Why Cut a Diamond to Look Like an Emerald?

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Why Cut a Diamond to Look Like an Emerald?

Brilliant cut diamonds generate a lot of attention due to their eye-grabbing sparkle. But there are over a dozen other cuts available. One popular alternative is the emerald cut. As its name suggests, the emerald cut is named after the patterns jewelers traditionally use to bring out the stunning features of emerald gemstones.

But why shape a diamond like a completely different stone? As it turns out, there are many good reasons! So, let’s dive into what an emerald cut is and what it isn’t.

What is an Emerald Cut?

When a jeweler produces an emerald cut, they are shaping a precious stone to be rectangular or squared, with rectilinear facets and cropped corners. This gives it a flat surface and steep sides. Emerald cut diamonds have deep clarity, though this does increase the visibility of color, inclusions, and possible imperfections. With this in mind, selecting a high-quality emerald cut stone is very important.

Jewelers originally developed the cut in order to handle inclusions in emeralds. Although the inclusions don’t diminish the natural beauty of emeralds, they do make the stones difficult to cut without breaking. An elongated shape is just easier to cut than circular or pyramidal shapes.

What Is the Difference Between an Emerald Cut Diamond and an Emerald?

Despite its name and shape, similarities between emerald cut diamonds and emeralds stop there.

Different Origin

Diamonds form from highly-pressurized carbon deep in the Earth. But emeralds form from beryl within a hydrothermal vein, which is a hot water stream in the upper layers of the Earth.

Different Appearance

Although both are beautiful gemstones, diamonds are nearly colorless, whereas emeralds are a vibrant green due to the presence of chromium.

Different Level of Durability

The Mohs scale, used by gemologists to compare mineral hardness, ranks diamonds a perfect 10, but ranks emeralds a still-excellent 7.5 to 8.

Then Why Cut A Diamond Like an Emerald?

We have seen why gemologists cut emeralds in this shape, but let’s explore what else makes the emerald shape practical:

Light Reflection

In contrast to brilliant cuts—which are the traditional circular, cone-shaped diamonds that “flash” light through numerous facets—the emerald cut’s visual appeal is in its elongation and transparency. Light and dark planes within the diamond stretch its length elegantly in parallel lines, creating what gemologists call the hall of mirrors effect.

Enlarged Appearance

On average, an emerald cut has 5% more surface area than a comparable round cut. As weight is one factor in pricing diamonds, these pronounced optics potentially aid affordability.

Slimming Appearance

Because lines within the stone are elongated, wearing a ring with an emerald-cut centerstone can be slimming to the wearer’s fingers. The effect is especially noticeable if the stone is rectangular and runs the length of the finger.

Variety

Of course, the simple fact that the emerald cut is so different than other cuts aids its value and practicality. Its size makes it work particularly well as a solitaire, though adjacent stones look great set vertically or horizontally around the diamond as well. The geometry of the emerald cut exudes timeless charm however the ring is customized.

Finding Your New Emerald Cut Diamond

As we have seen, an emerald cut is not an imposter emerald, but rather an alternative to traditional brilliant cuts and a great way to diversify a jewelry collection!

Deciding on the perfect ring is simply a matter of personal preference and taste. As with any diamond, the stones come in an array of sizes to fit your desired style and budget.

At Brinker’s Jewelers, we can help you pick out the perfect emerald cut diamond for your special someone. We have a wide-range of diamond cuts catering to every style and budget. Stop by our store to see our selection or inquire by phone 812.476.0651. Prefer email? Send us any jewelry questions you may have. We’re happy to help.

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