Sleek, clean, and elegant. Emerald cut diamonds are a unique alternative to the popular brilliant cuts like round and princess cut diamonds, and are sought after for their unique shape and features.
An emerald cut diamond traditionally has 57 facets, and also utilizes what is known as “step cuts” around its edges. While the emerald shape doesn’t lend itself to maximum brilliance, this diamond will still provide plenty of shine and sparkle with a unique look.
The History of Emerald Cut Diamonds
Coming in as one of the oldest diamond shapes, the emerald cut has roots as far back as a few thousand years, but it’s closest ancestor is the “table cut” that originated almost 600 years ago. Originally, the cut was used on actual emeralds in an attempt to prevent cracks and chipping in the stones.
More recently, the shape gained popularity during the 1920’s Art Deco movement. It’s extremely common to find emerald diamonds as the center stone in vintage engagement rings.
The emerald cut became widely used during that time period due to a few factors: its strength, clean lines, and hall of mirrors effect.
Diamond cutters admired the emerald cut because the graduated lines used in the design actually added to the diamond’s strength and prevented chipping in the stone. The Art Deco movement favored straight, clean lines, making the emerald cut diamond a very desirable fashion trend. Lastly, the unique step cuts that run parallel with the girdle create a mirrored effect. This hall of mirrors characteristic helped further set the emerald cut diamond apart from other cuts.
Related: The History of the Cushion Cut Diamond
Affordability and versatility of the emerald cut
Because the emerald cut isn’t as popular as round brilliant cut diamonds or princess cuts, they can often be found at better prices for a similar quality stone. It’s important to note that the flat surface of the cut can make inclusions easier to spot. Fortunately, the price difference between emerald cut stones and the previously mentioned brilliant cuts may allow for a better clarity grades.
Also, the emerald cut’s unique shape allows the stone to be used in multiple applications. A very popular trend that we have seen in the past is an emerald cut paired with a halo setting! It’s also extremely common to have two smaller emerald diamonds on both sides of a round brilliant cut center stone.
No matter the variation – you can’t go wrong in choosing an emerald cut diamond for your engagement ring. This is the perfect diamond for a woman that is looking for a unique stone at an affordable price.
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