An emerald cut diamond ring has a different appeal than a ring designed to maximize sparkle. Its unique combination of straight lines, cropped corners plus broad facets that create flashes of light make it a less flashy but sophisticated choice.
These qualities combine to make the emerald cut less flashy but more refined.
That said, the different features of the emerald cut diamond are important to consider when making a choice.
What Makes an Emerald Cut Diamond Ring Different?
Emerald cut diamonds are rectangular step cuts that have their corners cropped close to form tablets of parallel facets that create that distinct light and dark pattern, often described as a hall of mirrors effect.
Emerald cut diamonds also have a large table which allows an open view into the gemstone.
This makes it possible to see any imperfections or color zoning which may not be easy with brilliant cut diamonds.
Thus, it is important to view an emerald cut diamond as its own entity rather than comparing it to other types based on the 4C’s.
Clarity in Emerald Cut Diamonds Is Worth Extra Attention
The subject of clarity is of particular importance when considering emerald cut diamonds.
The patterns of brilliant facets can obscure certain imperfections, but the pattern of long, straight facets in this style of cutting has less masking ability. GIA also notes that due to the openness of step cuts, clarity and color are more easily seen in these cuts.
That said, not all buyers are looking for the same level of visual perfection. While there is certainly value in higher clarity grades, it is also important to note whether individual imperfections are visible to the naked eye and how these blemishes affect the overall appearance of the stone.
Therefore, two diamonds of the same clarity grade may differ significantly in terms of visibility of flaws. Looking at photos and video content or seeing the diamond in person can help determine which flaws are distracting, thus complementing the information in a diamond certificate.
Shape and Dimensions of an Emerald Cut Diamond
Speaking of which, the shape and dimensions of an emerald cut diamond also influence its appearance.
Emerald cut diamonds come in a variety of shapes that can broadly be divided by their length-to-width ratio.
The length-to-width ratio can be determined by dividing the length of the diamond by its width. GIA considers emerald cut diamonds to typically range between 1.5:1 to 1.75:1, but it is unclear why this is presented as a recommendation.
It is more useful to consider what specific shape appeals to you since the appearance of the emerald cut diamond depends greatly on the choice of ratio. For instance, a longer diamond can create a narrower look on the finger while a wider diamond presents a more substantial appearance.
Similarly, symmetry and polish are important considerations as the overall appearance of the emerald cut diamond is affected by these factors. GIA does not assign the overall cut grade for emerald cuts and other fancy cuts in the same way as for round brilliant diamonds. Therefore, the appearance of the step facets is even more important to consider. Visual inspection can help identify any asymmetry or poor polish.
Man Made Diamonds Give You More Options
An emerald cut diamond ring can be made from both mined and lab created diamonds. The same considerations apply to both types of diamonds when it comes to choosing between colors, clarities, carats, shapes, and settings. When considering man made diamonds, it is important to remember that while the origin of the diamond affects its price, it is still necessary to compare individual characteristics.
This is especially true for emerald cut diamonds since the differences between various stones can be significant due to a combination of shape, facet pattern, clarity, and other factors. Choosing a bigger carat is not necessarily better as the appeal of the individual stone depends on a number of factors. When shopping for man made diamond emerald cuts, Singapore buyers can compare options at NOVITA DIAMONDS Singapore with other sellers offering similar types of diamonds before making a choice.
Setting Can Enhance the Appeal of Emerald Cut Diamonds
The choice of the setting also affects the overall appearance of an emerald cut diamond ring. The rectangular shape of this type of center stone can blend well with a variety of designs.
A solitaire ring will highlight the geometric look of the emerald cut diamond. Three-stone rings can add width to the appearance of the ring, while a halo setting can complement the center stone without overwhelming the hand with metal. Baguette side stones may also be a good choice as their stepped facets complement the design of the emerald cut diamond. Other things being equal, a shorter diamond appears narrower while a longer diamond creates a broader look.
Security and Comfort of the Emerald Cut Diamond Setting
It is also necessary to consider the security of the setting when selecting a design for your emerald cut diamond.
Emerald cut diamond have shorter corners and a secure but not overwhelming setting is more appropriate to this style of cutting. Someone who actively uses their hands may find that a lower profile ring is a more comfortable choice than a ring with lots of intricate metalwork. GIA also advises to consider lifestyle when choosing an engagement ring setting since it will affect how often the ring can be worn.
White Gold, Yellow Gold Or Platinum?
The choice of metal is also an important consideration, as the overall look of the ring is affected by the color and type of metal used. White metals complement colorless and nearly colorless diamonds better than yellow metals. Yellow gold creates a nice contrast against white metals, and rose gold provides a similar effect. There is no right or wrong choice in this regard, but it is important to consider your personal preferences, existing jewelry, and the type of wedding band you may want in the future.
It is also important to consider how the prongs and overall metalwork look from above since they can create a busy appearance when viewed directly at the ring. Due to the orderly arrangement of facets in emerald cut diamonds, this is an especially important consideration to keep in mind.
Look Beyond Jewel Store Lights When Evaluating Emerald Cut Diamonds
Bright lights can make almost any diamond look beautiful, but it is important to see how the diamond looks in different types of lighting.
If possible, try to view an emerald cut diamond in different conditions rather than relying on the lighting at a jewelry store. GIA recommends looking at a diamond in daylight as well as in more typical conditions since the appearance of the diamond can vary depending on the type of light. Look at the pattern of light and dark on the center stone as you move it. Attractive emerald cut diamonds will typically have this orderly display of alternating light and dark areas rather than looking dull. This is a particularly important consideration to keep in mind when looking at listings online. Good quality magnified video content can help identify the differences in diamond appearance that the 4C’s fail to capture.
What To Look At When Shopping In Singapore?
Before buying an emerald cut diamond ring in Singapore, be sure to compare the information on a diamond report with what you can see in the actual stone. Take a closer look at the length to width ratio, color, clarity, and other characteristics before looking at how these features combine to create the overall appearance of the diamond. Examine the ring to ensure that the setting holds the center stone securely and that the overall look of the ring is comfortable to you. Remember that when choosing an emerald cut diamond, carat weight alone may not indicate the value of the stone. A higher clarity grade may not always translate to a cleaner look, and a particular ratio may not appeal to you as much as others. Emerald cut diamonds offer an intriguing blend of characteristics that require more careful consideration than other types of diamonds, but the effort is rewarded by the harmonious look of the ring.