Emerald cut diamond - please help!

[Emerald13]

Hi everyone,
Been a lurker here for a while and appreciate all of the advice and learning I’ve been able to develop from everyone sharing their knowledge.

I am now looking for a stone for an engagement ring and have some specific questions for you all.

We are interested in an emerald cut diamond.
Color - I have been told that you can go lower in emerald diamonds. Not sure how low you can go...would appreciate thoughts around this.
Cut - most important, as I have learned through this forum.
Carat - around 3-3.5 carats is desired
Budget - around $20-25k (would this be possible for a 3 ish carat?)

What are some good vendors to consider? If anyone has a specific emerald diamond in mind, please let us know. What are some things we should be aware of when choosing an emerald cut diamond? What questions should be asking our local jeweler when looking at stones?

Any advice and direction would be appreciated!

 

[Emerald13]

Any thoughts on this stone?

 

[Matthews1127]

Hi everyone,
Been a lurker here for a while and appreciate all of the advice and learning I’ve been able to develop from everyone sharing their knowledge.

I am now looking for a stone for an engagement ring and have some specific questions for you all.

We are interested in an emerald cut diamond.
Color - I have been told that you can go lower in emerald diamonds. Not sure how low you can go...would appreciate thoughts around this.
Cut - most important, as I have learned through this forum.
Carat - around 3-3.5 carats is desired
Budget - around $20-25k (would this be possible for a 3 ish carat?)

What are some good vendors to consider? If anyone has a specific emerald diamond in mind, please let us know. What are some things we should be aware of when choosing an emerald cut diamond? What questions should be asking our local jeweler when looking at stones?

Any advice and direction would be appreciated!

Not sure where the info “can go low on color with Emeralds” came from.
Most on this forum will steer you away from lower color step cuts; they tend to show more tiny in lower colors, in comparison to brilliant cuts at the same carat size. Unless, you are setting the stone in a warm metal.
Are you shopping online, or going through a local jeweler?

Your criteria for a large EC around 3-3.5ct should be
VS2+ clarity (inclusions show more in larger stones).
F-I (Max) in color.
VG-EX cut, polish, and symmetry.

What are your sweet spots for l x w ratio? Preference plays a huge role with EC’s.
Facet pattern, and number of facets also play roles in selecting an EC.
There are lots of factors, including ASET images, and in person observation to consider.

 

[Matthews1127]

Any thoughts on this stone?

On paper, it looks good.
Is there a video or other image?

 

[Emerald13]

Not sure where the info “can go low on color with Emeralds” came from.
Most on this forum will steer you away from lower color step cuts; they tend to show more tiny in lower colors, in comparison to brilliant cuts at the same carat size. Unless, you are setting the stone in a warm metal.
Are you shopping online, or going through a local jeweler?

Your criteria for a large EC around 3-3.5ct should be
VS2+ clarity (inclusions show more in larger stones).
F-I (Max) in color.
VG-EX cut, polish, and symmetry.

What are your sweet spots for l x w ratio? Preference plays a huge role with EC’s.
Facet pattern, and number of facets also play roles in selecting an EC.
There are lots of factors, including ASET images, and in person observation to consider.

Thank you for the advice!

That bit about color came from a local jeweler.

We are looking locally currently but also open to purchasing via online vendor.

By show more tiny, do you mean the diamond will look smaller the lower the color grade?

Will try to figure out the facet and ration preference during our next appointment with a local jeweler which is coming up.

 

[Emerald13]

On paper, it looks good.
Is there a video or other image?

No videos or other images. I would have to ask them for it. Let me try to find some and get back to you.

 

[Emerald13]

How important is it that we stay within the 61-69% table and 61-67% depth restrictions?

 

[tyty333]

Thank you for the advice!

That bit about color came from a local jeweler.

We are looking locally currently but also open to purchasing via online vendor.

By show more tiny, do you mean the diamond will look smaller the lower the color grade?

Will try to figure out the facet and ration preference during our next appointment with a local jeweler which is coming up.

I'm pretty sure that was supposed to be tint (not tiny).

Fancy cuts, like Emeralds, can not be evaluated on paper. You really need up-close pictures, videos, and aset images to
evaluate fancy cuts.

