The cut of a diamond is one of the most important considerations when choosing one for an engagement ring or any other item of diamond jewelry.
Emerald cut diamonds are a common choice for a ring's center stone or embellishments. Before deciding whether it's right for you, let's look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of emerald cut diamond engagement rings.
What is the difference between an Emerald Cut Diamond and a Round Cut Diamond?
An emerald cut diamond is distinguished by its elongated shape and chopped corners. Because it's a step-cut diamond, its linear facets are perpendicular across the diamond's surface.
When you look at the diamond under a light, you'll find that it reflects both white and colored light off its table.
It's considered retro in many fashion circles, although it also works in contemporary situations. But they are not quite as popular or common as other engagement ring choices.
Emerald cuts make up about 3% of all diamonds sold, and that figure is about the same for emerald cut engagement rings. Although the cut was first popular in the 1500s, it was not until the 1920s that it became fashionable for engagement rings.
The Advantages of Emerald Cut Engagement Rings
There are numerous advantages to emerald cut engagement rings that you should consider when looking for the perfect diamond.
The following are some of the benefits of emerald cut diamond engagement rings, as well as emerald cut diamonds in general:
Emerald Cut Engagement Rings Look Larger
An emerald cut seems larger than other cutting of the same carat weight due to its vast surface area. A diamond's size is measured in carats, and two diamonds of the same carat weight are the same size.
This, however, isn't always visible to the naked eye, and to most brides, that's what really counts. When one-carat diamonds of various shapes, such as Asscher, radiant, emerald, and round, are lined together, they may appear to be different sizes.
Many one-carat round cuts, for example, are 6.5 millimeters in diameter. Emerald cuts can be as large as seven millimeters by five millimeters.
This is especially true for shallow-depth cuts. The surface area extends and seems larger if the weight is not buried beneath the table. In this way, emerald cuts are similar to oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
You should consider emerald cut engagement rings if you're most concerned with the size of your diamond but don't want to pay a premium for a bigger carat weight.
A Wide Range of Shapes
Another advantage of emerald cutting is the range of shapes it makes available. Some cuts, such as circular, are only available in one shape.
Engagement rings with an emerald cut, on the other hand, can expand and shrink to form rectangles or squares and some of them can be unique in appearance, something that a round cut really can't be as easily.
Slims the Finger
Depending on the cut of the diamond, your finger can appear narrow or wide. Emerald cuts are popular with people who have long, thin fingers because they emphasize that trait. It elongates their appearance in a manner that princess cuts do not.
However, some buyers deliberately avoid emerald cut engagement rings since they do not consider this trait to be complementary to them.
Snag-Free Cropped Corners
Diamonds with sharp corners snag more easily on fabric, furniture, and other common items, including in your hair, which is one of their drawbacks. As a result, they are susceptible to chipping or breaking free from their mounting. Emerald cuts with reduced corners are less prone to these problems.
The corners have a smooth, diagonal edge rather than being cut at a sharp right angle. In comparison to baguette and princess cuts, these four corners can endure more impacts and bumps.
If you're worried about your diamond engagement ring's longevity or if it'll catch on your clothes, an emerald cut will help you avoid these problems.
Emerald Cuts Make Great Accents
An emerald cut can be used alone or in combination with other cuts in a solitaire setting. There are many settings with embellishments that go well with an emerald cut. This includes options for paving and channel.
Emerald cuts aren't just for the center stone in an engagement ring. They're also a popular choice for accents adjacent to or down the shank that match the focal stone.
You might pair emerald cuts with a round, marquise, oval, radiant, or princess cut if you desire emerald cuts on your jewelry but prefer a different cut in the center. This design enables you to wear a ring with multiple cuts.
Emerald Cut Engagement Rings Have a Few Drawbacks
Emerald cuts have some drawbacks that you should be aware of. There are reasons why some cuts are more popular than others.
Here are some disadvantages of emerald cut diamonds and emerald cut engagement rings to think about.
Less Brilliance
When compared to brilliant cuts like round, princess, and cushion, emerald cuts have less brilliance. The latter are made to maximize the amount of light that enters the diamond and returns to the spectator. Facets are the surfaces that capture and reflect light, and they usually have a lot of them.
An emerald cut's step-cut design isn't primarily concerned with light performance. Baguette, carré, and Asscher are other step-cut diamonds in the same category as emerald cuts. The facets are round or square and rise like steps from the diamond's table.
This is characterized as a "hall of mirrors" effect in an emerald cut. When compared to brilliant cuts, it has less brightness and is a more elegant shape.
If the brilliance of your diamond is the most important factor to you, an emerald cut engagement ring is something you might want to pass over in favor of a round, princess, or radiant cut.
Are You a Good Fit Emerald Cut Engagement Rings?
Every diamond cut has advantages and disadvantages in terms of popularity, clarity, color, and overall design. The emerald cut is no exception. To make the best purchasing decision, you should be aware of all the benefits and drawbacks of emerald cuts. But this decision really is, as it should be, all about you.
If you have the following things in mind as important to you, emerald cut engagement rings may be suitable for you:
You want a diamond that is rectangular or square in shape and is also sturdy.
You're looking for a different type of cut than standard round cuts.
A step-stretched cut's appearance appeals to you.
You want a diamond with a cheaper per-carat price.
Examine a variety of emerald cuts in varying color and clarity grades to determine which one best suits your taste and is within your budget. You can choose between a lower carat weight and better characteristics in other areas or a higher carat weight and better qualities in other areas.