Need tips on Emerald Cut for friends E-ring..

[treysar]

My friend is getting engaged ,and since I am ALWAYS on this site, I tend to know more than the average person about diamonds. But when it comes to emerald cut stones, I know nothing!
They are taking me with them next weekend to look for a nice stone. While I do know some basics things (lke clarity has to be pretty clear because it''s a step cut, etc) I don''t know what the specs SHOULD be, or what is reccomended for an emerald cut.

She''s looking for a 1.25ish, (1.5 l/w) emerald cut.

Any tips? Any pics to share? Thank you guys!! I promise I will snag pics when she is finally engaged!

 

[jaz464]

Use this as a rough guide

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

It's a good thing you will be looking in person also because fancies need to be seen. I would go no lower than VS2. Color is also more apparent in step cuts so that is something to keep in mind. Look out for bow ties or a dark cross shape which can sometimes be apparent in ECs as well.

 

[Gypsy]

Hey... they are like asshers in many respects... show color and inclusions easilty. Table should be smaller than depth. Table around 58-66 and depth of 64-69 are how I like them. The girdle should be even. Shouldn't be very thick (you lose spread) I like a Medium girdle.. strong, and even but good spread. I also (personal preferance) prefer fatter ones of ratios of 1.17 ish. You've pretty much got to stay VS only. Oh, and take your loop. Good luck.
ETA; Symmetry should be VG or higher, that's very imporant with step cuts. And polish should also ve VG or above.

 

[chrono]

This old post of mine might come in handy:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/what-do-you-guys-call-the-ultimate-emerald-cut-diamond.20561/

It also tells you what to look for with pictures and IScope pictures.

My personal preference?
At least G and better since ECs show colour
At least VS2 and better since step cuts show EVERYTHING!
Depth 63% - 67%
Table 60% - 65% (basically a little less than the depth)
Crown Height 10% and upwards (you can also see the built up crown with your own eyes by looking at a side view)
Even Medium girdle (no extremes of ex thin and ex thick)
At least VG symmetry or better
At least VG polish or better

What to look for?
Indirect light
You should see good scintillation: a balance of narrow light and dark lines in the center with tiny sparkles like crushed ice at the two ends. Basically, very white with hints of strong dispersion at the ends. The steps must be even, not skinny lines followed by a dark fat line.

Office fluorescent light
The EC is going to show white brilliance. When moving the EC from side to side, there should be rainbows moving from one end of the long steps to the other end. The corners would look like icy crushed ice.

Sunlight
Rainbows should flash everywhere. It is usually more impressive from a few feet away. Granted it doesn''t flash like a RB but it should have lots of FIRE!