Emerald Cut Diamonds are a phenomenal choice for those desiring a larger looking Diamond without a hefty price tag. Because Emerald Cut Diamonds require careful observation of Cut quality, we suggest having an expert review your diamond before purchase. For assistance with finding the perfect Emerald Diamond Size Chart and cut, reach out to our experts today.
What’s the Emerald Cut Diamond?
The Emerald Cut Diamond flaunts an elongated, rectangular shape and chiseled step cuts, with straight linear facets—usually arranged parallelly down the stone. To add stability and prevent fractures, the corners of an Emerald Cut Diamond are usually cropped.
The Emerald Cut Diamond provides for deep clarity and a large surface table. Through its long step cuts, the diamond offers abundant reflections both of white and colored light. Emerald Cuts are more prominent in rectangle but are available in square as well.
A popular choice for those wanting a larger stone without a high price point, an Emerald Cut diamond usually appears bigger than other shaped diamonds in the same carat weight.
Emerald Diamond Size chart – Cut Quality Recommendations
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table % | 61-69 | 57-60 or 70-72 | 54-56 or 73-74 | 51-53 or 75-79 | <51 or >79 |
| Depth % | 61-67 | 59-60.9 or 67.1-70 | 57-58.9 or 70.1-74 | 54-56.9 or 74.1-79 | <54 or >79 |
| Girdle | Very Thin – Slightly Thick | Very Thin – Thick | Very Thin – Very Thick | Extremely Thin – Extremely Thick | Extremely Thin – Extremely Thick |
| Cutlet | None | Very Small | Small | Medium | >Medium |
| Length/Width Ratio | 1.40-1.50 | 1.30-1.39 or 1.51-1.60 | 1.20-1.29 or 1.61-1.80 | 1.15-1.19 or 1.81-1.90 | <1.15 or >1.90 |
Emerald Cut Diamond – Length to Width Ratio
Measured by dividing the diamond’s length by its width, the length to width ratio tells how proportionate the diamond is with its intended shape (i.e. rectangular vs. square). For example, if a diamond’s length is 6mm and its width is 4mm, the length to width ratio is 1.50.
A classic rectangular Emerald Cut Diamond ranges from 1.30 to 1.60, while most people choose a ratio close to 1.50. Review a handful of Emerald Cut diamonds to determine which length to width ratio you prefer. Consider also how the diamond will look in your desired setting.
Emerald Cut Diamond – Clarity
The GIA scale for Clarity ranges from best (void of inclusions) to worst (easily noticeable inclusions). Their designations include:
- IF – Internally Flawless
- VVS1 – Very Very Small Inclusions 1
- VVS2 – Very Very Small Inclusions 2
- VS1 – Very Small Inclusions 1
- VS2 – Very Small Inclusions 2
- SI1 – Small Inclusions 1
- SI2 – Small Inclusions 2
- I1 – Inclusions 1
- I2 – Inclusions 2
The table (top surface area) of an Emerald Cut is like a clear unobstructed window into the center of the stone. Any inclusions found in the middle will be clearly visible. Because both the pavilion (the bottom slanted portion of the diamond) and crown (the upper diamond resting atop the girdle) are comparatively shallow, Step Cut stones are generally not as bright and never as fiery as brilliant cut stones. Rather, they accentuate a diamond’s Clarity, as even the slightest flaw would be highly visible.
In other words, blemishes in an Emerald Cut Diamond will be more noticeable than in a Round Cut Diamond or Cushion Cut Diamond.
For this reason, we recommend a VS2 Clarity for the best value, like this Emerald Cut Diamond in a rose gold solitaire setting. SI2 and SI1 clarity grades are generally not recommended with Step Cuts such as Asscher Cuts and Emerald Cuts. Step Cuts aren’t cut for their brilliance, so there’s no scattering of light to hide inclusions.
Most importantly, review all possible diamonds carefully to ensure they look clean to the naked eye. If you’re looking for an SI1 or SI2 Emerald Cut, for example, you must verify that inclusions are not in the center of the stone.
If you’re not confident in selecting an eye clean Emerald Cut Diamond, be sure to contact our experts.
Emerald Cut Diamond – Color
Similar to Clarity, Color is another attribute that is more noticeable in an Emerald Cut. Its large table and step cuts retain more color than other Diamond Shapes, allowing the eye to see the natural Color of the stone.
The GIA grades Color on a scale from D to Z. D is the most colorless while Z contains easily noticeable brown or yellow tint.
When you look at an Emerald Diamond of a J grade or higher with the naked eye, you can easily notice a slight yellow tint. Because the naked eye notices no tint at an I Color grade or better, we recommend this range for the most beauty and best value. If you choose a diamond below an I, such as a G or H, you will likely not notice much of a difference—if any at all. Paying more for a lower Color grade is usually not worth the additional price.
It’s also important to ensure your diamond looks white in relation its setting. For example, this stunning I color Emerald Diamond in a white gold pave setting bursts with white, radiant color. Even this J colored Emerald looks shimmering in a rose gold setting. Overall it’s important to review the Diamond’s Color and setting before purchasing.
Emerald Diamond Size Chart – PROS & CONS
Pros
- Lower price per carat than most shapes
- Understated, elegant appearance
- Relatively easy to find
Cons
- Glassy nature makes inclusions more noticeable (so you need a higher clarity grade)
- Not as brilliant as other diamond shapes
- Emerald Cuts Pros & Cons
Emerald Diamond Size Chart Comparing & Carat Weight
Take a look at the size differences between different carat weigh of an emerald cut. Keep in mind that those are average measurements as every emerald cut diamond is slightly different (in measurements and L:W ratio).
Would you like help finding the right emerald cut diamond? Contact us and let us know what your budget is and we’ll send you some personalized recommendations.
