Emerald Cut Diamonds

Yes, but differently. Emerald cuts produce broad, dramatic flashes of light (the “hall of mirrors” effect) rather than the intense sparkle of brilliant-cut diamonds.

Not necessarily. They often cost less per carat than round brilliant diamonds because they retain more of the rough diamond during cutting. However, higher clarity and color grades are usually recommended, which can increase the overall price.

Because the large open facets make inclusions easier to see, many experts recommend:

• VS1–VVS2 for buyers who want maximum peace of mind.

• A carefully chosen VS2 or even SI1 can also be eye-clean, depending on the individual stone.

Emerald cuts tend to reveal body color more than brilliant cuts. Many buyers aim for:

• D–F for a bright, icy white appearance.

• G–H for excellent value while still appearing white in most settings.

• I or lower can work, especially in yellow or rose gold settings, if you’re comfortable with a touch of warmth.

It depends on personal preference:

• 1.35–1.40: Classic proportions.

• 1.40–1.50: More elongated look.

• 1.50+: Very long and slender appearance.

Our general recommendation is a ratio between 1.4-1.5

Yes. They often have a larger face-up surface area than many other shapes of the same carat weight, making them appear bigger.

Absolutely. They’re a timeless choice known for elegance, clean lines, and a sophisticated aesthetic. They pair well with solitaire, three-stone, bezel, and halo settings.

The long, open step facets act like windows into the diamond, making internal characteristics easier to see than in brilliant cuts, which hide imperfections with more sparkle. Hence choosing a higher clarity is generally recommended but our experts can help find options in a lower clarity that would still be eye clean. 

Unlike brilliant diamonds which tend to hide imperfections better, a step cut diamond is more open with larger facets which require a better cut stone to look nice.

• Size of  step facets

• Overall light performance

• The absence of a “windowing” effect (where the center appears transparent)

• Any colour tinges (brown, yellow, blue, green)

Emerald cuts are quite versatile and work well in most ring style but these are some of the-

Popular choices:

• Solitaire

• Hidden halo

• Three-stone with trapezoid or baguette side diamonds

• East-west setting

• Bezel setting

Yes. Their clipped corners make them less prone to chipping than pointed shapes like pear or marquise diamonds, though they should still be worn with normal care.

The elongated shape tends to create the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers, making it flattering on many hand shapes.

They’re considered timeless. While they experience periods of renewed popularity, they’ve remained a classic choice for decades and have strong roots in early 20th-century jewelry design.

Yes. The cut works equally well for natural and lab-grown diamonds. As with any emerald cut, clarity, color, and precise cutting are especially important.

• Emerald cut: Step facets, clean lines, broad flashes of light, understated elegance.

• Radiant cut: Brilliant facets, much more sparkle, while retaining a rectangular outline with trimmed corners.

Watch out for:

• A visible “window” in the center.

• Uneven or poorly aligned step facets.

• Obvious inclusions under the table.

• Excessively deep or shallow proportions that reduce visual appeal.

• Choosing based solely on certificate specs without reviewing photos or videos.

Again our experts are available to help select the perfect option should you need assistance.