3 carats for $25k is going to be tough unless you/we could find a lower clarity that is eye-clean (also tough).

I'll look around some and see whats out there.

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI Emerald,
welcome to PS!
I'm an emerald cut lover myself.
There's so much to delve into...but here's some main points I would keep in mind.
1) Buying online is completely different than buying in person. Mixing the two yields interesting results. For example, sellers that want to sell diamonds online must be able to produce videos. Someone selling a diamond in person, may not have the facilities to produce effective videos- even some reputable B&M sellers. When people want to assist here, they have to see pics and or videos to make any sort of comment. The info on a GIA report is so limited.
That creates a bit of difficulty in some cases.
In general, online will have the price advantage- but if you have a capable dealer showing the stones, it might be worth paying a bit more to buy in person.

2) what is a well cut emerald cut? It's nowhere near as methodical as evaluating a round brilliant diamond. Even then, if a few seasoned graders were comparing 10 emerald cuts, most would likely find the same stones to be "well cut"- they might not agree which was the best. There's so much taste involved.

3) the same goes for color. I see/hear a lot of advice given online in different places- and by jewelers themselves, that you need to stop at H. It's truly bad advice if you've never seen J-K colored diamonds. D is not "better" than J, it's different.

Anyway- good luck!!

 

[tyty333]

I think something is going to have to give (size or budget)...didnt find anything in your budget that was worth recommending.

 

[Emerald13]

HI Emerald,
welcome to PS!
I'm an emerald cut lover myself.
There's so much to delve into...but here's some main points I would keep in mind.
1) Buying online is completely different than buying in person. Mixing the two yields interesting results. For example, sellers that want to sell diamonds online must be able to produce videos. Someone selling a diamond in person, may not have the facilities to produce effective videos- even some reputable B&M sellers. When people want to assist here, they have to see pics and or videos to make any sort of comment. The info on a GIA report is so limited.
That creates a bit of difficulty in some cases.
In general, online will have the price advantage- but if you have a capable dealer showing the stones, it might be worth paying a bit more to buy in person.

2) what is a well cut emerald cut? It's nowhere near as methodical as evaluating a round brilliant diamond. Even then, if a few seasoned graders were comparing 10 emerald cuts, most would likely find the same stones to be "well cut"- they might not agree which was the best. There's so much taste involved.

3) the same goes for color. I see/hear a lot of advice given online in different places- and by jewelers themselves, that you need to stop at H. It's truly bad advice if you've never seen J-K colored diamonds. D is not "better" than J, it's different.

Anyway- good luck!!

Excellent advice. Makes a lot of sense! Thank you for your input.

 

[Emerald13]

I think something is going to have to give (size or budget)...didnt find anything in your budget that was worth recommending.

Darn! Well, thank you for looking on our behalf.

Out of curiosity, what was the “average” price you encountered for a worthwhile stone in that size range?

 

[Bron357]

Have you seen some emerald cuts in person?
As an owner of antique Emerald cut ( long and thin) I can advise that it sparkles completely differently to a Round Brilliant.
what you get is less frequent but BIG flashes of colour. So it does less sort of “twinkle” like RB‘s do.

 

[Emerald13]

Have you seen some emerald cuts in person?
As an owner of antique Emerald cut ( long and thin) I can advise that it sparkles completely differently to a Round Brilliant.
what you get is less frequent but BIG flashes of colour. So it does less sort of “twinkle” like RB‘s do.

That is a beautiful ring there!

Yes, we have seen quite a number in person. Just haven’t found the right one yet. But the classic, timeless feel of the emerald cut is what makes it so attractive to us!

Since we have settled on a shape, we are now trying to figure out the details and find a stone that matches the specs and the price point.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

You know...

Color is extremely personal in diamonds. I too heard that one can go to j-k shopping for emerald cut diamonds. But at the end of the day what do YOU and your SO other want to look at day in and day out when you happen to glance at it or are down right admiring your diamond.

