Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are one of the biggest engagement ring trends we're seeing right now. Graceful and enduringly glamorous, the emerald cut remains one of the most sought-after fancy shapes for engagement rings. Boasting elegance and a timeless yet contemporary edge, the emerald cut is as versatile as it is chic, offering many different ways to work this iconic shape into your style.
Beloved by the A-list, iconic emerald cuts have adorned the likes of Grace Kelly, Jennifer Lopez, Liz Taylor, Beyoncé, and Amal Clooney to name a few. The versatility of this stunning diamond cut makes for a sparkling array of options, from minimalist to maximalist, vintage to contemporary, subtle to statement. Long story short, there’s an emerald-cut engagement ring for every style.
The emerald cut is one of the oldest diamond shapes, originating in the 1500s when stonecutters would cut actual emeralds into the distinctive rectangular shape. Rectangle cut engagement rings are today known as emerald cut engagement rings for this reason.
The rectangle cut helped reduce pressure during the cutting process and prevented chips in the emerald, which is a very soft stone. Diamond cutters eventually adopted this technique, and in the 1920s, the emerald cut diamond was created. The era of Art Deco and flapper girls, the emerald cut diamond became synonymous with the clean lines and symmetry that was so in vogue during this period.
Why Choose an Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring?
Emerald cut diamonds are loved for their understated, yet classic beauty. With their long lines and satisfying symmetry, emerald cut diamonds are an elongated rectangular shape, which has elegant vintage vibes but with a modern clean, contemporary edge.
Emerald cut diamonds feature chiseled step cuts and straight, parallel linear facets to create a different diamond fire effect to other shapes. With a greater surface area than other shapes such as round brilliant cut, this makes the diamond appear larger, while the liner facets give it a mirror-like shine, with flashes of both white and colored light.
And, with its elongated shape, it’s a flattering diamond cut, helping to create a slender effect on the finger.
Because of its large surface area, the emerald cut diamond is thought to be symbolic of its wearer having an open heart. Refined, innately glamorous, and truly timeless, the emerald cut diamond delivers some serious presence without looking too fussy or ornate, making it a popular choice for minimalists and those looking to make a statement.
Making a stunning solo stone, emerald cut diamonds work well as solitaire settings, and can also be enhanced by a halo or bloom of additional diamonds to boost the sparkle factor. They can also be three-stone engagement settings for an Art Deco mood.
Emerald Cut Engagement Rings: A Hall of Mirrors
The elongated facets of an emerald cut engagement ring are utterly alluring, but they also create a hall of mirrors effect. A flaw in any part of the ring will be seen throughout, which is why the craftsmanship of an emerald cut engagement ring is so important; it's so difficult to craft to perfection. At TACORI, our master artisans have meticulously honed the art of setting an emerald cut engagement ring with strong but delicate prongs, which allows the diamond to shine without distortion from the surrounding metal.
How To Choose an Emerald Cut Diamond
The Gemological Institute of America does not certify emerald cut diamonds - in fact, it only certifies round-brilliant diamonds. So while there are no set standards fancy cut diamonds, jewelers have identified certain proportions and characteristics that make an emerald cut diamond more desirable.
Clarity
Emerald cut diamonds should have a clarity of VVS2 or higher. The parallel faceting and step cut of the this shape means that that you can often see far into the body of the diamond; light isn't bent and doesn't obscure the interior as much as it does with the complex faceting of a round-brilliant diamond. While this emphasizes the clarity of the diamond, it simultaneously displays inclusions, even deep into the body.
Color
An emerald cut should have as white appearance as possible, so aim for a color of G or better. But because personal preference is everything, keep in mind that some people prefer the warmer tones of an H diamond.
Length and Width
The length, width, and depth of an emerald cut determine whether your emerald cut is closer to a square or a rectangle. A classic emerald cut ratio falls between 1.44 - 1.55, but it truly comes down to your personal preference. A ratio of 1.6 will be a longer emerald cut, and a ratio of 1.3 will become a shorter emerald cut.
Depth Ratio
The depth percentage, is the ratio of it's depth to it's diameter, is a great tool for determining how the length, width, and depth of a certain emerald cut diamond will affect it's light play. For an emerald cut, the optimal depth ratio should be fall between 60-70%.
If an emerald cut is too deep, much of the diamond's weight will be hidden beneath the surface. This means that the diamond will look smaller than it actually is, even if the carat weight is substantial. And, a deep emerald cut will cause light to escape out the sides of the stone, rather than reflecting back into the eye of the wearer. In other words, it's sparkle will be diminished.
And if an emerald cut is too shallow, that coveted hall of mirrors effect will be negatively impacted. A shallow emerald cut diamond will look flat and boring.
Key Considerations For Emerald Cut Diamonds
Know the price of an emerald cut
An emerald cut diamond aren't always more expensive than if you were to choose a round brilliant diamond. When the shape is cut from a raw diamond, there is far less of the stone wasted, which can bring down the price. However, you have to be sure that the diamond used is a high quality one. Therefore, you might want to spend little bit more to ensure a high quality diamond than you would if you were purchasing a more faceted cut.
Watch out for the bowtie effect
Although bowtie effects aren't common in emerald cut diamonds, if your diamond does have one, it's probably quite visible. Check a diamond for the bowtie effect by looking at it under different lighting conditions and various angles before purchasing.
Is emerald the shape for you? If so, take a look at our lineup of favorite emerald cut diamond engagement rings:
The Three Stone Emerald
There's room for more than just one emerald cut diamond. This threes tone ring features an emerald cut center stone and two emerald cut side stones, set atop the utterly romantic Lunetta Crescent Fabric. Why not go for three times the emerald?
The Modern Emerald
A beautiful emerald cut diamond solitaire for the minimalist seeking a classic engagement ring, with a touch of hidden details beneath the crown. Designed by our founder, Haig Tacorian, it features a four-prong emerald cut center stone, with a hidden bloom nestled just underneath to enhance its side profile with subtle sparkle. A high-polish band and diamond studded signature Crescent at the resting point of the ring keeps it elegant and refined.
Want to find the right wedding band for your diamond engagement ring? Take a look at these emerald cut ring sets.
A Simple Emerald Solitaire
This SimplyTACORI emerald cut diamond engagement ring complements the clean lines the emerald cut, with it's own clean and modern aesthetic from the arial perspective. But beneath the crown, diamond-studded Crescents add intricate detailing and a little extra radiance.
Simply TACORI Emerald Cut Solitaire
STYLE 2668E
The Pavé and Emerald Cut Setting
Pavé traces up the ceiling to the emerald cut center stone decorated with a hidden bloom beneath the crown. This ring combines the fire of an emerald cut with the traditional sparkle of round-brilliant diamonds. It's the best of both worlds.
Pavé Emerald Cut Solitaire
STYLE HT2581
Diamond Cuts Guide:
Oval Cut Engagement Rings Guide
The Marquise Cut Engagement Ring
The Princess Cut Engagement Rings
Cushion Cut Engagement Rings Guide
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Guide