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Courtesy Blue Nile / Design by Michela Buttignol
Considering an emerald-cut engagement ring? You're in good company. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato, and Beyoncé all sport the Art-Deco shape. And that's not the only reason why the emerald cut has become a celebrity favorite in recent years: An emerald-cut diamond's elongated form makes the stone appear bigger than other diamond cuts, while the gem's vertical facets create a glamorous, mirror-like effect. It's an elegant cut that gives your rock some serious presence.
What Is the Emerald Cut?
An emerald-cut stone features a rectangular shape with cut corners. "Emerald-cut diamonds feature step cuts, which are large facets that sit parallel to one another," explains gemologist Ryan Kelsie of Ritani.
Full disclosure: The emerald cut is not the sparkliest style on the market (if you're looking for sparkle, check out round or brilliant-cut stones). However, it's just as beautiful. "In an engagement ring, it creates a flattering, slenderizing effect on the finger," offers Kelsie. "The emerald-cut diamond is a desirable choice because its large surface area makes it appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight."
Despite the fact that it's been around for centuries, the popularity of the emerald cut saw a resurgence during the Art Deco period in the 1920s and 1930s. Ahead, learn more about the emerald cut and what makes this engagement stone selection one of the best.
Pros and Cons of Emerald-Cut Engagement Rings
Unlike other cuts, emerald-cut diamonds put an emphasis on the stone's clarity rather than sparkle, per Kelsie, making clarity and color grade important details—and something to pay attention to when ring shopping.
There are some cons to note, too. "Because of the large table and open facets, emerald-cut diamonds show imperfections and color easily," adds Kelsie. She suggests finding a stone with a "minimum clarity grade of VS2 or higher and a color grade of H or higher," adding that many consumers favor diamonds that appear colorless rather than yellow.
What to Look For in Emerald-Cut Diamonds
- What if you're ordering the engagement ring online? If you happen to be engagement ring shopping online, Kelsie urges you to always ask for high-definition imagery and videos before purchasing the emerald-cut stone.
- How much do emerald-cut diamonds cost? Typically, diamond prices are dictated by their shape. For an emerald-cut ring, the cost ranges anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000. When pricing a ring, consider the carat of the diamond and the metals used to create the ring.
- What setting should you choose for an emerald-cut diamond? Since emerald-cut diamonds are stunning on their own, the setting will only enhance the beauty of the stone. Halo and solitaire settings are the most popular settings overall and using this frame for the emerald-cut stone pairs nicely for the overall look.
How to Care for Your Emerald-Cut Diamond
Emerald-cut diamonds should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water: Kelsie suggests using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub between the prongs and hidden corners. In addition to routine at-home care, you should bring your diamond ring to the jeweler at least once a year. "Your jeweler can tighten the prongs so your diamond doesn’t become lost," she shares, adding, "jewelers can also professionally clean your ring to make it look just as beautiful as the day you first got it."
History of the Emerald Cut
According to Kelsie, the emerald cut is one of the oldest diamond shapes and has been around for centuries. "It gets its name from the emerald gemstone, which was cut in this fashion," she says. "Gemstone cutters found that emeralds chipped less when they were cut this way."
Below, scroll through unique, bold, and minimal emerald-cut engagement rings for every kind of bride.
Erstwhile Deco Solitaire Ring
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Erstwhile
Current engagement ring trends all lead to minimalism, making this solitaire-set ring a stunning option for a low-key bride. The emerald-cut diamond sits on a delicate 18K yellow-gold band for a dainty yet powerful statement.
Price at time of publish: $12,300
Cool Ring Jewelry Emerald-Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring and Marquise Wedding Ring
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Cool Ring
This two-piece set comes with a vintage-inspired emerald-cut engagement ring and a complementary marquise wedding band. But perhaps what is even prettier than this moissanite ring pair is the price.
Price at time of publish: $723
Zales 1-1/3 CT. T.W. Emerald-Cut Three Stone Engagement Ring in Platinum
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Zales
Similar to singer Demi Lovato's engagement ring, this Zales creation includes a center emerald-cut diamond and two trapezoid diamonds.
Price at time of publish: $10,999
ManiaMania Bi-Color Sapphire Eternal Ring
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ManiaMania
For color and shine, look no further. Set on a solid 14K gold band, a bi-color sapphire is surrounded by pavé diamonds.
