Complete Emerald Cut Diamonds Buying Guide

 

Key Takeaways:

• Emerald cut diamonds are among the most popular diamond shapes. They are different in that they are classic and antique, having 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; VS2/SI1 should be the bare minimum.
• A good square alternative to an emerald cut diamond is an Asscher Cut Diamond.
• While a length-to-width ratio of 1.3-1.55 is normal, we generally prefer the 1.4-1.5 range. Make sure that you know your preference.
• 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, although you will be better off buying 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). This 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 making 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 of bottom steps and three rows of top steps. These luminous gems feature step-cut (or trap-cut) because they have 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. Also, an 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 antique jewelry pieces featured step-cut styles, which is why today diamond lovers are keen to recapture the aesthetics of the 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:

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. Moreover, use 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 with 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 warmer colors over colorless colors given the price difference. In the color spectrum, warmer colors refer to the near colorless range of G-I color diamonds while colorless colors refer 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:

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

SI1 would be a great 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 in terms of 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