The Emerald cut is a beautiful choice for an engagement ring, and pairs with so many different designs and styles…

Navigate this guide:

• Unveiling the Elegance of Emerald Cut Engagement Rings
• 6 Practical Tips for Choosing an Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
• Mastering the Art of Settings for Your Emerald Cut Diamond 
• Conclusion
• 8 Frequently Asked Questions about Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

Unveiling the Elegance of Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

If you want a diamond shape that epitomises a certain era – and, arguably, one of the most stylish, revered, and seductive eras in human history – then look no further than the emerald cut. While we tend to think of diamonds as vessels for bringing brilliance and fire to an engagement ring, they can do so much more than that, and the emerald cut is testament to that.

While it may not be the most sparkly shapes, the emerald cut holds a quiet, serene, understated elegance that looks just as gorgeous now as it did in the roaring 20s. Whether you’ve heard of Gatsby and his uproarious parties, well you’ve never even considered venturing to West Egg, stick around to find out everything you need to know about emerald diamond engagement rings.

The Timeless Appeal of Emerald Cut Diamonds

The emerald cut is, in many ways, tied to the roaring 20s, and its infamous love of all things art deco. A marvel of straight lines, symmetry, open faceting, and geometric reflections, the emerald diamond cut is a step away from the shapes you’re more used to seeing. 

The round brilliant, oval, pear, marquis and cushion, for instance, all feature brilliant facet patterns. This approach to faceting a diamond maximises brilliance and fire and creates that effusive sparkle we associate with traditional engagement rings.

Why Emerald Cut Stands Out

The emerald cut is more understated and, as a result, appears more refined. Whether or not you prefer it to the high sparkle shapes comes down to you, but a lot of people really value its quiet beauty.

Before we dive deeper into the specifics, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision-making process:

6 Practical Tips for Choosing an Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Tip 1. Understand the 4 C’s for Emerald Cut:

• Cut: Pay extra attention to the cut, especially with an emerald cut diamond, since its large table (the flat top facet) makes inclusions and color discrepancies more visible.
• Clarity: Opt for higher clarity grades to ensure visible inclusions don’t detract from its appeal.
• Color: Since the emerald cut has less brilliance to mask color, choose a higher color grade.
• Carat: Determine a carat weight that fits your preference and budget. Remember, emerald cut diamonds tend to appear larger per carat than round counterparts.

Tip 2. Choose the Right Setting – Emerald Cut Specifics:

• Prong Setting: Opt for a prong setting to highlight the diamond, but ensure the prongs secure the corners of the emerald cut to protect it from chipping.
• Halo Setting: A halo can enhance size appearance and add sparkle, benefiting the lesser brilliance of emerald cuts.
• Bezel Setting: For a modern, sleek look, and additional protection for the diamond, consider a bezel setting.

Tip 3. Pay Attention to Diamond Length-to-Width Ratio:

• Understand the length-to-width ratio, which can affect the appearance of an emerald cut diamond. A classic emerald cut ratio is around 1.30 to 1.40, but choose what appeals to your eye.

Tip 4. Ensure High-Quality Craftsmanship, Mounting and Alignment:

• Ensure the diamond is securely mounted and the setting is symmetrical and well-aligned. The facets of an emerald cut should align perfectly with the setting.

Tip 5. Be Aware of Diamond Certifications

• Always buy a diamond with a certification from a recognized gemological lab (like the GIA or AGS) to ensure the quality of your diamond.

Tip 6. Evaluate the Ring’s Durability, and Daily Wear and Tear:

• Consider lifestyle and daily wear. Emerald cuts have exposed corners, making them prone to chipping. The setting should offer adequate protection.

Now that you’ve got these practical tips, use Jeweler AI below to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your style and budget:

Mastering the Art of Settings for Your Emerald Cut Diamond 

When it comes to designing an engagement ring fit for housing an emerald cut diamond, there are a few things you need to know.

The first is the unique reflection housed within an emerald cut diamonds table. The table is the large flat facet at the top of the diamond, and, on an emerald cut, it’s a lot more open (in other words, bigger). Since every facet on an emerald is longer and more open than it is in a brilliant cut, this creates a very intriguing hall of mirrors effect visible through the table. The eye is drawn into the heart of the diamond, and a very interesting whole way of shadow and light reaches into the far reaches of the stone.

This is one of the things that makes the emerald cut as popular as it is, but it’s also something you should be aware of when planning your engagement ring’s design. If you want to showcase all of the emeralds defining characteristics, then embracing a simpler, more understated ring design is the best way to bring that hall of mirrors effect into sharp relief. 

This is particularly effective with a platinum or white gold band, but the appearance of a yellow gold reflecting gently through the centre of that hall of mirrors can add a really beautiful extra dimension.

Then again, the other thing worth noting about the emerald cut is that it is very versatile. Pairing it with a Halo or pavé setting is a great way to introduce some of that fire and brilliance back into the ring design. Since haloes typically comprise round brilliant diamonds, they can be just what the design needs to feel sparkly and bright.

