Emerald Cut Diamond Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

Emerald cut diamonds make a statement by not trying too hard to stand out from the crowd. They’re the classic engagement ring style that comes back in vogue every decade, brought back into the mainstream when couples want an understated ring that feels both vintage and contemporary.

At Valley Rose, our emerald cut diamond engagement rings are some of our most popular styles. This elongated diamond cut appears across several of our engagement ring categories, including our Art Deco and fantasy-inspired rings. 

In this guide, we’re spotlighting everything you need to know before investing in an emerald cut diamond engagement ring – including what to look for before buying a specific gemstone.

What is an Emerald Cut Diamond?

An emerald cut is a step-cut shape with cropped corners and a rectangular silhouette. While other diamond cuts focus on optimizing sparkle, an emerald cut creates a “hall of mirrors” effect that gives an engagement ring an architectural look.

This type of diamond cut is all about enhancing the gemstone’s clarity. As a style that’s been popular for decades, emerald cut diamonds are synonymous with vintage-inspired engagement rings, specifically from the Art Deco era.

Why Choose an Emerald Cut Engagement Ring?

Emerald cut engagement rings are the perfect option if you’re looking for a modern and understated style that takes inspiration from vintage trends and the Art Deco era. 

What we love about an emerald cut is that the diamond feels structured and intentional, rather than being flashy. The elongated shape of an emerald cut also makes the diamond appear larger, making your fingers appear longer. If you’re focusing on design rather than sparkle, then an emerald cut engagement ring is the perfect option for you.

When shopping for an emerald cut diamond, you’ll want to prioritize clarity. A length-to-width ratio of 1.30-1.40 will offer a classic, balanced rectangle, while a higher ratio of 1.40-1.50 offers a more elongated and modern look. If you want a slightly squarer appearance, choose a ratio below 1.30.

FAQ About Emerald Cut Diamonds

Are emerald cut diamonds more expensive?

Emerald cut diamonds are not necessarily the most expensive type. Although you’ll want to choose a stone with a higher clarity, you won’t be paying as much for the cut as a brilliant diamond.

Do emerald cut engagement rings sparkle?

Emerald cut diamonds sparkle less than their round, brilliant counterparts, as they are designed to reflect light to enhance their clarity.

What setting is best for an emerald cut diamond?

Bezel and solitaire settings are the most popular options for emerald cut engagement rings, although you can also choose an East-West or halo setting.

Are emerald cut rings suitable for everyday wear?

Emerald cut engagement rings are suitable for everyday wear, especially when they have a low-profile or are in a bezel setting.

Design a Custom Emerald Cut Engagement Ring at Valley Rose

An emerald cut engagement ring doesn’t focus on sparkle. Instead, it’s about giving you an engagement ring that will stand the test of time. This style of engagement ring has been popular since the Art Deco era and is having a resurgence thanks to the “soft minimalism” trend. You can design your dream emerald cut engagement ring by booking a free virtual consultation or shopping our collection of sustainable engagement rings.