This 50 facet shaped stone is usually rectangular with bevelled corners. The rows of elongated facets define this style of faceting as step cut (instead of the kite or triangular shaped facets of the brilliant cutting style). On the crown, there are three concentric rows of facets arranged around the table and, on the pavilion, there are three concentric rows arranged around the culet. The angles and proportions of the facets of this shape cause it to sparkle the least and as a result, imperfections and body colour may be much more apparent to the naked eye. To be most appealing, higher colour and clarity grades are recommended.
Having said that, though, a well cut emerald cut diamond can be quite beautiful and dispersive in an engagement ring. Indeed, cutting a diamond into an emerald shape does not have to come at the expense of its beauty and sparkle, and can be ideal for people who want a lower key, more sophisticated look in an engagement ring.
Women who prefer the emerald diamond are not really looking for a diamond that will blow people away with maximum brilliance and fire. Rather, they are looking to make a clear statement about their creativity and individuality. In this capacity the sleek and beautiful look of this popular heirloom diamond cannot be duplicated. Typical pairings would be side baguettes, half-moons, and other smaller emerald cuts, but not trillions, as their sparkle can make the centre emerald cut look a little flat.
This cut was initially designed for the emerald stone (hence the name) which is relatively brittle, particularly at the corners. By removing the corners some of this fragility is reduced. It proved so successful and well loved that it started to be used for other stones as well – even diamond which is of course the hardest stone.
The cut is often used in Art Deco forms and because of this, it is increasingly popular at the moment.
The length/width ratio should normally be 1.50:1 to 1.75:1 although it’s common for aspect ratios to vary greatly in fancy shape stones, which tend to be cut to maximize the diamond crystal. You could say that the stone ‘tells’ the cutter what shape it wants to be to yield the largest and most precious finished stone!
There is no such classification as an ideally cut emerald cut at this moment in time
