Emerald or Princess?

[sjas26]

Before today, I was really set on an emerald center stone with trillions on the sides. My boyfriend and I seriously starting looking at rings today and saw a beautiful canadian princess solitaire. Something around 85 facets, VS1, G and 1ct tw, price $5995. Now I am kind of in a bind because I am the type of person that if given too many options I will certainly NOT be able to decide on just one. Does anyone have any pictures of emerald cut diamonds so I can see different settings? I would greatly appreciate it. Also, two jewelers we visited today mentioned that emerald cuts have more visible characteristics than other cuts, therefore it would be worth our while to purchase a higher grade stone. Any feedback?

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome to PS

Both shapes have very different personalities, so the best thing to do is to look at and compare if you can, also what looks best on your finger. Personally I am not a great fan of Princess Cuts, but adore EC's they are so classic. But it is what is pleasing to your eyes. ust to add, I know it can be overwhelming when trying on different shapes, but go with your heart and your eyes - you will know!

Regarding clarity, step cuts such as EC and Asschers can show more inclusions than rounds etc, so a higher clarity is often needed - a VS or even a VVS but you can find VS which are clean.

Finally scroll through Show Me the Ring and the Eye Candy folder, all the PS rings are posted there and there are lots of EC's to give you setting ideas. Also there is a cut chart which will help you with proportions with these shapes - as a guide with the numbers which are very useful, then use your eyes to decide what is beautiful.

http://www.gemappraisers.com/oldcutgraderules.asp

Hope this helps.

 

[diamondfan]

Emerald cuts have no facets, they have steps, and so inclusions are easier to spot. You absolutely need to be have a higher clarity stone with an emerald cut. Like Lorelei, I am not a princess fan. I have an ermerald cut, and love it. Very timeless and elegant. I also love an emerald cut with a step cut side stone, like trapezoids. I am not crazy, just personally, about mixing step cuts and faceted stones, though of course it can be done and is all the time. I just love keeping the simple clean look of the step cut all together.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I''d also like to mention that asschers are square emerald cuts and very beautiful! Go to some sites like Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash and see some pictures. It will also help to have some price comparision. I personally prefer emerald and asscher to princess as well. I like the cut corners better.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

This is my favorite emerald setting of all, and it is from Tiffany. But Excel Diamonds sells a reproduction of this setting for a reasonable price.

 

[Lorelei]

I''d also like to mention that asschers are square emerald cuts and very beautiful!

I agree DS, I don''t know why it is - I always think of the two as separate entities even though they really aren''t! But it is best to clarify for those just starting out.

 

[jaz464]

I also like ECs much better than princesses. If you do go with an EC, you will need to bump clarity and color a little higher than you would with a princess. Great cut for both is essential. I just love an east-west set EC. Here is a pic with what I think are step cut traps by Leon Mege. Gorgous

Something that I didn't know, this site describes the trillion as a combination of a step and brilliant cut.

http://www.altobelli.com/html/gemstone_shapes.html

 

[Lorelei]

These settings have got me drooling, but I don't think it would go down too well if I was to seriously starting to covet anything else

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I prefer ECs over PRs for center diamonds as well but you need to decide for yourself which you love more.

 

[justjulia]

In my experience, I think the cut of the stone makes a lot of difference. I''ve had two different EC''s with different "personalities"- one had a lot of radiating rainbows from the corners and another did not. I then went to a rectangular shaped princess cut, which was beautiful--I liked the mix of bars and sparkles while having the shape of an ec. I found that I liked F or higher color in EC''s, but the princess actually fell in love with a K--which was possible bc the princess cut bounced light all over, unlike the clearer step cut EC''s. Also, you can get away with less clarity with a princess because of all the diffusion. Having said this, I think you have to see "the one" and then fall in love--they are all so different.

 

[ladykemma]

i think emerald cuts are classic. princess are going to look dated -- they are already on their way out. i think princess shapes will go the way of the marquise or the pear.

 

[sjas26]

Thank you ladies for all your suggestions. I have been looking around online thanks to your links and tips. By the way, anyone know about trading or selling diamonds? My boyfriend was engaged once before and he has the old ring. Since I refuse to take the same diamond and put it on a different setting, we wanted to try and trade it in and put the value toward the purchase of mine. Any tips on where or if I can make that happen? I am going to post this in the general forum also.

 

[JulieN]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/question-for-ps-vendors-or-anyone-who-has-traded-up.48546/

 

[Tacori E-ring]

can you go back to the jeweler where he bought the first ring? Maybe they have a trade-up policy. Otherwise I know many PSers have used Pearlman''s.

 

[msdarlinjoy]

Hi sjas26 ~

Welcome to PS!

Of course my first love is an Ideal cut RB. My second choice I think would be a flanders. I have seen a 1.5ct Flanders and it litteraly took my breath away! Don''t see to many of them around.

Third choice would be a classic EC! If I ever had the chance to own an EC, I would seriously consider having it set East/West!

Then of course would come a Radiant, and lastly a Princess.

I have seen some truely gorgeous Princess cut diamonds. I think you either are fond of them, or your not. And even though I have seen some gorgeous ones around ... I wouldn''t rush out and buy one.

I ditto going to look at different diamonds in person. Just remember that your the one who is going to end up wearing it ... like Lorelei said ... "Listen to your

" the cut that is ultimately right for you ... will either sing or yell at ya!

Best wishes and have a wonderful day!

 

[Peerless]

Younger Age = Princess Cut
Older Age = Emerald Cut

It''s all a matter of preference, but I personally feel that Emerald Cut diamonds are more classy and timeless. I haven''t seen the new AGS 0 light performance Princess Cuts, but they are supposed to be very sparkly.

 

[diamond diva]

I am interested i n your comments about Pearlman''s!
Do they trade up?
Do they have a website?
Where are they located?

Thamks

 

[Lorelei]

Here you go www.pearlmansjewelers.com/