But finding that one perfect stone to include in a jewelry piece that may last for generations can feel like you're digging for a diamond yourself. Fortunately, the solution is singular: the emerald cut diamond.
So, what is an emerald cut diamond, and what more do you need to know before adorning your next piece with one?
The mine of information surrounding diamond cuts can be confusing, but don’t worry—we’re here to talk about the true power and class an emerald cut diamond brings to the table. For one, an emerald cut diamond is indeed a real diamond and not an emerald—but there’s so much more to know about one of the most timeless diamond cuts around.
What is an Emerald Cut Diamond?
An emerald cut diamond is the quintessential rectangular diamond option. With long, angular facets and gently beveled corners, the emerald cut is a classic go-to for those who want both the striking appearance of a large, geometric diamond and the softness of sloped edges.1 Additionally, such craftsmanship often has many wondering: are emerald cut diamonds more expensive?
Like baguette cut diamonds, emerald cut diamonds are formed by step cuts. The step cutting style makes for exclusively rectangular facets in the shape of descending steps. To achieve the diamond’s sharp angular facets, only a few parallel step cuts are needed to build the emerald cut’s trademark charm and clarity. This forms a uniquely wide surface area, making the emerald cut diamond appear much larger than differently cut diamonds of the same carat weight.2
The emerald cut diamond soared in popularity during the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 30s, when high glamor and sophistication were often beautifully married together. As a result of its reputation, the emerald cut diamond enjoys a long lineage amongst royalty.3 Nowadays, you can find emerald cuts in both vintage-inspired and modern designs found especially in fashion rings, stud earrings, and solitaire rings.
Durability of the Emerald Cut Diamond
If you’re in the market for diamonds, their durability is most likely a chief concern—and rightfully so. For such an investment, you’d want to make sure they’ll stand up to the test of time. Thankfully, the emerald cut is equipped with a key quality that saves it from some of the everyday wear that other diamond cuts regularly see.
Emerald Cut Corners
The emerald cut diamond’s signature trimmed corners lend it a good deal of safety:
- Snag-free wear – Compared to cuts with sharp, untapered corners, emerald cuts don’t snag as easily on passing things like clothing and hair. Not only does this mean a comfortable jewelry piece (crucial for everyday use, as with a wedding ring), but it also preserves the picture-perfect perimeter of your diamond.
- Strong and sturdy – Moreover, these softened diagonal corners are much more capable of withstanding impact that could otherwise cause damage. This is due to an evening out of force along the multifaceted corners. If your emerald cut diamond gets dealt a little bump or knocking, you can be more at ease that it won’t have chipped.4
Unlike baguette cut or princess cut diamonds, whose pointed edges set them up for greater risk of chipping, scuffing, or other general damage, the emerald cut diamond offers your jewelry much more security in its strength.
Emerald Cut Facets
While the emerald cut diamond’s symmetrical and show-stopping facet arrangement gives it its signature appeal, it can also have the effect of better showing imperfections in the stone.
If the diamond has blemishes or inclusions (internal flaws) before it’s cut, those imperfections will be more obvious. This is due to the diamond’s facets being few and far between and thus larger, giving higher exposure to the inside of the diamond and leaving little edge space to hide blemishes.
Thankfully, since these flaws originate from the diamond itself and not from any toll taken after being set in jewelry, you can better ensure a flawless diamond by sourcing top-quality, high-grade stones.
Appearance of the Emerald Cut Diamond
Of every diamond cut emerald cut stones tend to showcase less brilliance than others, such as the aptly named brilliant cut. This is because the step cutting style of emerald cut diamonds doesn’t prioritize the capture and reflection of light in the same way brilliant cuts do. Step cut diamonds’ fewer facets (plus their extra elongated size) generally make for less shine and sparkle.
But what emerald cut diamonds lack in brilliance, they make up for in a magical light illusion commonly called the “house of mirrors” effect.
An emerald cut diamond with highly graded clarity will, because of its facets’ parallel positions and bright transparency, possess an elegant, enchanting depth within itself.1 Instead of reflecting light outward, the effect is to pull you inward. It’s very much like entering a hall of mirrors and not knowing where the captivating illusion begins or ends.
Noémie: A Diamond Cut Above the Rest
We at Noémie know that stepping into the world of fine jewelry is a venture as precious and precise as the diamonds you’re looking for.
That’s why we source uncompromisingly pure diamonds—not only because our diamonds are conflict-free, but also because they are all of VS clarity grade and F-G color grade. Whether you're looking for an emerald cut engagement ring or diamond jewelry in general, rest assured, we have you covered. We prioritize both the journey and the destination, ensuring both an ethical and exacting gem selection process as well as a radiant, long-lasting diamond for you to enjoy for decades to come.
Shop Noémie today and discover your dream emerald cut diamond in our classic jewelry collection, including such timeless designs as our Emerald Cut Eternity Band, Composite Emerald Cut Necklace, and our Emerald Diamond Halo Half Band Ring.
Sources:
- International Gem Society. Guide to Emerald-Cut Diamonds and Asscher-Cut Diamonds. https://beyond4cs.com/shapes/emerald/
- Capetown Diamond Museum. Brilliant Cuts vs Step Cuts. https://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/blog/2017/05/brilliant-cuts-vs-step-cuts/
- Cape Town Diamond Museum. The Diamonds That Have Seen Queen Elizabeth Through The Longest Reign. https://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/blog/2015/09/the-diamonds-that-have-seen-queen-elizabeth-through-the-longest-reign/
- Teach Jewelry. Pros and Cons of Emerald Cut Diamonds. https://teachjewelry.com/diamonds/pros-cons-emerald-cut/