The Perfect Match: Settings That Compliment Emerald Cuts

Below, we list 3 engagement ring designs that we feel pair particularly well with an emerald cut diamond.

• A hidden Halo yellow gold emerald engagement ring
  As we mentioned above, yellow gold reflecting through the centre of a step cut diamond is a real winner. By keeping the shank plain, that gold has an opportunity to make a strong impression – not just on you, but on the diamond, too.
  The hidden Halo is unobtrusive and avoids overpowering the emerald cut with brilliance and fire from the round cut diamonds, but it adds an additional dimension of light performance that will peak through when the ring is viewed from the side. This is one of those finishing details that can really bring a ring’s design together.
• A split shank pavé platinum emerald engagement ring
  The emerald cut is, like the art deco movement itself, highly structural and architectural in its design. This makes it pair particularly well with very structured, bold ring silhouettes.
  The split shank is a simple way to make an engagement ring feel more architectural. It naturally commands more space on the finger, which makes a very powerful statement. The use of platinum will showcase the emerald’s bright, stark appearance, and the inclusion of a pavé setting will just contribute a little extra fire and brilliance to the ring.
• A rose gold emerald diamond scatter engagement ring
  this is a very different way to bring the emerald cut diamond’s unique attributes to light. The diamond scattering is the opposite of architectural; Instead, it introduces an element of organicity and, as a result, a more carefree vibe. A similar effect is achieved with the rose gold, which modernises the design and adds that seductive touch of romance to its appearance.
  Both elements contrast more with the emerald cut diamond than the rings we mentioned above; at times, contrast can be just as powerful as coordination for showcasing a diamond’s unique characteristics.

Personalizing Your Engagement Ring Set

Finding the perfect engagement ring design is only half the story. In order to make it ready for your proposal, you need to make it yours. The final finishing touch can be as simple as engraving your initials on the inside of the band, or the date of the proposal. Whatever you choose, make sure you set aside plenty of time to get the engraving added; It will elevate the moment, and give any engagement ring design that final wow factor.

From Classic to Contemporary: Exploring Designs

if you want to go the classic route, then embrace the emerald cuts art deco background. Arguably one of the most iconic emerald diamond engagement rings belonged to Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, who was presented with the iconic 10.48 carat Cartier engagement ring by Prince Rainier of Monaco. The ring was crafted from platinum, and featured two baguette diamonds placed on either side of the central emerald diamond, embracing the step cut style wholeheartedly without a single round brilliant insight.

Enhancing Your Diamond’s Brilliance

 Then again, these days, we’re all about sparkle full stop if you want to modernise the emerald cut, never shy away from combining it with a brilliant or modified brilliant diamond shape. Emily Ratajkowski famously wore a two-stone engagement ring featuring one emerald cut and one pear cut placed off camber. The 2 stones complement one another perfectly, even if combining the two sounds a little ‘out there’ on paper.

Conclusion

It’s hard to imagine the emerald cut diamond ever falling out of fashion. In fact, it hardly feels accurate to say this shape is ever in question at all; Its status as a symbol of classic era Hollywood and timeless, architectural design means that it consistently rises above the trend cycles, and always stands out as an enduringly sophisticated, elegant, and romantic choice. 

If you go with an emerald cut diamond, the sky really is your limit in terms of engagement ring designs. Add brilliance and fire, or keep the design simple and pared back in order to showcase the unique attributes of the stone.

8 Frequently Asked Questions about Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

• 1. What makes an emerald cut diamond unique?
• Emerald cut diamonds are known for their elongated, rectangular shape and stepped facets. This cut emphasizes clarity, showcases the diamond’s natural beauty, and offers a sophisticated, elegant appearance.
• 2. Are emerald cut diamonds more expensive than other cuts?
• Emerald cut diamonds can be less expensive per carat than their round counterparts due to less demand and the cutting process preserving more of the original stone.
• 3. Do emerald cut diamonds appear larger than other shapes?
• Yes, due to their elongated shape and large table (top surface area), emerald cut diamonds often appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight.
• 4. What is the best setting for an emerald cut diamond?
• Prong settings are popular as they secure the diamond while allowing ample light entry. Halo settings can add extra sparkle, and bezel settings offer a modern look with added protection.
• 5. How do I choose the right emerald cut diamond?
• Focus on high clarity and color grades, as the emerald cut’s wide facets make inclusions and color more visible. Ensure the cut is well-proportioned to enhance the diamond’s natural luster.
• 6. What is the ideal length-to-width ratio for an emerald cut diamond?
• A classic emerald cut diamond has a length-to-width ratio between 1.30 and 1.50. This range maintains the traditional emerald cut shape while offering flexibility in appearance.
• 7. Are emerald cut diamonds good for engagement rings?
• Absolutely. Emerald cut diamonds are admired for their elegant and sophisticated look, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and timeless engagement ring.
• 8. How should I care for my emerald cut engagement ring?
• Regular cleaning with a soft brush and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals, and periodic professional inspections can help maintain its brilliance. Be mindful of the diamond’s edges to prevent chipping.

Design your dream emerald cut ring with JewelerAI – where elegance meets precision.