Emerald

The emerald cut is a step cut, meaning its facets run in long parallel lines rather than the triangular pattern of a brilliant. That changes the whole character of the stone. Instead of sparkle, an emerald cut produces broad flashes of light and dark, an effect the trade calls the hall of mirrors.This collection includes Fulham, Kasama, Kimberley, the Oprah emerald cut diamond eternity ring, Venice and Vienna.Because there is nowhere to hide, an emerald cut demands a cleaner stone than any brilliant cut. Inclusions that would vanish in a round brilliant sit plainly visible through the open table. The practical rule is to move up a clarity grade or two compared with what you would accept in a round, and to spend less worrying about colour, which shows less in a step cut.The reward is a stone that looks larger than its weight, thanks to the broad flat table, and that has an architectural quality quite different from a brilliant. It is the cut most associated with art deco design and it suits anyone who finds a round brilliant too busy.Note that this category covers the emerald shape in diamonds. For the green gemstone, see our emerald jewellery collection.Our diamond shapes guide explains step cuts, and the Four Cs covers why clarity matters more here.