Emerald Cut Diamonds

[Stest7895]

I fell in love with the Tiffany cut emerald diamond engagement ring but it is $8000.00!!!! That is crazy! What should we be looking for in an emerald cut diamond? And why are they so expensive?

 

[Tacori E-ring]

It''s not that ECs are more expensive, it is that Tiffany''s IS! The most important thing is cut. Also unlike a round (or other shapes) ECs do not hide its flaws well. I would not buy one less than VS2. Color is also more apparent but I have a lovely I that seems to hide her color fairly well. If you are buying ECs online make sure you see photos. I am not a numbers gal with ECs. Maybe would not like my EC''s numbers but I find her beautiful. Trust your eyes. Good luck!

 

[oldmancoyote]

I think T&Co is expensive in general; it provides peace of mind and good quality, and many people think it worth their money. Others prefer to search more and find more value in lesser known brands and dealers who provide similar (or higher) quality at a lower cost.

Emerald cut diamonds aren't particularly expensive as such, although finding well cut ones is not easy, and Tiffany usually saves you time and grief in that respect too.

ETA: Whoops - cross posted with Tacori E-Ring, but it seems we agree!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Steph,

Tac and OMC are absolutely right that Tiffany carries a premium so it depends on what matters to you. Choosing a well cut emerald cut can be a little more challenging than a round, but it can be done. Firstly it is advisable to work with a vendor who has in house diamonds, and can show you detailed photos of their EC's and ASET images ideally. This way you will have a good idea of what you are buying.

Then for the proportions of your diamond you can use this chart as a guide, but please do not get hung up on any suggested numbers otherwise you could miss out on some lovely diamonds. Also there are many possible looks and types that can result from a given set of numbers so in my opinion you really need in order to purchase -

1) a trusted vendor who can see and evaluate emerald cut diamonds and who can supply....( 2)

2) photos and Idealscope if ASET isn't available

3) chart as a guideline. http://diamonds.pricescope.com/fnc2.asp

Also feel free to post any images you have here and the RT team and storm in particular whose main area of interest are the EC and Asscher can take a look for you.

Colour and clarity....Emerald cuts can show inclusions more readily than other shapes, so I would suggest VS and above to begin with. Colour is a personal preference, unless you want a colourless diamond, perhaps consider F to H to start with or try to view some similar size and lab graded EC's for colour grades in person ( GIA or AGS).

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 11/18/2008 6:38:27 AM
Author: Lorelei
Hi Steph,


Tac and OMC are absolutely right that Tiffany carries a premium so it depends on what matters to you. Choosing a well cut emerald cut can be a little more challenging than a round, but it can be done. Firstly it is advisable to work with a vendor who has in house diamonds, and can show you detailed photos of their EC's and ASET images ideally. This way you will have a good idea of what you are buying.


Then for the proportions of your diamond you can use this chart as a guide, but please do not get hung up on any suggested numbers otherwise you could miss out on some lovely diamonds. Also there are many possible looks and types that can result from a given set of numbers so in my opinion you really need in order to purchase -


1) a trusted vendor who can see and evaluate emerald cut diamonds and who can supply....( 2)


2) photos and Idealscope if ASET isn't available


3) chart as a guideline. http://diamonds.pricescope.com/fnc2.asp


Also feel free to post any images you have here and the RT team and storm in particular whose main area of interest are the EC and Asscher can take a look for you.


Colour and clarity....Emerald cuts can show inclusions more readily than other shapes, so I would suggest VS and above to begin with. Colour is a personal preference, unless you want a colourless diamond, perhaps consider F to H to start with or try to view some similar size and lab graded EC's for colour grades in person ( GIA or AGS).

Excellent advice but I would make one change...
table in the low 60s or smaller depth under 70 crown height over 10% and matched to the depth and l/w ratio you prefer, even girdle in the sl-thick range and use a vendor who will call the stone in and evaluate it in person and provide pictures.