Do you want to see something icy bright (sometimes can appear cool/cold bluish) or something more neutral bright or more of a warmer bright??? have you thought about what metal you want to set it in?? that might have some influence ...

a friend of mine wears a g color 5 carat emerald cut set in platinum with two huge trilliants. Its beautiful. another person i know not really a friend, at all, wears an H color 4 carat emerald cut with traps set in platinum. Both of the ratios appear to be about 1.3 and squattier/fatter. (i'd ask my friend if she were the type to enjoy talking about diamonds and jewelry. But she's passionately political and would rather talk about that type of stuff. whereas i'd much rather chat about diamonds and jewelry.) so i have to guess at her diamond's ratio.

I recall seeing a large 4 carat k color emerald here on pricescope awhile ago but not in real life.

I feel diamonds are beautiful in a whole multitude of colors depending upon make/cut, size, which metal its set in (to play up certain aspects of that diamond.)

its super difficult to assess a diamond, really, just by its certificate. Video is very neccesary. aset image is very helpful but seems less availabe by some vendors.

Emeralds are one of, if not my most favorite cut.

 

[Matthews1127]

You know...

Color is extremely personal in diamonds. I too heard that one can go to j-k shopping for emerald cut diamonds. But at the end of the day what do YOU and your SO other want to look at day in and day out when you happen to glance at it or are down right admiring your diamond.

Do you want to see something icy bright (sometimes can appear cool/cold bluish) or something more neutral bright or more of a warmer bright??? have you thought about what metal you want to set it in?? that might have some influence ...

a friend of mine wears a g color 5 carat emerald cut set in platinum with two huge trilliants. Its beautiful. another person i know not really a friend, at all, wears an H color 4 carat emerald cut with traps set in platinum. Both of the ratios appear to be about 1.3 and squattier/fatter. (i'd ask my friend if she were the type to enjoy talking about diamonds and jewelry. But she's passionately political and would rather talk about that type of stuff. whereas i'd much rather chat about diamonds and jewelry.) so i have to guess at her diamond's ratio.

I recall seeing a large 4 carat k color emerald here on pricescope awhile ago but not in real life.

I feel diamonds are beautiful in a whole multitude of colors depending upon make/cut, size, which metal its set in (to play up certain aspects of that diamond.)

its super difficult to assess a diamond, really, just by its certificate. Video is very neccesary. aset image is very helpful but seems less availabe by some vendors.

Emeralds are one of, if not my most favorite cut.

EC’s are my favorite for ME.
Never could I look at my hand, and NOT see an EC of any size or color on my hand.
I have tried on practically every shape on my finger, and EC wins, every time.
That’s NOT to say that I’m adverse to including Asschers to my collection, esp the Octavia.
But, for ME, my center stone must be an EC.
Your friend is sporting my dream size EC: 4ct. I prefer more elongated l x w ratio 1.4-1.50:1, but there is a certain appeal to squatty EC’s around 1.30-1.35:1. ♥
#ECGoals

That all being said, this is why personal preference rules when searching for fancy cuts, like EC’s. Which makes advising on specifics nearly impossible.
I’ve seen beautiful lower colored step cuts. My ideal EC color range is E-G. I have a G color EC. If we had dropped any lower, I do not believe it would satisfy me*. My G is VERY white, but step cuts absorb surrounding colors, and pick up light differently than brilliants. Any off white surroundings show very easily.
Knowing your threshold for color in white light v soft light is really important.

 

[Emerald13]

You know...

Color is extremely personal in diamonds. I too heard that one can go to j-k shopping for emerald cut diamonds. But at the end of the day what do YOU and your SO other want to look at day in and day out when you happen to glance at it or are down right admiring your diamond.

Do you want to see something icy bright (sometimes can appear cool/cold bluish) or something more neutral bright or more of a warmer bright??? have you thought about what metal you want to set it in?? that might have some influence ...

a friend of mine wears a g color 5 carat emerald cut set in platinum with two huge trilliants. Its beautiful. another person i know not really a friend, at all, wears an H color 4 carat emerald cut with traps set in platinum. Both of the ratios appear to be about 1.3 and squattier/fatter. (i'd ask my friend if she were the type to enjoy talking about diamonds and jewelry. But she's passionately political and would rather talk about that type of stuff. whereas i'd much rather chat about diamonds and jewelry.) so i have to guess at her diamond's ratio.

