Black and White

EMERALD - The emerald cut is not a brilliant cut, but is called a step cut. Step cuts are comprised of larger, planar facets which act like mirrors. The emerald cut has 58 facets, with 25 crown, 8 girdle and 25 pavilion. Because of the angle, size and shape of the facets, the emerald cut shows less brilliance and fire (dispersion) than the other brilliant and modified brilliant cut diamonds. However, the emerald cut stone reveals a classic and aristocratic elegance and beauty not seen in other cuts.


Because of the open and large, plate-like nature of the facets, it is highly recommended that you consider staying at higher color (D-G) and clarity (IF-VS2) grades than you might with a brilliant cut stone because they are more likely to become visible at lower grades. Also, check to make sure that all the facet edges appear parallel in the face-up position. If they aren't, it can be pretty obvious at times.


The emerald cut offers a touch of regal elegance as the center stone in a ring, and the most attractive proportions are a length-to-width ratio range of 1.50-1.75:1.00. However, some prefer a more square look with a ratio in the range of 1.30:1.00. Obviously, the more square the shape, the more it compliments the longer-fingered hand, and the more rectangular, the better suited it is to the shorter-fingered hand.


The better emerald cut diamonds, like radiants, will have table %'s of about 59-69% and total depth %'s ranging from about 59-69%.


Like both the radiant and princess, the cost of a 1ct., D, IF emerald cut diamond is roughly 33% less than that of an identical round stone, but a 1ct., G, VS2 emerald is only about 20% less than the cost of an identical round.