Continuing our series of blog posts focusing on the variety of diamond shapes that are available; we present – the emerald cut diamond! If you missed the first post in the series: princess cut diamonds, you can read it here.
The emerald cut is desired for its traditional lines and understated elegance. Although the emerald cut is most often used for colored gemstones such as emerald, the cut’s namesake, it is occasionally used for diamonds. However, you don’t often see an emerald cut diamond engagement ring. This is due to the fact that the emerald cut does not hide imperfections well, making any inclusions more obvious. This limits the number of rough diamonds that can produce a beautiful emerald cut; and the need for higher quality rough increases the price.
The other factor affecting the price of an emerald cut diamond is the color. As there are less facets bouncing light around, a lower color diamond won’t look as white in this shape. Remember, when shopping for an emerald cut diamond you need to choose the highest quality diamond within your budget. When you begin your search for an emerald cut diamond, as with any diamond, you should consider the 4Cs: Color, cut, carat weight, and clarity.
Color
If, like Angelina Jolie, you have your heart set on an emerald cut diamond, the color will be more important than it would in a round brilliant. Expect to pay more to get a diamond in D through G color. This will be incredibly important if you want a white gold or platinum ring. If you are choosing a yellow gold setting, you can look at a slightly lower color grade.
Cut
The cut, polish and symmetry will still be extremely important. With an emerald cut diamond you are more likely to see flaws, and you certainly won’t want it to be misshapen. Pay particular attention to the dimensions and the polish.
Carat weight
This aspect of the 4Cs is controlled by two things; your budget, and your personal style. You will always pay more for carat weight, but you should never sacrifice cut for size. It’s no good having a large diamond if it is ugly, dull, or lifeless.
Clarity
Clarity is more important in an emerald cut diamond than in any other shape. Although clarity grades are given after inspection with magnification, anything SI2 or better is considered eye clean. Visually inspect every emerald cut diamond with and without magnification. If it looks clean and bright to your eye, then you should get it.
Emerald Cut Type lla Diamonds
All white and pink Pure Grown Diamonds are classified as type IIa which is considered to be the purest form of diamond known to man. Type lla diamonds are almost entirely devoid of impurities and by their very nature, are more brilliant and appear whiter than the other types of diamonds. Type IIa diamonds make up only 1–2% of all mined diamonds. Having a type IIa diamond is definitely a benefit when you can’t live without an emerald cut diamond!
So, you love emerald cut diamonds and just can’t see yourself having any other shape – but, you don’t want white? It just might be your lucky day! You don’t have to have a Tiffany & Co. yellow emerald cut diamond budget to have a gorgeous ring. Take a look at Pure Grown Diamonds yellow emerald cut diamonds and see for yourself. While you are there, you can even create your own ring!
Do you love the crisp, classic look of a white emerald cut diamond, but prefer to dance to the beat of your own drum? Think a little out of the box and consider setting your white emerald cut diamond in a rose gold mounting. Pure grown diamonds offers both white and fancy yellow emerald cut diamonds along with a variety of mountings available in white, yellow and rose gold. And, since all Pure Grown Diamonds are grown not mined, they are conflict-free, environmentally-friendly, and sustainable, so you will never have to choose between beauty and conscience.
The moral of the story? Angelina Jolie isn’t the only girl who can have a stunning emerald cut diamond engagement ring!