I recall seeing a large 4 carat k color emerald here on pricescope awhile ago but not in real life.

I feel diamonds are beautiful in a whole multitude of colors depending upon make/cut, size, which metal its set in (to play up certain aspects of that diamond.)

its super difficult to assess a diamond, really, just by its certificate. Video is very neccesary. aset image is very helpful but seems less availabe by some vendors.

Emeralds are one of, if not my most favorite cut.

Went to the local jeweler today. Looks like my personal cutoff for color is J. We looked at the stone in multiple lighting conditions and the color did not bother me.

 

[Emerald13]

EC’s are my favorite for ME.
Never could I look at my hand, and NOT see an EC of any size or color on my hand.
I have tried on practically every shape on my finger, and EC wins, every time.
That’s NOT to say that I’m adverse to including Asschers to my collection, esp the Octavia.
But, for ME, my center stone must be an EC.
Your friend is sporting my dream size EC: 4ct. I prefer more elongated l x w ratio 1.4-1.50:1, but there is a certain appeal to squatty EC’s around 1.30-1.35:1. ♥
#ECGoals

That all being said, this is why personal preference rules when searching for fancy cuts, like EC’s. Which makes advising on specifics nearly impossible.
I’ve seen beautiful lower colored step cuts. My ideal EC color range is E-G. I have a G color EC. If we had dropped any lower, I do not believe it would satisfy me*. My G is VERY white, but step cuts absorb surrounding colors, and pick up light differently than brilliants. Any off white surroundings show very easily.
Knowing your threshold for color in white light v soft light is really important.

This was very helpful advice. Thank you! We learned that we personally don’t mind a slight warmth to the stone. As long as it still looks beautiful.

 

[Emerald13]

The stones that the jeweler showed us today had “good” polish and symmetry. Wondering how much the polish and symmetry grades matter for EC stones. Of course, ideal is probably better but it’s turning out hard to find a good stone.

 

[Emerald13]

Thoughts on this diamond?

3.02 Carat J VS2 Emerald Natural Diamond GIA Certified Affinity Cut - D45400041

3.02 carat, Emerald, J Color, VS2 clarity, GIA Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Natural Diamond, D45400041

www.adiamor.com

 

[Emerald13]

I’m also remembering maybe the table and the depth aren’t supposed to be so similar? Can anyone advise?

 

[Big Fat Facets]

EC’s are my favorite for ME.
Never could I look at my hand, and NOT see an EC of any size or color on my hand.
I have tried on practically every shape on my finger, and EC wins, every time.
That’s NOT to say that I’m adverse to including Asschers to my collection, esp the Octavia.
But, for ME, my center stone must be an EC.
Your friend is sporting my dream size EC: 4ct. I prefer more elongated l x w ratio 1.4-1.50:1, but there is a certain appeal to squatty EC’s around 1.30-1.35:1. ♥
#ECGoals

That all being said, this is why personal preference rules when searching for fancy cuts, like EC’s. Which makes advising on specifics nearly impossible.
I’ve seen beautiful lower colored step cuts. My ideal EC color range is E-G. I have a G color EC. If we had dropped any lower, I do not believe it would satisfy me*. My G is VERY white, but step cuts absorb surrounding colors, and pick up light differently than brilliants. Any off white surroundings show very easily.
Knowing your threshold for color in white light v soft light is really important.

@Matthews1127

YES, i am in complete agreement. and like you, it took lots and lots of seeing different and trying on many different rings with different shapes/cut/make to discover that because at first it ALL looks good until our eyes become more honed and can see past the bling and begin to appreciate the different shapes on our hands and finger. And also learn of our preference for the different types of sparkle offered by each of the cuts. I do LOVE the emerald cut the most. to my eyes, its a soothing elegant glow and sparkle, the shimmer of long pastel facets are just extraordinary. I think i prefer a ratio of 1.40 to say 1.20
but i feel i need to see more to be able to determine that with more certainty.

i like asschers, royal asscher, octavia too. but i don't feel i favor them over an emerald cut. then again, i haven't seen a royal asscher or octavia in real life. The problem is that they face up so dreadfully small. The means one must increase the alloted budget when shopping for them.

im sure your emerald must be gorgeous!!!

