Need Guidance on Emerald Cut

[Kingy]

I am looking to buy an Emerald Cut diamond for an engagement ring. What attributes, besides Color and Clarity are the most important to look for in finding a nice stone? There is so much to look at, and know, any help from the experts will be appreciated.
Thanks!
Kingy

 

[Hest88]

The most important factor, by far, is cut. That will determine whether you have a lively or a flat stone. The AGA cut parameters are a good start. http://diamonds.pricescope.com/fnc2.asp

Offhand, I'd want a stone with table and depth in the lower to mid 60s, with table smaller than depth, and the crown height greater than 10%, but preferably greater than 12.

However, be warned that the parameters are not fool-proof with a fancy cut, and it's best to see the stone or find a jeweler whose eye you trust to pick a good diamond.

 

[Kingy]

Thank you for the reply! As a follow up, some of the factors you have listed are often not available on gems listed on the internet or on EBay. The Crown Height in particular is often not available on GIA reports or in the descriptions listed on websites. Are all of the percentages and factors that that you mention or that are mentioned on the AGA link able to be figured by hand using the measurements typically given? Any responses to this are extremely helpful.
Thanks again!
Kingy

 

[chialea]

This is just something you're going to have to ask the seller. The way they typically figure it out is putting the diamond in a Sarin machine, which measures all of this automagically. If the seller doesn't have the diamond on hand, they can typically request it be done, but it takes longer.

 

[Hest88]

Yes, what chialea said.

I would not buy a diamond on just the GIA report.