Emerald Cut Engagement Rings - Complex Diamond, Easy Message

Emerald Cut Diamond Settings - Split Shank, Halo, Side Stone

The emerald cut diamond is arguably one of the most complex diamond cuts in the industry. Known for its larger surface area, the elongated table of emerald cut diamonds inherently makes them look larger than their round brilliant diamond counterparts. The unique shape of emerald cut diamonds helps to easily differentiate them from all of the other stone shapes. For example, when looking at a cushion cut diamond halo engagement ring, it is sometimes necessary to examine the design closer in order to ascertain that the center diamond is in fact a cushion cut. The reason is that, at a quick first glance, a cushion shaped diamond halo may look similar to a round cut halo. With emerald cut diamonds, on the other hand, no other diamond cut even remotely resembles its unique shape. Thus, there is no mistaking an emerald cut diamond engagement ring for any other shape. In other words, if you are considering pursuing an engagement ring with an emerald cut center diamond, get ready for the spotlight to be on you.

The Far Reaching Aesthetic Implications of Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

While emerald cut diamond engagement rings are unquestionably distinct, stylish and sophisticated, it is important to identify the entire spectrum of implications of this unique diamond shape. On the one hand, relative to the most universal round brilliant diamond cut, emerald cut diamonds stand out in the most elegant ways. On the other hand, emerald cut diamonds simply look bigger, and bigger is not necessarily better for everyone. For some of us with a larger ring finger, the bulkier feel of the emerald cut diamond may be a great match. For those with a smaller finger, however, the larger shape may feel disproportionate. And above all, everyone's unique tastes and preferences will dictate their affinity for larger diamonds. Some of us specifically enjoy the smaller, more subtle feel of other diamond shapes. It is therefore essential to consider the unique factors that pertain to your situation, as there is no single diamond shape that will unanimously work for everyone.

The Emerald Cut Side Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

We begin with a simple example of an emerald shaped halo diamond engagement ring, boasting 14 round cut side stones. The classic designs are easier to compare, and this gorgeous diamond setting demonstrates the inherently massive nature of emerald cut diamonds. With the popularity of emerald cut side stone engagement rings at an all time high, this diamond setting is ready for the center stage. Note that in a traditional side stone engagement ring like this, the emerald cut diamond draws the lion’s share of attention. For this reason, combined with a focused light return of the emerald shaped diamond, many professionals believe that those who pursue this diamond shape should consider investing into a higher clarity grade, such as VS1 or VS2.

Adding a Hint of Vintage Milgrain and Filigree to an Emerald Cut Halo Engagement Ring

Given the already sophisticated nature of emerald cut diamonds, we exercise caution when contributing additional complex design elements to the setting. With the market for vintage engagement rings yearning for the next cutting edge design, this emerald cut halo diamond setting boasts light filigree, covering only half of the shank, as well as milgrain, lining half of the shank and the actual diamond halo. Replace the emerald shaped halo with a round halo, and this design could benefit from a heavier presence of milgrain and filigree. However, to avoid a clash, to maintain the right balance and to keep the main focus on the emerald cut center diamond, all of the other design characteristics of this engagement ring were limited to a mild presence. This also explains why the more complex floral, infinity and bypass diamond engagement rings, among others, rarely feature emerald cut center diamonds, since the emerald cut diamond likes the spotlight and is usually the center of attention. There are, however, a few additional modifications we can make, which would preserve the main focus of the emerald cut diamond, while still allowing us to add some additional sparkle to the shank.

The One-of-a-Kind Split Shank Engagement Ring with an Emerald Cut Diamond

In a recent issue, we covered the art and science of the split shank diamond engagement ring. With round brilliant diamonds, the split shank design possibilities are endless, and we are able to create additional curves, cross bands, pierced filigree, bypass designs and more. And it’s not that we are unable to create the same designs with emerald cut diamonds, but many of these characteristics must be toned down, in order to preserve the main focus on the emerald shaped center stone. As an example, split shank emerald cut engagement rings rarely feature any additional, complex design characteristics. In most cases, the split shank is lined with round cut side stone diamonds. We may also add some light milgrain, filigree or pave diamonds, but only enough to further accentuate the emerald cut center diamond.

Perhaps the most telling comparison of all, when you observe the version of this same split shank side stone engagement ring with a round halo, the difference is immense. You may notice that the round halo in this diamond setting effectively blends with the rest of the design. Scroll back to the diamond setting with the emerald shaped halo, and you will notice that the rest of the design succumbs to the emerald cut center diamond. For this reason, emerald cut diamonds are not always a fit for all types of engagement rings. This is also the reason why many qualified jewelers recommend starting your search with a diamond, and not with a setting.

The Final Verdict - Emerald Cut Engagement Rings Are a Rare Breed

While most people would agree that emerald cut diamond engagement rings are a distinct breed, everyone sees this diamond shape differently. Some view the emerald shaped diamond as too flamboyant and extravagant. Others, however, note its bold ability to take the spotlight, as well as the overall brilliance it contributes to the completed diamond engagement ring design. We certainly recommend considering an emerald cut diamond as a possibility, even if to eliminate it as a viable option. It is not likely that emerald cut diamonds will ever become a universal choice for engagement rings or fine jewelry, but they will always hold their own. The emerald cut diamond will always have a special place in the industry, because there is no other diamond shape which renders so much complexity on its own, that it necessitates that much simplicity in the rest of the engagement ring design. The emerald cut will always be a complex diamond with a simple message.