Emerald cut diamonds have long been known for their timeless elegance and pure, star-like beauty. This unique diamond cut and its uncompromising geometry have made it popular for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces.
But where did the emerald cut originate from, and what features make it so worthy of your time and attention? In this article, we will answer all these questions by deeply diving into the world of emerald cut diamonds and everything there is to know about them.
What Are Emerald Cut Diamonds?
An emerald cut diamond is a step-cut diamond. It flaunts long parallel facets, typically 57, and has an elongated, rectangular, or square shape. The corners of the stone are usually cropped to prevent fractures and improve stability and durability.
The most distinctive feature of emerald cuts that sets them apart from other diamonds is their 'Hall of Mirrors'- like sparkle. With their straight, step-cut facets, emerald diamonds reflect flashes of white and colored light, commonly known as the hall-of-mirrors effect, instead of the typical brilliance of round or cushion-cut diamonds.
In addition, the emerald cut also offers a large surface table and appears bigger than other diamond cuts of the same price and carat size.
What Is the Origin of Emerald Cut Diamonds?
As the name suggests, emerald cut diamonds were originally made to cut through emeralds in the 1500s. Since emeralds are softer and less durable than diamonds, they are more likely to be damaged during cutting. However, the simple, long cut with truncated edges greatly helped lower breakage and show off the stone's internal clarity.
While the emerald cut gained popularity for its cutting power, it reached new heights during the Art Deco movement. The period between 1920 and the 1930s focused on geometric designs, clean lines, and angular patterns instead of the previous flowy and feminine styles.
Gemstones were shaped into triangles, trapezoids, and emerald cuts to radiate a sophisticated and elegant aura, which soon became a symbol of luxury and refinement. Given their mesmerizing beauty and uncluttered appearance, the popularity of emerald cut diamonds has only risen further.
Why Should I Choose an Emerald Cut Diamond?
Emerald cut diamonds have continued to attract buyers for over 700 years with their alluring features. The most prominent traits of this diamond cut include:
Unique Faceting Pattern
Emerald cut diamonds feature a distinct, step-like facet pattern that shines subduedly. Unlike brilliant-cut diamonds, which have a disco-like sparkle, the emerald cut produces a striking display of light and dark planes for a more subtle, elegant sparkle.
Durable Structure
Diamonds boasting an emerald cut have an almost unbreakable design. The cut corners of the stone help reduce the risk of breakage or chipping caused by the otherwise sharp, pointed edges such as that on a princess-cut diamond.
Finger Flattering
An emerald cut diamond appears bigger than its carat weight and flatters your finger in the best way possible. Its elongated design helps slim and lengthen the wearer's finger by moving along with the finger's natural curves. This elegant design makes the emerald cut well-suited for engagement and wedding rings.
What to Look for in an Emerald Cut Diamond
Emerald cut diamond's sophisticated charm is well-fitting to adorn various jewelry items. However, it is important to consider the 4Cs that help determine the quality and suitability of any gemstone before making the final purchase:
Cut Quality
Looking at the cut quality of any diamond is crucial since it is the real indicator of the stone's visual appearance. It becomes even more significant in the case of emerald-shaped stones since the GIA does not have an official cut grading scale for emeralds as they do for round diamonds. Always make sure that the emerald cut is well-proportioned based on its polish, symmetry, and length-to-width ratio.
Clarity
Emerald cut diamonds' long, step-cut facets make them poor concealers of inclusions or blemishes. The stone's see-through table allows flaws to be spotted quite easily. If you prefer a more flawless, eye-clean look, aim for a higher clarity grade than usual diamonds (VS1 or higher).
Color
Similar to clarity, the step-cut design of emerald stones shows off the colors more than other styles of diamonds. Aim for a color grade of G or higher if you are looking for a clear and colorless stone, as any emerald cut below I will have a faint yellowish tint.
Carat Weight
The carat weight measures the physical weight of the stone, regardless of its appearance or size. Since emerald cuts tend to appear larger for the same carat weight as other diamond cuts, opt for a weight that sits comfortably on your finger and within your budget.
Conclusion
Emerald cut diamonds are excellent for engagement rings, bracelet charms, and other sophisticated artifacts. Their unique faceting pattern and hall of mirror-like fire make them stand out from other diamond cuts and look flattering on special occasions.
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