Price at time of publish: $3,200
Tiffany & Co Tiffany Novo Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring with Diamond Pavé Band
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Tiffany
Featuring a single emerald-cut diamond, this engagement ring puts the sizable center stone on full display. But don't worry, this bauble isn't without sparkle thanks to the diamond pavé band.
Price at time of publish: Must inquire for price
Valerie Madison Vera Emerald Cut Moissanite Solitaire Engagement Ring
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Valerie Madison
Emerald-cut stones need not always be green, but they certainly can make others green with envy. Here, the four claw prongs put the diamond on full display with a simple band that doesn't detract from the main attraction.
Price at time of publish: $2,800
Ritani Solitaire Diamond Gallery Engagement Ring
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Ritani
For a timeless look, go back to the basics. A single emerald-cut diamond rests on a white-gold band, making this a ring that will never go out of style.
Price at time of publish: $1,082
Liven Co. East-West Emerald Cut Colored Stone Ring
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Liven Co.
East-West setting, diamond halo, and a diamond pavé band—what's not to like? Plus, the center stone comes in a variety of colors from white topaz to rainbow moonstone.
Price at time of publish: $950
Allurez Halo Morganite and Diamond Ring
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Allurez
Color, sparkle, size—this engagement ring has it all. Featuring an emerald-cut morganite center stone with a diamond halo and pavé band, this piece of jewelry makes a sophisticated statement that feels one of a kind.
Price at time of publish: $1,163
Blue Nile Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring
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Blue Nile
This delicate solitaire ring looks twice as expensive than it actually is. A great option for budget-conscious couples, the gorgeous design proves beauty and quality don't have to cost a fortune.
Price at time of publish: $750
Vrai The Trio Three-Stone Ring
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Vrai
We've been obsessed with three-stone rings ever since Meghan Markle donned one in 2017. Here, three emerald-cut diamonds are paired together to create a luxurious look.
Price at time of publish: $1,950
Anna Sheffield Attelage Ring
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Anna
We can't tell what we like best about this beauty: the double band, diamond halo, or stunning center stone. It's the perfect foundation for creating the ultimate ring stack, yet still stands on its own.
Price at time of publish: $13,500
Vrai The Signature East West Solitaire Ring
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Vrai
Another East-West option for the less traditional amongst us. We love how the diamond pavé band adds bling to the otherwise understated, yet elegant, ring.
Price at time of publish: $1,200
Kay Jewelers Diamond Engagement Ring 1/2 ct tw Emerald & Round 14K White Gold
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Kay
Diamonds are truly the name of the game with this sparkly piece. If you're looking for shine, the emerald-cut center stone, double diamond halo, and diamond-encrusted band will certainly satisfy.
Price at time of publish: $1,700
Tacori Simply Tacori Engagement Ring
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Tacori
This emerald-cut engagement ring is all about the details. From the East-West setting to the diamond-tipped frame, the diamond pavé band to the crescent silhouette, you'll never get sick of staring at this beauty.
Price at time of publish: $3,990
Chupi Hero Ring
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Chupi
Inspired by the female movement of the 1920's, this Art-Deco design of green tourmaline and white diamond goodness is a celebration of feminine strength. If your partnership is one forged in equality, this is the engagement ring for you.
Price at time of publish: $4,388
Wwake Diamond Mason Ring
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Catbird
We love how this ring can double as an engagement ring and wedding band all in one. The unconventional design features an emerald-cut diamond center stone framed by a spray of baguette and round diamonds that resemble a constellation of love. Note: The style is also available with a whimsical sapphire center stone.
Price at time of publish: $4,915
KatKim Emerald Sunset Pavé Rings
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KatKim
Here, a delicate diamond is placed in an East-West setting, giving the popular cut a unique look. A row of micro-pavé white diamonds sits below the main stone, creating the illusion of two rings instead of one.
Price at time of publish: $5,200
KatKim Mommy+Me Emerald Diamond Ring
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KatKim
Toi et Moi, or double gemstone, engagement rings have surged in popularity thanks to celebs like Megan Fox sporting their very own iterations. This clean, minimalist combination of two emerald-cut diamonds may be our very favorite—especially if there's already a little one in the mix.
Price at time of publish: $8,600
Meet the Expert
Ryan Kelsie is a gemologist at Ritani, a fine jewelry company that specializes in engagement rings and bridal jewelry.