying a slightly higher clarity emerald cut diamond. Each one of our customers has a unique standard for clarity and color. Some want a flawless diamond, while others are perfectly comfortable with inclusions if they are not noticeable to the naked eye. The GIA provides excellent help with their clarity grades. You can use it to choose an emerald cut diamond that will meet your standards.

SI1 would be an outstanding balance of price and appearance in an emerald cut. You can also consider buying VS2 for a comparable choice.

< 0.50 Carat Poor/Far: >I1/ I1 Good: SI1-SI2 Very Good: SI1-SI2 Excellent: FL-VS1	0.51 – 1.0 Carat Poor/Fair: I1-I3 Good: SI1-SI2 Very Good: VS2-SI1 Excellent: FL-VS1
1.0 – 2.0 Carat Poor/Fair: I1 / >I1 Good: SI2 Very Good: SI1/ VS2 Excellent: FL-VS1	>2.0 Carat Poor/Fair: I3/II1 Good: SI2 Very Good: SI1/VS2 Excellent: FL-VS1

Budget Constraints:

The following options are suggested regarding carat weight, cut, color, and clarity for people with budget constraints.

Excellent Choice:

• At least 1.0 carats in Weight
• Very Good to Excellent Polish and Symmetry
• G or above in Color
• SI1 or above in Clarity
• No Fluorescence
• Length/width ratios: 0.95 - 1.05 for square or 1.5 to 1.60 for a rectangular shape

Very Good Choice:

• At least 0.90 carats in Weight
• Good to Excellent Polish and Symmetry
• H or above in Color
• SI1 or above in Clarity
• None, faint or medium blue Fluorescence
• Length/width ratios: 0.95-1.05 for square or 1.45 to 1.65 for rectangular shape

Good Choice:

• At least 0.80 Carats in Weight
• Good to Very Good Polish and Symmetry
• I or above in Color
• SI1 or above in Clarity
• None, faint or medium blue Fluorescence
• Length/width ratios: 0.95-1.05 for square or 1.4-to 1.68 for rectangular shape