What is an Emerald Cut Diamond | Rare Carat

Emerald Cut diamond; even the name sounds regal. It is indeed a classic and beautiful step cut diamond that refreshes us from the rounds, pears and ovals and brings us to a cut that is elegant and elongated and with an art deco sparkle.

emerald center stone in a tapered baguette 3 stone ring

An Oldie, but a Beauty

Emerald cut diamonds are one of the oldest cuts of diamond on the market. They differ from other diamond shapes in that their clarity is the number one most important characteristic. Because of the way their facets are placed, the clarity of the stone is really what is on show.

Comparison of two 1 ct emerald cut diamonds in G color: one with SI2 clarity and the other with IF clarity

Emerald shaped diamonds have historically been used in jewelry since the 1500’s and even today are still one of the most desired cuts of diamond on the market. They have cropped corners which adds to their durability and overall geometric/straight line look.

Some of the largest and most famous emerald cut stones belong to two of America’s queen pop stars, Beyonce and JLo.

A Classic Choice for Any Setting Style

Whether your budget is for a 1 carat or an 18 carat stone, an emerald cut always looks sophisticated and fabulous. Some classic designs using emerald cut stones are an emerald solitaire or an emerald halo.

A solitaire emerald cut diamond ring in yellow gold setting A emerald cut diamond single halo ring in white gold setting

Don't Want to Take the Plunge on an Emerald Center?

If you are not sure about an Emerald cut center stone for your ring, maybe find a nice matching pair for side stones.

A three stone diamond ring with emerald cut side diamonds in a white gold setting

If rings aren’t your thing, Emerald cut stones also make a fantastic pair of earrings. As studs or incorporated in a hanging design they add a subdued sparkle as they refract the light differently than other stones due to their parallel facets and proportions.

An emerald cut diamond earrings in a white gold setting

Emerald cut diamonds look quite special when loose or in a piece of jewelry and are a true symbol of elegance. Today they are still in the top 5 desired diamond cuts to purchase according to consumers. They are versatile and sophisticated with a certain boldness that other diamonds seem to lack; oh and they literally look good in everything.

Emerald Cut Diamond FAQs

What makes an emerald-cut diamond different from a classic round or brilliant cut?

An emerald-cut diamond has a rectangular (or sometimes square) shape with clipped corners and what’s called a “step” cut—that means its facets are long, straight, and arranged like steps instead of the small triangular or kite-shaped facets you see in round brilliants. This design gives a sleek “hall-of-mirrors” effect—broad flashes of light and an elegant, understated shine, rather than the high sparkle and fire of brilliant cuts.

Why does clarity (and to some extent color) matter more for an emerald cut diamond?

Because the emerald cut has a large open “table”—the flat top surface—and long parallel facets, any inclusion or color tint inside the stone is easier to see. That means if you pick a lower-clarity/lower-color diamond, flaws or yellowish tones will show more readily than with brilliant-cut stones that can “hide” imperfections with their many facets.

Does an emerald-cut diamond look larger than its carat weight implies?

Yes—often it does. Because of its elongated rectangular shape and broad table, an emerald-cut diamond spreads out more face-up, making it appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. That makes it a smart choice if you want a bold, elegant look without necessarily going to very high carat weights.

What kind of vibe or style does an emerald-cut diamond give compared with other cuts?

Emerald-cut diamonds tend to convey a sense of refined sophistication, timeless elegance, and vintage-chic charm. The “hall-of-mirrors” reflection offers a subtle, architectural beauty—it’s less flashy but more quietly luxurious, perfect for someone who wants understated class over showy sparkle.

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Sophie Lee

Sophie is a born diamond, gemstone and antique jewelry enthusiast. She began working with jewelry while living in Tel Aviv, earned her GIA AJP in 2020 and is currently a multimedia artist in NYC, specializing in paintings and jewelry that she produces and designs.