Emerald cut Engagement Rings
Emerald cut is a special cut of stone which is generally used for emeralds to show off their colour. Round stones are generally regarded as the best cut to show off the fire of a diamond. Emerald cut is an oblong shape with the corners cut off.
This shape was traditionally used for emeralds and was also called step cut as the side cuts resembled steps.
Emerald cut diamonds are more likely to be of better quality as any flaws will show more readily in the stone
Emerald cut diamonds were especially popular in the art deco period with many of the period stones being fine quality, this style has become popular again today with many celebrities choosing this style of ring for their engagement rings
The rules of finding a good quality stone – the 4 c’s
Cut
As already discussed round stones are generally regarded as the best for a diamond. Emerald cut stones are generally in good proportion.
Colour
The best colour for a diamond is no colour at all. The gemalogical societies grade stones in the following colours D as being the best through to Z which is light yellow. The different grades are difficult for the layman to establish. If buying an expensive stone you can ask the jeweller to have the diamond certificated by an authorized gemalogical association such as GIA. (there will most likely be a charge for this)
Clarity
The clarity of a stone is decided by the amount of flaws, fischers or carbon visible under a ten times magnification. The Gemalogical association of America (GIA) and others grade diamonds from flawless to imperfect. Using letters and numbers to show the grades as follows. FI (flawless) IF (internally flawless with slight surface blemish). VVS1-VVS2 (very very small inclusions). VS1-VS2 (very small inclusions). SI1-SI2 (small inclusions). I1-I3 (imperfect visible to the naked eye) All diamonds will have some imperfection but some may show more than others depending on the location. Emerald cut stones will tend to be better quality with older stones usually being a better buy as there is less likelihood of any enhancement to the stone.
Carat (weight)
Gemstones are weighed using the carat measurement with special scales. The higher the weight the greater the cost which rises rapidly once the weight exceeds one carat. Half a carat emerald cut diamond would measure about 6x4mm.A one carat diamond will measure around 7x5mm whereas a 2 carat diamond would be around 8.5×6.5