An ‘emerald cut’ diamond is rectangular in shape, step cut and they account for a very small amount of diamonds available worldwide. The modern emerald cut can have 49 facets or more and they are called ‘emerald’ cuts because this type of cut was first developed for Emeralds and then later adopted by diamond cutters.
Diamonds that are cut into emerald cuts are generally of higher quality in terms of their colour and clarity. This is because any inclusions they have, or a hint of colour, will be more visible than in say a round, marquise or pear diamond. This is a general rule and there will be exceptions, do not assume that if a diamond is an emerald cut it is by definition better quality.
The diagram below shows the top and bottom facet arrangement on both round brilliant and emerald-cut diamonds. On the left, the two are merged and a couple of inclusions have been added to the stone. Are they easier to see on the emerald cut or the round brilliant cut? Imagine that each of those shapes (facets) is reflecting light.
Emerald Cut Diamond Price
We have used a database of almost 200,000 diamonds to make some price comparisons and observations about emerald cut diamonds compared to round brilliant cuts. Of 190,798 diamonds, only 7,824 were emerald cuts, reflecting the disparity in availability. 137k of the 190k were round brilliant cut.
Step Cut vs Brilliant Cut
The Emerald cut is an example of a ‘step cut’, one of the two types of diamond cut. Baguette, Triangle and Asscher cuts are also examples of step cuts and unusual shapes such as hexagons and kite-shaped diamonds are usually step cut. The common theme here is straight edges.
Left to right: Emerald cut, Shield, Kite, Hexagon & Asscher
Emerald Cut Settings
Emerald cut diamonds can be set.
As well as other varieties of the mineral beryl, like Aquamarine as the crystals of this mineral grown in an elongated shape.
Emerald Cut Setting
A claw set Emerald cut diamond
Emerald cut diamonds can be set in both rubover and claw settings and the exact shape of the claws can vary, though the number of claws is almost always the same.
Claw Setting
Sometimes the claws can cover the whole of the corner of the stone, making them a rectangular shape as opposed to the round shape of normal claws.
If round, the claws can either be filed to a point or rounded before polishing. In almost all cases a claw-set emerald will have 4 claws, one on each corner.
Rubover Set
A rub-over setting protects the edges of a diamond and if a stone has a particularly thin girdle then it might be a good idea to have it set this way.
As diamonds reflect light that enters the from above, rather than absorbing it from the side, the fact that you cant see the sides of the diamond will not affect how much it sparkles.
Rubover set diamonds and emerald cuts, in general, are associated with the art deco period, with their strong parallel lines and classic look.