Striking and eye-catching, emerald-cut engagement rings are sure to take your loved one’s breath away. Aptly named after the gemstone that is most often cut in this shape, the emerald, emerald-cut diamonds are traditionally rectangular shaped and feature several parallel stepped facets that are referred to as a 'step cut.'
Thanks to the step-cut, emerald-cut engagement rings tend to have a more muted sparkle than other brilliant-cut diamonds. They more than make up for it through their beloved hall-of-mirrors-like effect, which dazzles through duplication and offers an unparalleled view of the stone's clarity and color.
Emerald-cut engagement rings have historically been popular choices for women whose strong personalities require a distinctive stone to match. Clean Origin's collection of ethical emerald-cut diamond rings is second to none, available in 14K or 18K white gold, 14K or 18K yellow gold, 14K rose gold and platinum. And, when complemented by one of our engagement ring settings, her rock will stand out even more.
Are Emerald-Cut Engagement Rings Popular?
Emerald-cut diamonds have been and continue to be a popular choice for a dazzling center diamond stone. According to a 2021 study by Ringspo, emerald-cut engagement rings made up 2.8% of total diamond engagement ring sales.
So while emerald-cut engagement rings are a popular choice for celebrities and style icons alike, you can rest assured that it is still a unique engagement ring choice that will allow your partner to stand out among the round brilliant, and princess-cut crowd.
History of Emerald-Cut Engagement Rings
Emerald-cut engagement rings have long been a favorite of jewelers. In fact, the emerald cut has been around since the 1500s, when gemstone cutters realized that the shape of the emerald cut would enhance the richness of colored gemstones.
Eventually, jewelers realized that diamonds looked beautiful in this cut as well. Around 1920, when Art Deco’s clean lines and symmetry were most admired, the emerald-cut diamond became even more popular. Eventually, the emerald-cut diamond was standardized around 1940 and has been a popular choice for engagement jewelry ever since.
How Much is an Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring?
As with other diamond engagement ring cuts, the cost of an emerald-cut engagement ring will depend on various factors, including the 4C’s. Because of the stepped facets of emerald-cut diamonds, a viewer’s eyes will automatically be drawn deep into the center of the diamond. As such, it will be essential to prioritize both diamond color and clarity in your emerald-cut diamond.
Clean Origin’s lab created diamonds must maintain one of the top seven color grades and are always SI2 or better so you can be sure that your emerald-cut diamond will be of the utmost quality. With these ratings in mind, a 1-carat emerald-cut diamond can range from $700 to $1,632. Of course, these numbers also begin to fluctuate as you size the diamond up or down.
What Are Popular Ring Settings for Emerald-Cut Stones?
When choosing a setting for your emerald-cut engagement ring, the two most important considerations are the security and visibility of the diamond. You want something capable of protecting your stone and holding it securely while allowing it to be seen without obstruction.
As such, here are the pros and cons of some of the most popular ring settings for emerald-cut stones:
Prong Settings
Prong settings for emerald-cut engagement rings allow for an unobstructed view of the stone, maximizing the potential for reflection within the diamond itself. However, prongs may catch on objects or wear out over time, potentially resulting in a lost stone.
Three-Stone Settings
Although slightly more difficult to clean, three-stone settings allow for a broader range of customization options. Compliment your center emerald-cut diamond by choosing side stones that enhance the overall shape or size of the center stone (or even choosing three identical emeralds diamonds). Plus, a three-stone setting gives you more control over the overall impact of the ring and makes it possible to create something uniquely personalized.
Halo Settings
Adding a halo of smaller diamonds to an already stunning ring frames the center emerald-cut diamond and highlights it while also increasing sparkle and brilliance. Additionally, the surrounding diamonds help keep the center emerald-cut diamond secure.
On the other hand, halo rings can be difficult to clean, and there is a chance that some of the smaller diamonds may eventually become dislodged.
Tips for Buying an Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring
Sizzling Size
Because the top surface of an emerald-cut diamond is so expansive, emerald-cut engagement rings tend to look bigger. For example, an emerald-cut diamond will look larger than a round-cut diamond of the same carat weight. That means you can purchase a diamond that appears bigger than its carat, or a lower carat weight with the same appearance as a higher carat gemstone. Either way, your emerald-cut diamond is a win-win!
Long or Wide
Like the oval-cut, emerald-cut engagement rings make the ring finger look more slender. This is thanks to their elongated shape that highlights the finger's length, creating a very elegant look for a bride-to-be.
Quality Counts
Due to the shape of emerald-cut diamonds, they will emphasize any inherent color in the stone. If that’s a problem, you may want to consider investing in a higher color grade. You may also want to choose a diamond with high clarity since the large table facet highlights visible inclusions in the stone’s center.
Mind the Length
While emerald-cut diamonds are all rectangular, the length-to-width ratio varies; the typical ratio ranges from 1.3 to 1.6. However, whether the ring should be longer or shorter is entirely up to you and your loved one!
What Celebrities Have Emerald-Cut Diamond Rings?
The powerful image of an emerald-cut diamond ring means that many strong, prominent women are drawn to it. Whether in the world of music, movies, or international human rights law, there are plenty of examples of famous women who have enjoyed emerald-cut engagement rings.
Beyoncé
Like one of her (many) hit songs, Beyoncé’s emerald-cut engagement ring is flawless. An impressive gift from Jay-Z, this 18-carat, emerald-cut diamond sits in a double band that emphasizes its colossal size and catches eyes wherever it goes.
Mariah Carey
Although she sold it years after breaking up with Australian billionaire James Packer, Mariah’s engagement ring was an absolute beauty. Her $2.1 million emerald-cut diamond combined contemporary and vintage design reflects Mariah’s glamorous tastes.
Amal Alamuddin
Partially designed by George Clooney, Amal’s engagement ring is a perfect match for her upstanding and classy personality. Her ring features an ethically mined, 7-carat, emerald-cut diamond set in platinum.
Angelina Jolie
Ex-husband Brad Pitt’s engagement ring for Angelina Jolie was estimated at $500,000. The emerald-cut diamond, in an elongated tablet shape surrounded by smaller stones, complements her long and slender fingers.
Eva Longoria
Though the marriage didn’t last, Tony Parker’s $150,000 gift to Eva is one for the books. The 4-carat emerald-cut diamond, surrounded by emerald side stones, was custom-made by Jean Dousset.
Clean Origin’s Selection Of Emerald-Cut Engagement Rings
Look through our diverse selection of diamonds and ring settings to find the perfect combination for your love. Our lab created diamonds come in a variety of carats and colors to suit your taste and budget. Once you choose the perfect emerald-cut stone, let it shine with a compatible ring setting from our distinctive Classic, Vintage, or Solitaire collections.