When it comes to timeless elegance, one of the first things that comes to mind is an emerald cut diamond ring, popularised during the Art Deco period but maintaining its position in fine jewellery and engagement rings since. This bold, sharp, and still elegant cut can be used in engagement ring designs to suit a variety of aesthetics – as we’ll explore in this complete guide to Emerald Cut diamonds.
Why is it called an emerald cut?
An emerald cut stone is a rectangular shaped stone with sharp corners – those who like all the aspects of the elongated stone but not these sharp corners would fare well with an Elongated Cushion Cut. Unlike other stone cuts, the top of an emerald cut is flat. An emerald cut generally has about 57-58 facets, though is cut in a step-cut style, which are narrow facets down the sides of the stone. Emerald cuts also don’t sparkle in the traditional way. These produce broad flashes of lights rather than a flashy sparkle that you might expect from a round brilliant cut. This factor makes emerald cuts a popular option for the quiet luxury aesthetic, or those who don’t like a glitzy look for their jewellery.
Emerald cut diamonds are called such because this technique was originally formulated for Emeralds. Emeralds are a soft stone, and can be brittle and prone to breaking. The step-cut technique helped to mitigate the risk of breakage.
What is windowing in emerald cut diamonds?
Windowing in emerald cut diamonds refers to a phenomenon where light passes straight through the diamond instead of being reflected back to the viewer. This creates a transparent or glassy area like a window – hence the name. As a result, you’ll be able to see through the diamond, often to the setting or your finger underneath.
While this generally isn’t preferred as it can make the diamond look dull, some do perfect it for aesthetic reasons. This look can be avoided though by going to a jeweller who knows what to look for and can explain how to spot windowing.
What is the difference between emerald cut and baguette?
In concept, emerald cut and baguette diamonds are quite similar. Baguette stones are slim and longer, and generally used as accent stones or in smaller pieces like wedding bands. Our Felicity Baguette Stone Wedding Ring is a great example of the difference between the two. You can count the facets on a baguette stone easily though as these stones are smaller they generally give the same effect – meaning a baguette wedding band or baguette accent stones (such as our Nina Emerald Trilogy Ring with Baguette Side Stones ) complement an emerald cut ring.
What setting is best for an emerald cut?
Engagement rings with emerald cuts are usually set vertically, though in recent years they have been set vertically in an east-west style, or on an angle in the popular Toi et Moi setting or in a bezel setting for a bold, modern look.
East west emerald cut rings are complemented by the shape of emerald cut stones. The elongated shape when horizontal covers more space on the finger, and can give the illusion of a bigger stone. While this setting can look beautiful on a simple yellow gold band like our Evelyn East West Emerald Solitaire , our Emerald Half Bezel Solitaire shows how this classic cut can be styled up for a modern look.
Emerald bezel-set engagement rings like our Olive East West Emerald Solitaire with Cathedral Bezel Setting is a great example of an Art Deco cut in a contemporary setting. This is also a wonderful setting option for those who like the look of an emerald cut but might decide against the sharp corners.
Summary
We’ve covered that the emerald cut has been a popular stone in recent years, thanks to its clean lines and distinctive step-cut facets. The resurgence in popularity of the toi et moi setting, where two stones are placed side by side has also meant more are choosing emerald cut as their centre stone or in this case, centre stones. In some occasions this can be two different gemstones, though a classic pairing is a pear and emerald toi et moi with diamonds like our Amor Pear and Emerald Toi Et Moi . These two stones are beautifully paired in this ring as both have different aesthetics, a sharp and angular emerald cut next to a sleek, soft pear-cut diamond.
To speak to us about emerald cut rings, or any other of our pieces – book an in-person or virtual appointment here .
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