Could a stunning emerald cut diamond be what you need for the engagement ring of your dreams? Popular with celebrities, this diamond shape is loved for its sleek lines and vintage feel. Nearly everyone agrees that an emerald cut diamond is classic and timeless, but there are a few things you need to know before you buy one.
What You Will Learn
What are emerald cut diamonds?
Rectangular in shape, the emerald cut is an old style that dates back all the way back to the 1500s! Back then the technique was used to cut emeralds, but eventually, diamond cutters took note of the beauty of the clean lines and smooth surfaces. Emerald shaped diamonds are step cut, meaning they’re made up of rectangular-shaped facets. These facets descend inward toward the middle of the stone like a staircase, hence the name. When you gaze into a step cut diamond, there’s an infinite-hall-of-mirrors effect. Unlike brilliant cut diamonds that have many facets to reflect light, emerald cut diamonds have a more subtle glow than a flashy sparkle.
You’ll likely see the square emerald cut while shopping for diamonds. These stones are cut the same but rendered into a square instead of a rectangle. Most jewelers will refer to them as an Asscher cut.
Is a Square Cut Diamond Right for My Engagement Ring?
Square Emerald Cut Diamond | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
Who should buy an emerald cut engagement ring?
Do you appreciate timeless style but prefer to stand out from the crowd? The emerald cut is for anyone who wants something classic but a little different. Its sleek lines give it an art deco appearance that’s a throwback to the 1920s when it first went mainstream. The emerald shape diamond went on to adorn the fingers of some of the most elegant and sophisticated women in history. Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly both wore massive emerald shape diamond rings. The wife of American business giant John D. Rockefeller also wore an emerald cut.
Anyone who wishes their hands were more slender should remember this cut too. The elongated, rectangular shape has a way of making the hand appear slimmer and longer.
Are emerald cut engagement rings popular?
Emerald diamond rings might never have the sweeping popularity of round brilliant cuts. But these sleek rectangular diamonds have remained a steady favorite throughout history. Now more than ever, the celebrity crowd seems to have a special love for these diamonds. Beyoncé’s engagement ring from Jay-Z shows off a giant emerald cut diamond. George Clooney’s wife, Amal, wears an engagement ring with a flawless emerald cut diamond. Paris Hilton wears a custom emerald cut engagement ring from Cartier, the same jeweler Prince Ranier of Monaco went to for Grace Kelly’s ring. If emerald cut diamonds are for you, then you’re definitely in the company of people who appreciate the finer things.
Read more on celebrity engagement rings here.
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Want your ring to stand out? We have a few ideas you might appreciate:
Emerald cut with a twist, a special combination
Add a little yellow gold for a simple but unique style
Three rows of diamonds with a stunning emerald center is sure to wow
How much does an emerald cut diamond cost?
Emerald cut diamond prices tend to range on the higher end, but don’t despair – you’re still likely to find one in your price range. It helps to know that emerald cuts are simply less common than some of the more standard diamond shapes which leads to higher prices since they’re that much harder to find.
If you’re someone who wants a BIG-looking diamond, you could also end up paying more for an emerald cut. That’s because the technique of cutting a diamond into an emerald shape leaves more of the stone on the bottom (the pavilion) and less on the top (the table). The result is a diamond that appears smaller than another diamond cut of the exact same carat weight. In other words, you may have to pay for a larger carat size to get the big look you’re after.
But don’t let that scare you off. Working with a reputable local jeweler and seeing your options is the best way to find the right diamond for you.
Should you buy your diamond online or at a jewelry store?
Tips for buying an emerald cut diamond
Unless you’re Beyoncé, the perfect emerald cut diamond is probably not unattainable. But if you know what to look for, you can score a stone that’s visibly perfect to the naked eye.
First, you’ll want to be picky about color. Since the underbelly or pavilion of emerald diamonds is so deep, they show their color much stronger than other cuts.
Next, be EXTRA picky about clarity or clarity grade. Since you can see deep into this cut of diamond when you look through it, inclusions will be more noticeable. Emerald cuts also lack the many sparkly facets of the brilliant cut which help to mask these imperfections. Many jewelers prefer to not sell anything lower than a VS2 on the clarity scale.
Many jewelers prefer to not sell emerald cut diamonds at lower than VS2 on the clarity scale.
What are the 4 C’s of diamonds?
Finally, since the emerald is a more unique cut, we caution against buying one online. Purchasing your diamond in person from a reputable jeweler is always your best bet. They can help make sure you get the best diamond for your money.
The Ultimate Guide To The 4 C’s Of Diamonds
Do I need to insure an emerald cut diamond?
Yes – diamonds get lost or stolen every day. If you want to bet on getting a replacement at the same value, you’ll need to have proper jewelry insurance.
A bonus from buying your diamond in person? You’ll very likely leave with an accurate appraisal from your jeweler at no charge. Be sure and ask when considering a purchase.
Already have your appraised diamond? Check your price and get started in minutes with our easy online tool.
BriteCo offers affordable specialty jewelry insurance that covers up to 125% of your ring’s appraised value. Our policy covers loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance.
Now you can start enjoying your happily ever after! Cheers!
Also Check:
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