The difference between an emerald cut diamond and an emerald stone
Remaining as one of the most popular diamond cuts since the 1920s, the emerald diamond cut is used within many different jewellery designs, such as engagement rings, necklaces and earrings. However, the name of this cut can be confusing for many. This is because the emerald cut is deeply linked to the emerald stone, leaving questions like, ‘Is this diamond green?’, ‘Is this term referring to an emerald gemstone or a diamond?’ and ‘What is the emerald cut and where did it originate from?’
This confusion is understood though, as this type of cut was originally made for emerald gemstones, not for diamonds! Originating in the 1500s, this cut became widely used, as stone cutters favoured it due to the reduced pressure during the cutting process that prevented chipping within the gemstone, which was a benefit as emerald stones are particularly soft. Although this cut was developed for emeralds, the shape quickly became used within diamond jewellery, which now offers the distinction between an emerald cut and an emerald gemstone.
What is the emerald stone?
Due to its emerald green, deep hues and soft, velvety appearance, emeralds stand out amongst the other gemstones, especially as an emerald ring, due to the way the light interacts with the position of the piece. They are known as symbols of wealth and nature, and have risen in popularity over the years with both men and women. Emerald stones are defined as the green variety of the mineral beryl, which contains chromium or vanadium. However, emeralds also occur in hues ranging from yellow-green to blue-green, with green as the primary hue and yellow and blue as the secondary hues found in this particular gemstone.
For thousands of years, emeralds have been considered to be one of the most desirable and valuable coloured gemstones. In accord with their deep, rich emerald green colour, emeralds have a deep, rich history dating back to early civilisations in Africa, Asia, and South America where they were discovered, and soon after, made a gem of the highest standing.
Emeralds are also known as the birthstone for May, thought to promote fertility, rebirth and love. Their beautiful, green colour inspired thoughts of Spring-time and renewal, signifying growth, patience and a hope for the future. Their association with Venus, the Greek Goddess of love and beauty, is unique amongst the other birthstones, and is yet another reason as to why this precious stone has been treasured for generations by so many!
What is the emerald cut?
Unlike round brilliant cut diamonds, the Emerald cut appears less ‘flashy’, and is a style of diamond that is cut with distinctively stepped facets. Therefore, a more distinct, refined shape is formed, boosting greater fire and class over sparkle. An emerald cut diamond can be cut in a variety of unique, rectangular proportions, making it personal to the wearer, especially in pieces such as engagement rings. This has led to the emerald cut remaining a very popular style of engagement ring since it first emerged, and has been used for many celebrity engagement rings such as Amal Clooney, Beyonce and Angelina Jolie.
Although it is not typically as popular as the traditional round brilliant cut or princess cut for diamond jewellery, it does rank highly as a sought after diamond shape. This is no surprise, due to its unmatched mastery in symmetry, clarity and luminescence. Renowned for being a clean cut stone, the emerald cut diamond fashions an elongated shape that makes the stone appear larger than the other diamond shapes, even if it has a lower carat weight. The emerald cut displays a very glamorous look due to its mirror-like effect, and is perfect for those searching for a stunning style, whilst maintaining the utmost class and elegance.
What to consider when purchasing an emerald cut engagement ring
An important factor to consider when purchasing an emerald cut diamond engagement ring is its clarity. Diamond clarity grading runs from flawless to slightly included, referring to the absence of imperfections and blemishes within a stone. Each diamond is evaluated for the number of both internal and external exclusions that it has, as well as the size, position and nature of these characteristics and the impact that they have on how the stone appears.
Clarity within an emerald cut diamond is worth thinking about, as inclusions and imperfections can be more visible here than the other shapes. Therefore, it is advised that a higher clarity grade is chosen, so that these inclusions can only be seen through magnification. This means that the diamond will appear clean and free from visible marks. It is not a huge disadvantage against the emerald cut, though, as long as you choose the right diamond! Find out more about diamond clarity here, as well as discovering more diamond education, and the 4C's that you should consider when buying diamond jewellery.
The history of the emerald cut
Despite the fact that it has been around for centuries, it was not known as the ‘emerald cut’ until it became popular in the 1920’s with the rise of the Art Deco Style jewellery. Emerald cut stones perfectly fit the criteria of Art Deco Style Jewellery, as the pieces are favoured when they have clean lines of symmetry showcased throughout their design. They typically contain 57 facets, the stone looking like a flat platform that is surrounded by descending steps, creating an architectural shape that flawlessly embodied the contemporary diamond jewellery style of the 1920s.
Even though they are clearly distinguished as two different things, whether the cut is used for an emerald gemstone or a diamond, it showcases the stones in two different ways despite having the same cutting process. When it comes to emerald stones, the cut is focused on showcasing its distinct, green colour, allowing its rich hues to glow. Emerald gemstones can also be cut in a variety of shapes, the brilliant round as the most popular choice. As well as this, they have recently been incorporated within many emerald gold jewellery designs, and trilogy emerald and diamond or cubic zirconia rings for women. As mentioned previously, the emerald cut also brings a number of benefits for the diamond, allowing a ring to create an elegant, elongated feel on the ring finger.
Gemstone Jewellery at Sonny’s Jewellers
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