An Emerald Cut diamond is a diamond that has been cut to a rectangular or square step cut with diagonally cut corners. It usually has 2 to 4 rows of parallel facets to the center of the stone. A very popular style of cut used for Emeralds hence the name. What makes this cut unique is the large flat face (table) when viewed from the top.
This flat face highlights the clarity of the diamond so only high quality diamonds are cut to this shape. The lack of impurities and inclusion in the stone will increase the price so emerald cut diamonds are usually more expensive than other cuts with the same caret weight.
The classic emerald-cut shape has a length to width ratio of 1.30 to 1.40. It is interesting to note that studies done back in the mid 1970s showed that the majority of successful business also had logos with the same length to width ratio. Other length to width ratios is available and if they are pleasing to the eye is determined only by individual tastes. 1.25, 1.50, and 1.75 are very common and if you prefer a more square shape then take a look at the Asscher cut. It also has a flat face to highlight the clarity of the diamond but has a length to width ratio of about 1.0 to 1.05.
When purchasing an emerald cut stone of SI clarity grade or lower, be sure to review the clarity plot on the diamond certificate. A diamond is said to be Slightly Included (S.I.1 to S.I.2) when it presents defects that are easy to locate under 10x magnification.
The Darya-I-Nur diamond is one of the most famous emerald-cut diamonds in the world. It is also believed to be the largest pink diamond in the world. The stone is estimated to weigh somewhere between 175 and 195 carats, and it is a light pink color. Its exact weight isn’t known because its been mounted in its brooch setting for over 130 years. This stone is one of the most celebrated diamonds in the Iranian Crown Jewels and it is also one of the oldest stones known to man.
David Cowley has created numerous articles on Diamonds. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Diamonds. Visit Diamonds
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Why Choose Emerald Cut Diamonds?
Loose diamonds come in a wide variety of cuts, both rounded and rectangular; emerald cut diamonds are an example of the latter.
Round Brilliant or Step?
Loose diamonds for sale may be cut in a round or oval fashion or in a square or rectangular manner. Each type of cut has its advantages and appeal.
First of all, it’s helpful to understand that diamonds have certain qualities by which they are judged; primary qualities are brilliance/fire, and clarity. Round brilliant cuts such as oval diamonds are cut in order to display the gem’s brilliance and fire.
Emerald cut diamonds are not nearly as brilliant as their round and oval counterparts. Such a cut has traditionally been used for emeralds, hence the name; it is the most common of the square/rectangular step cuts (so-called because of its resemblance to stairs). What these diamonds lack in brilliance however, they make up for in clarity. Looking into an emerald cut diamond is like peering into pure, glacier-water ice; the full depth of the stone is clearly visible.
How Does Cut Affect Value?
This is a difficult question, and highly subjective. Currently, the preference among buyers of diamond jewelry is for brilliant cuts, which are generally rounded or oval. Because of this, rectangular step-cut diamonds may have less monetary value.
On the other hand, because of the nature of the cut that accentuates the gem’s clarity, such stones must necessarily be flawless; with emerald cut diamonds, the slightest imperfections would be clearly seen. Generally, the investor or collector is much better off spending the extra money for high quality gems when buying emerald cut diamonds.
Rectilinear cuts were also quite popular during the Art Deco period from 1920 to the late 1940s. Many antique settings from that time have step-cut gems. As a result, the industry is seeing a growing demand for emerald cut diamonds and similar gems for reproductions and restorations of antique diamond jewelry.
Famous Emerald Cut Diamond Rings
One of the most famous emerald cut diamonds is set in a ring worn by Lady Camilla Bowles, who eventually married Prince Charles Windsor of Great Britain.
American “royalty” also apparently has developed a taste for such diamonds; this cut was used for the engagement ring worn by the third Mrs. Donald Trump. Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton also wear such rings.
If this preference by the rich and famous is any indication, it seems that the popularity of emerald cut diamonds will continue to increase, adding to their value as a collector gem and an investment vehicle over time.
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Jonathon Blocker specializes in diamond jewelry, oval diamonds, and emerald cut diamonds. He is a consultant for GemFind.com, a trusted name in the jewelry industry since 1999.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/why-choose-emerald-cut-diamonds-346721.html
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