For the loose emerald cut, to my eyes, I feel that d,e,f color is icy cool tone bright
g color is icy bright
h color is neutral bright
i color is neutral warm bright
(havent seen warmer than i color in person)

My friend that wears the 5 carat g color emerald is super color sensitive and chose a g color 5 carat for herself. she started out with a 1 carat d color mrb which she turned into a pendant. she's a beautiful taller slim woman in her seventies. shes got tremendous experience with jewelry and has oodles and oodles of gems. Her 5 carater is not a daily wearer. she doesnt feel safe wearing 5 carats not to mention, what appears to be, several carats of trilliants she's got on either side of her emerald. we had dinner together with her husband and my husband and she wore it then. it looks enormous on her. i can see why she might not feel safe wearing it daily.

The woman that i know that wears the 4 carat is chubby and has plump chubby fingers so her 4 carat emerald looks "just right" on her and not so much like a "big diamond" sort of look.

you have slim hands/fingers, from your avatar, so your dream size of 4 carats will look huge on you. its a funny thing because growing up my dream size was 3 carats. i don't why or where it came from. but Ive always wanted 3 carats even when my ring size was 3.75 (i now wear a size 5 ring) i hope one day you will achieve your 4 carat emerald )

yes, discovering ones own preferences and what one favors is ultimately the most important.

 

[Matthews1127]

I’m also remembering maybe the table and the depth aren’t supposed to be so similar? Can anyone advise?

Numbers are a game with Fancies. If you focus on the numbers, you’ll be in the funny farm.
Take a look at this article written by PS’s own @Karl_K. It explains a lot, and should help you better understand why the certificate should be a GUIDE, not the Bible.

Performance and the p3 facets, a discussion about step cut diamonds.

By Karl K. This is the beginning of a discussion on steps cuts, how they work, what they are and what to look for when buying one. It’s a long […]

www.pricescope.com

 

[Big Fat Facets]

Went to the local jeweler today. Looks like my personal cutoff for color is J. We looked at the stone in multiple lighting conditions and the color did not bother me.

being able to determine that ought to serve you well. have you given any thought to the metal you intend to use for the ring??

 

[Big Fat Facets]

The stones that the jeweler showed us today had “good” polish and symmetry. Wondering how much the polish and symmetry grades matter for EC stones. Of course, ideal is probably better but it’s turning out hard to find a good stone.

i think the safe answer is at least "very good" for polish and symmetry. but each stone should be assessed individually, visually

 

[Matthews1127]

Thoughts on this diamond?

3.02 Carat J VS2 Emerald Natural Diamond GIA Certified Affinity Cut - D45400041

3.02 carat, Emerald, J Color, VS2 clarity, GIA Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Natural Diamond, D45400041

www.adiamor.com

This is a gorgeous stone!
Adiamor should be able to provide you with ASET images of this diamond, if they have possession of it.
That would confirm what the video shows: beautiful performance, consistent across the center, and very bright for a J!
You may notice some tint, but it’s a great contender!
Not to mention, it’s on the high list on cut for Adiamor.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

Thoughts on this diamond?

3.02 Carat J VS2 Emerald Natural Diamond GIA Certified Affinity Cut - D45400041

3.02 carat, Emerald, J Color, VS2 clarity, GIA Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Natural Diamond, D45400041

www.adiamor.com

from this type of video, the diamond looks pretty good. BUT this type of video is not so easy to assess the p3 facets, (right at the center region) of the stone. I believe this company is in los angeles. they can call it in and you can go with your significant other to have a look at it. the center should light up for you. have you asked for aset image yet?? are you even in the los angeles area?

