Buying Guide for Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
Congratulations, you're shopping for engagement rings! It's an exciting time that's filled with making some decisions. If you've decided to go with an emerald cut diamond engagement ring but wonder how to pick the right stone, we'll cover all of your bases in this blog post. Emerald cuts are known for their sleek, elongated shape and elegant look. They're a popular choice for diamond jewelry, especially engagement rings.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Makes Emerald-Cut Diamonds So Special?
Emerald cut diamonds have an elegant, elongated look with step-cut facets. The long, rectangular facets that run parallel down the sides of the stone give the stone a "hall of mirrors" effect. So, instead of giving off tons of tiny sparkles like a round brilliant cut, emerald cuts reflect light in broad flashes. Some say it's like looking down a mirrored hallway (aka the "hall of mirrors" effect). Several celebrities, including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Amal Clooney, chose emerald diamonds for their engagement rings.
The 4 Cs for Emerald Cut
Like all diamonds, quality is graded using the 4Cs. Cut is important for emerald cut diamonds. The stone should have clean lines so that it sparkles and is symmetric. Emerald cuts can show a slight tint because of their shape. You can choose a higher color grade if you want an icier look. The same goes for clarity—step cuts aren't significant in hiding flaws. Choose a higher clarity grade if you want a clean appearance. Because of their large surface area, emerald diamonds look larger than their carat weight. If you're going to upgrade color and clarity, choose a slightly smaller carat weight to balance the cost.
Pros & Cons of Choosing an Emerald Cut Diamond
Sometimes weighing the pros and cons can help you with decisions, which comes into play when making big purchases like engagement rings. Let's look at the pros:
- They look bigger per carat
- Have a sophisticated, chic appearance
- More affordable than round brilliants
As for cons:
- Emerald cut diamonds have a unique sparkle compared to round or cushion cuts.
- Inclusions and color are more visible in this cut
How to Pick the Perfect Length-to-Width Ratio
Length-to-width ratios impact the shape of emerald cut diamonds. For the well-known classic emerald shape, go for 1.30 to 1.50. This ratio makes it slightly longer than wide. Lower ratios will give the diamond more of a square look, and higher ratios make the diamond look more elongated. Look at different ratios of emerald diamonds to see which you prefer. You can always see how they look on your hand to see which is most flattering.
Popular Setting Styles for Emerald Cut Diamonds
Emerald diamonds look stunning in a variety of settings. Solitaires are popular because they're clean and classic, and they let the diamond be the showstopper. Three-stone rings with an emerald diamond as the center stone and two tapered baguettes look elegant with some vintage glam. A halo setting makes the center emerald diamond look even bigger. It's a trendy twist on a sophisticated stone. East-west settings have a modern touch and work well if you want an eye-catching, bold look.
Budget Tips + What to Expect
Besides their elegance, some are drawn to emerald-cut lab-grown diamonds because they're more affordable than round-cut diamonds of the same size. You can choose a slightly lower weight if you want to save money. Another option is to go with lab diamonds rather than natural diamonds. They're typically more affordable, eco-friendly, and ethically sourced. Research any jeweler you're considering to ensure the company is reputable and has good customer reviews.
Conclusion + Final Thoughts
Emerald cut diamonds look sleek, sophisticated, and elegant. They're a popular choice for engagement rings because their brilliance is subtle. They're versatile and work well with various settings, from a classic solitaire to a glamorous halo. Try on a few styles to see what works best for you. Carefully evaluate the diamonds to see what fits your preferences and budget.
Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are timeless and elegant, offering a sophisticated sparkle through their signature step-cut design. This buying guide explains what makes emerald cuts unique, including the “hall of mirrors” effect, how to evaluate the 4Cs, and ideal length-to-width ratios. Discover the best settings, budget tips, and why lab-grown emerald cut diamonds are a smart, sustainable choice. Whether you're choosing a solitaire or halo, find the perfect ring that fits your style and budget with With Clarity.
FAQs
What is a step-cut diamond?
A step-cut diamond features parallel cuts rather than facets, with other diamond shapes, like round and princess cut diamond.
Do emerald-cut diamonds sparkle?
Yes, emerald cut diamonds have more subtle, sophisticated sparkle. The step-cut facets in emerald diamonds sparkle differently from other cuts, but their flashes of light and subtle sparkle add to their appeal.
How do I care for my emerald-cut engagement ring?
You can clean your ring at home using mild soap, water, and a gentle brush. Have your ring professionally inspected once a year to ensure the stone is securely in place.
Are emerald-cut diamonds durable?
Yes, all diamonds are a 10 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, so they're incredibly durable. Step cuts can chip at the corners because they're more delicate, so you can opt for protective corner prongs if you're concerned.
How are natural and lab diamonds graded?
Both lab and natural diamonds are graded using the same methods, the 4Cs. Lab and natural diamonds are identical, so it makes sense that they're evaluated using the same grading methods: color, clarity, carat weight, and cut.
