As per the statistics, less than 3.5% of the diamonds sold globally are emerald cut. These diamonds are cut in a unique manner, which is also called step cut. While most of the diamond shapes have small and brilliant facets, emerald cut diamonds have long and narrow facets. The faceting pattern of the diamond results in flashes of light, which is also termed as the hall of mirror effect. The hall of mirror effect creates flashes of light and dark planes inside the step or facet.
Specifications of Ideal Emerald Cut Diamond
You need to understand that the GIA does not grade the emerald cut diamonds or any other fancy cut diamonds for cut grade. If you find that the emerald cut diamond you are planning to buy has a cut grade associated with it, then you need to understand that it is the cut grade assigned to the diamond by the jeweler. Therefore, it is recommended to verify the cut grade on your own. The below details can help you make an idea about the cut grade of emerald cut diamonds.
| Ideal Cut | Excellent | Very Good | |
| Table % | 53 – 58 | SI1 – SI2 | I1 |
| Depth % | 59 – 62.3 | SI1 – SI2 | I1 |
| Girdle | Thin to Slightly Thick | Thin to Slightly Thick | SI2 |
| Culet | None | None | Very Small |
| Length to Width Ratio | 1 – 1.01 | VS2 – SI1 | SI2 |
Color Recommendations
The color grade is the term used to refer to the amount of color or lack of color that the emerald cut diamond shows. Usually, the emerald cut diamonds reveal color much easily when compared to the other diamond cuts and shapes, as the step cuts do not hide the color of the diamond as much as the brilliant cuts. This is not a big thing to worry about. However, you need to consider getting one color grade higher than what you would buy in a different diamond shape, say round cut.
The good news is that the smaller emerald cut diamonds are capable of hiding the color better than the larger ones. Therefore, depending on the size of the diamond that you are planning to buy, you may not have to buy a colorless (D – F) diamond, even if you were looking for a colorless diamond. The below chart can help you decide the color range of the emerald cut diamond that you need to buy based on grading like colorless diamonds, limited color diamonds, and warmer diamonds.
| Carat Weight | No Visible Color | Limited Color | Warmer Color |
| < 0.5 | D – I | J – K | L + |
| 0.75 | D – H | I – K | L + |
| 1 | D – G | H – I | J + |
| 1.5 | D – F | G – I | J + |
| 2.0 + | D – F | G – I | J + |
Clarity Recommendations
The clarity guide of emerald cut diamonds specifies the details of the number and the severity of the imperfections present in the diamond. It will be difficult to see flaws in smaller emerald cut diamonds when compared to the larger ones. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a small emerald cut diamond, you can go for one with lower clarity rating while looking to have a cleaner appearance.
Imperfections in emerald cut diamonds can be seen more easily than the other diamond cuts, as the step cuts used can make the imperfections really easy to spot. In most of the diamond shapes, you will be able to find eye clean diamonds in SI2 grading. However, it is very uncommon in the emerald cut diamonds unless the diamond is a very small one. Evaluating the clarity of emerald cut diamonds is really subjective, and cam change from buyer to buyer. Some of the buyers might be comfortable with inclusions as long as they are not easily noticeable. On the other hand, some others might insist on buying a technically flawless diamond.
| Carat Weight | Clean Under Light Magnification | Clean to Naked Eye | Visible Blemish Okay |
| < 0.5 | FL – VS2 | SI1 | SI2 – I1 |
| 0.75 | FL – VS1 | VS2 – SI1 | SI2 |
| 1 | FL – VVS2 | VS1 – VS2 | SI1 – SI2 |
| 1.5 | FL – VVS1 | VVS2 – VS2 | SI1 |
| 2.0 + | FL – VVS1 | VVS1 – VS1 | VS2 – SI1 |
Length to Width Ratio
Length to width ratio is another important thing that you need to consider while looking to buy emerald cut diamonds. This ratio is obtained by dividing the length of the diamond by its width and can help understand how wide or skinny the diamond is. The larger the length to width ratio of the diamond, the diamond will be much longer than its width, meaning that the diamond will look more rectangular. If the length to width ratio is smaller, then the length of the diamond will not be much larger than its width, meaning that the diamond will look squarer. As per the experts, it is better to go for diamonds with length to width ratio between 1.30 and 1.40.