 

[Matthews1127]

@Matthews1127

YES, i am in complete agreement. and like you, it took lots and lots of seeing different and trying on many different rings with different shapes/cut/make to discover that because at first it ALL looks good until our eyes become more honed and can see past the bling and begin to appreciate the different shapes on our hands and finger. And also learn of our preference for the different types of sparkle offered by each of the cuts. I do LOVE the emerald cut the most. to my eyes, its a soothing elegant glow and sparkle, the shimmer of long pastel facets are just extraordinary. I think i prefer a ratio of 1.40 to say 1.20
but i feel i need to see more to be able to determine that with more certainty.

i like asschers, royal asscher, octavia too. but i don't feel i favor them over an emerald cut. then again, i haven't seen a royal asscher or octavia in real life. The problem is that they face up so dreadfully small. The means one must increase the alloted budget when shopping for them.

**I agree. Which is why I chose 25 pointers for my Vintage Asscher Anniversary Band project.
I have seen Royal Asschers on a smaller scale. They are beautiful. Even small, they pack a punch!
**

im sure your emerald must be gorgeous!!!

**My EC is 1.07ctGSI2 (looks more like VS1). In my circle, my center diamond is the largest, and rivals those of professionals in higher stature in my workplace. My stone appears larger than it is on my hand, and faces up larger than others of similar carat weight (I have compared...lol).
I am a “bigger is better” kinda gal, but we have a blended family, so we started “smaller” with the intention of upgrading, later.
Thread:

#JOTW - Meet "Uisce"

Good Morning, PSers!!! After months of scrolling (and trolling), and drooling, and sharing, I finally decided to start my own thread to introduce my Engagement Ring (and my Wedding Band-after all, they ARE BFF's)!! Recently, I posted a thread about how to "name" a diamond. After several hours of...

www.pricescope.com

**

For the loose emerald cut, to my eyes, I feel that d,e,f color is icy cool tone bright
g color is icy bright
h color is neutral bright
i color is neutral warm bright
(havent seen warmer than i color in person)

My friend that wears the 5 carat g color emerald is super color sensitive and chose a g color 5 carat for herself. she started out with a 1 carat d color mrb which she turned into a pendant. she's a beautiful taller slim woman in her seventies. shes got tremendous experience with jewelry and has oodles and oodles of gems. Her 5 carater is not a daily wearer. she doesnt feel safe wearing 5 carats not to mention, what appears to be, several carats of trilliants she's got on either side of her emerald. we had dinner together with her husband and my husband and she wore it then. it looks enormous on her. i can see why she might not feel safe wearing it daily.

**I understand why she would be hesitant to wear her ring every day. But, lucky lady!


The woman that i know that wears the 4 carat is chubby and has plump chubby fingers so her 4 carat emerald looks "just right" on her and not so much like a "big diamond" sort of look.

you have slim hands/fingers, from your avatar, so your dream size of 4 carats will look huge on you. its a funny thing because growing up my dream size was 3 carats. i don't why or where it came from. but Ive always wanted 3 carats even when my ring size was 3.75 (i now wear a size 5 ring) i hope one day you will achieve your 4 carat emerald )

**My finger is a size 5.5. I wear a 6 to allow for swelling in summer months. I believe a 3-5ct rock would fit just fine....lol!!
**
yes, discovering ones own preferences and what one favors is ultimately the most important.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

@Matthews1127
yeah, I like big diamonds too!! for the longest time i couldnt accept the "superficialness" of it all. But i now succumb to my diamond urges and needs. i accept it. i embrace it.

in my circle im somewhere in the middle.

yeah, i think you would be delighted with a 3-5 carat after seeing your thread. you would wear it well. but 4 is your dream. and there's something about achieving that magic dream carat weight...

another way i knew the emerald cut was for me was that i tried on 3 quarter carat sized diamond rings in different shapes and still i loved the emerald even in that size on my hand.

 

[Matthews1127]

@Matthews1127
yeah, I like big diamonds too!! for the longest time i couldnt accept the "superficialness" of it all. But i now succumb to my diamond urges and needs. i accept it. i embrace it.

in my circle im somewhere in the middle.

yeah, i think you would be delighted with a 3-5 carat after seeing your thread. you would wear it well. but 4 is your dream. and there's something about achieving that magic dream carat weight...

another way i knew the emerald cut was for me was that i tried on 3 quarter carat sized diamond rings in different shapes and still i loved the emerald even in that size on my hand.

It’s meant to be!!
@Emerald13, I hope your journey is as fruitful as mine has been!!