Emerald Cut Diamonds: Why They Cost Less and Look Bigger

Emerald cut diamonds have a calm, elegant shine. They look like clear glass with bright, clean lines. They also usually cost less than round diamonds. That is why more people now choose an emerald cut diamond ring. But there is a catch. The long, open top shows flaws very clearly. Pick the wrong clarity and the stone can look cloudy.

This guide helps you avoid that mistake. You will learn how an emerald cut compares with a round on price and size. You will also learn which clarity to buy, the best ratio and the best settings.

What Is an Emerald Cut? (Step Cut Explained)

An emerald cut is a rectangular diamond with cut corners and long, flat steps on its sides.

Think of a staircase. Each step is a long, flat facet. Together, they create a "hall of mirrors" look. You see bold flashes of light, not tiny glitter. A round diamond is different. It has many small facets that sparkle like glitter.

Here is what you get with an emerald cut diamond:

• A large, open top. It shows the stone's clarity clearly.

• Long flashes of light. The shine looks calm and elegant.

• Cut corners. They protect the stone from chips.

Emerald Cut Prices vs Round

Emerald cut diamonds usually cost less per carat than round diamonds.

Round diamonds are in higher demand. They also usually waste more of the rough stone when it is cut. So rounds carry a higher price. But there is a trade-off. An emerald cut needs a higher clarity grade, so some of your savings go there.

*Stock changes daily, so check live prices.

Here are four ways to pay less:

• Buy just under a whole carat. A 0.90 to 0.99 ct stone costs less than a 1.00 ct stone.

• Choose lab-grown. It costs less than natural at the same grades.

• Choose near-colourless. It costs less than colourless grades.

Shop with Rings of Australia, and you can save up to 70% off on diamond rings. Explore all our lab-grown diamonds and natural diamond engagement rings

Why Clarity Matters More in Emerald Cuts

Clarity matters more in an emerald cut because the open, step-cut top shows flaws clearly.

A round brilliant hides small flaws with sparkle. An emerald cut does not. You can see right into the stone. Use this table to pick a safe grade.

This is common industry guidance, not a fixed rule. Follow these steps.

1. Watch the video. Look at the centre of the stone first.

2. Prefer flaws near the edges. The setting can hide them.

3. Check the colour. Choose G or better for white gold or platinum.

Still feeling stuck? Refer to our diamond clarity guide for a better understanding.

Ideal Length-to-Width Ratio

A good ratio for an emerald cut is 1.30 to 1.50, and about 1.40 is the classic look. Here’s a table that will make things easier for you to understand:

Check any stone in four steps.

1. Work out the ratio. For example, 7.0 ÷ 5.0 = 1.40.

2. Check the corners. They should be cut evenly.

3. Look for a glassy centre. Skip the stone if a large, clear patch shows.

4. Read the certificate. Look for excellent or very good symmetry and polish.

Our diamond cut guide explains more.

Emerald Cut Sizes in mm

A 1.00 ct emerald cut is about 7.0 x 5.0 mm. Here’s a table scaled from that size at a 1.40 ratio. The ring size column is a starting point, using Australian letters with US numbers.

*These are estimates, so always check the mm on the certificate.

Compare mm, not carats, and use our ring size conversion chart if you are unsure of your size.

Emerald vs Asscher vs Radiant

The three shapes look alike, but only the radiant sparkles like a round.

Here is the emerald cut vs radiant comparison, plus the square asscher.

Use this to decide:

• Choose emerald for calm elegance and long lines.

• Choose Asscher for a square shape with a vintage feel.

• Choose radiant for more sparkle and flexible clarity.

Best Settings for Emerald Cuts

The best settings for an emerald cut diamond ring are a solitaire, a halo or a hidden halo with protected corners.

• Solitaire: Simple, and it shows the whole stone.

• Halo: Small diamonds around the stone add size and sparkle.

• Hidden halo: Plain from above, with extra sparkle from the side.

• Three stone: Side stones add width and meaning.

• Bezel: Metal rim protects all four corners.

Two more tips:

• Ask for prongs on all four corners. This keeps the stone safe.

• Choose six prongs for 2.00 ct and above. Heavier stones need more support.

Want something different? Get in touch with our team for a free custom design.

Find Your Emerald Cut Diamond

Shopping for an emerald cut diamond? Start with our emerald cut diamond ring range in natural diamonds, or choose a certified emerald cut in lab-grown diamonds. Prefer to talk it through? Book a virtual appointment.

Emerald Cut Diamond FAQs

Does an emerald cut diamond cost less than a round?

Yes, usually. At the same carat, colour and clarity, the emerald cut diamond price is typically lower per carat. You will need a higher clarity grade, so some of the saving goes there.

What clarity should I choose for an emerald cut?

Choose VS2 or better for most emerald cut diamonds. The open top shows flaws. For stones over 2.00 ct, aim for VS1 or better.

Does an emerald cut sparkle less than a round?

Yes, in a different way. An emerald cut gives long, calm flashes of light. A round gives small, bright glitter.

Does an emerald cut look bigger than a round?

It looks longer. From above, an emerald cut covers about the same area as a round of the same carat. But its long shape looks larger in the hand.

What is windowing in an emerald cut?

Windowing is a glassy, see-through spot in the middle of the stone. Light leaks out there. Watch the stone's video and skip any stone with a large, clear patch.

Are emerald cut diamonds good for an engagement ring?

Yes, if you like a clean, elegant look. Choose a good clarity grade and a setting that protects the corners. Then your emerald cut diamond ring will wear well every day.