A Complete Guide to Emerald-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

Emerald-cut diamond rings are timelessly beautiful. Though this diamond shape originated from the earliest cut of gemstones, the table cut, in the 1500s, it’s still widely popular and regarded as a modern style. Emerald-cut diamond engagement rings became especially chic in the 1920s and 1930s with the rise of Art Deco, a French-inspired style movement with geometric allure.

Compared to round and other brilliant-cut stones, emerald-cut diamonds have a more subdued sparkle. But look closer and you’ll see a “hall of mirrors” effect created by this shape’s step cut, a symmetrical faceting pattern that resembles a staircase. Because this shape has fewer but wider facets, clarity and color stand out more. This means inclusions, or small imperfections, are more visible in emerald-cut diamonds.

Nonetheless, emerald-cut diamond engagement rings are an exquisite choice because of their sleek look. Their elongated shape makes them appear bigger than other diamond shapes, which also has a slenderizing effect on the finger. (For those who prefer a square shape, an Asscher cut is a type of emerald cut sometimes thought of as a “square emerald.”)

Those drawn to the cut tend to have a sophisticated taste—they prefer a subtle, understated look over more eye-catching flair. In this way, emerald-cut diamond engagement rings project a poised and self-assured confidence.

Diamond shape is only one aspect of an engagement ring’s appearance—there are a wide variety of settings for emerald-cut diamond rings, each with their own striking allure. Below are several types worth considering, particularly for engagement rings.

Solitaire

Solitaire settings place the diamond in the center spotlight. Without extra stones or details to distract, this setting creates a classic and elegant minimalist look.

East-West

The east-west setting is a modern variation that turns the diamond on its side so that its length runs east to west, or horizontally, along the band.

Halo

The halo setting offsets the traditional emerald-cut diamond’s subtlety by giving it more sparkle with a brilliant border.

Side Stones

Side stones act as complementary accents to a ring’s center stone, adding an extra dash of sparkle and flourish.

Three-Stone Setting

A trio of emerald cuts creates a big look while maintaining symmetry and grace.

Baguette Stones

Baguette stones are elongated step-cut diamonds that are often used as side stones to showcase emerald-cut centerpieces. It’s a vintage-inspired look that never goes out of style.

Split-Shank

The band of a split-shank engagement ring parts into two strands that frame the center diamond, for a striking style that is also light and airy.

From classic Hollywood stars to modern Grammy winners to other high-profile figures, emerald-cut engagement rings are a favorite of celebrities with all kinds of tastes. Below are several who have proudly worn them.

• Beyonce’s engagement ring is a platinum split-shank band with a flawless 24-carat diamond.
• For her one-year anniversary gift, Avril Lavigne received a 17-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from her husband Chad Kroeger.
• Oscar-winning actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly was known for her iconic engagement ring, which featured a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond and two baguette side stones set in platinum.
• Elizabeth Taylor famously referred to her dazzling 29.4-carat diamond ring as her “ice skating rink.”
• Paris Hilton said yes to a 20-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring with a three-stone design and geometric shapes inspired by the historic Grand Palais.
• Trial lawyer Amal Clooney wears a 7-carat diamond engagement ring with tapered baguette stones on each side.
• Kim Kardashian once wore a flawless 20-carat emerald-cut ring—her second engagement ring from Kanye West—before it was stolen in a robbery in 2016.

While other diamond shapes beautifully complement your emerald-cut ring, consider coordinating it with matching pieces of jewelry for an especially cohesive look.

Necklaces

Whether you opt for a pendant or an endless line necklace, emerald-cut stones give your neckline a sophisticated touch.

Bracelets and Bangles

An emerald-cut diamond ring pairs especially well with matching bracelets and bangles on your wrist.

Earrings and Rings

Emerald-cut diamond accessories, like earrings and right-hand rings, create a sleek and refined look all around.