We love the elegance of an Emerald cut diamond. That step-cut gorgeous goodness is like packing oodles of glam-centric Elizabeth Taylor-level energy in one ring.
There’s just one little problem. With all that flashy shine in lieu of a more traditional glittery sparkle, finding the ideal setting for an Emerald can be tricky. So what’s the best setting for your stunning Emerald engagement ring? Don’t worry your shiny self about it. We’ve got options.
There’s something about an Emerald that just hits different. It’s part glassy, part flashy, and all the way glamour.
Emeralds are a step-cut stone which gives them an entirely different sort of sparkle than your standard diamond.
Long linear facets create bright flashes of light rather than the glittery sparkle of a round brilliant. The larger table creates a window down to the center of the stone, and when you put the two together, you get a dazzling hall of mirrors effect. The crystal clear cut gives Emeralds an old-world appeal, making them an ideal match for vintage-inspired settings. On the other hand, its clean look and elegant appeal look absolutely amazing in modern and minimalist settings.
And hey, if you’re worried about missing out on all that brilliant sparkle, you can always swing for the pavé setting or something with stunning side stones. It’s two kinds of shine that would have Hannah Montana screaming–It’s the best of both worlds.
Ok, so if an Emerald is so different, are there totally different rules for shopping for one? Well, yes and no. While the 4Cs apply to all diamond buying, there are other forms of finesse where Emeralds are concerned. Because the step-cut stone has a larger table (that big flat part on the top) and no sparkle to hide behind, you’ve got a big ‘ole window to work with. And just like the windows on your house, you can see everything on the other side. Don’t let the clear glassy look fool you. It’s also responsible for the hall-of-mirrors effect that makes Emeralds so awesome. And when shopping, that only means one thing.
Clarity: As with all diamonds, you want to look for an eye-clean stone, meaning no visible blemishes. This goes double for Emeralds since they have no sparkle to hide imperfections.
Look for an Emerald that is VS or higher to ensure it’s eye-clean. Really there’s never a reason to go above VS, so save yourself some cash.
Color: Another all-around rule is that a diamond should appear colorless.
Look for a G-H color diamond to snag a crystal clear stone that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
If you are way into Emerald glam but don’t want to miss out on a glittery moment, why not have both? Mixing up Emerald flash with brilliant sparkle is a total mood. The shiny variety creates depth and diversity, not to mention movement. It can also give that classic and super dramatic stone a playful look.
That clean, classic diamond paired with the twisting branches of a The Textured Twig creates a full-force fantasy moment.
The nature-inspired setting has a warm romantic feel with a kiss of brilliant sparkle from two shiny side stones. It’s an out-of-the-box pick that gels so well with that flashy center stone. The combo feels like a fairytale waiting to happen. An elegant Emerald wanders into the forest and meets two magical diamonds. Cue the cape turns.
The Pavé Kamellie is an extremely delicate band that packs tons of glittering sparkle into a dainty little package, complete with a hidden halo. The movement of the pavé diamonds creates sparkle in every direction while also letting the clean lines of the Emerald shine. The two types of stone play off the light in totally different ways, highlighting a sweet, subtle elegance.
Gotta love a little all-over brilliant sparkle. The Miley is bringing the shinetastic realness in a stunning pavé halo setting. All those little diamonds light up the stage and perfectly frame the classic mirror flash from the Emerald. It’s amazing how all that crazy brilliant sparkle can highlight the clean lines of an Emerald to create the ideal engagement ring.
The setting is completely eye-catching in every way. The split shank pavé gives the setting a classic feel that leans into the beauty of the old-school Emerald.
Oh, did we mention a halo setting can make your center stone appear up to a full carat larger? Bonus facts.
The classic Emerald is a great fit for a vintage vibe. The old-world feel easily translates into timeless elegance whether you want to go full vintage or cute and contemporary with a retro feel.
Some vintage vibes have that warm and romantic feel that just keeps getting better with time. The Jasmine has a charming feel and that unforgettable look. Brilliant diamonds around the band mix with an intricate milgrain design to form marquise-like shapes. The smooth curves move your eye to the center stone, while round diamonds add their delicate sparkle to the classic flash of the Emerald. The setting has a sweetheart vintage feel and subtle softness that feels oh-so graceful on the finger.
We love an antique vibe, and The Elizabeth definitely delivers. Intricate milgrain details surround delicately engraved vines that give the engagement ring a nouveau-romantic feel. The delicate band tapers into a hidden halo and a diamond bridge beneath, adding a touch of brilliant sparkle and uplifting the Emerald. The historical romantic vibe or the vintage-inspired band combines with the Emerald to create a rich antique feel that is simple elegance meets stunning.
Texture, sparkle, and shine? You got it. The Catherine is three-sided-stunning with a delicate milgrain texture outlining a row of pave diamonds on each of the band's exposed sides. The delicate sparkle of the pavé tapers inward toward the center stone leading your eye right to the Emerald. The taper of the band enhances the beautiful step-cut stone as it tapers to its own center.
The intricate milgrain texture splits off from the sparkling pavé, continuing on to an ornately decorated bridge. The bridge then crosses into ornamented prongs, continuing its vibrant feel.
Clean lines go great with an Emerald. They lean into the sophisticated feel, often making it feel like more of an old-Hollywood staple. The subtle simplicity of more modern bands has the opposite effect, bringing out a minimalist beauty and a contemporary vibe.
The way The Liv and an Emerald fit together is purely step-by-step magic. The step-cut baguettes on either side enhance the flash giving even more of what we love about an emerald. It’s flash on flash, and it’s giving paparazzi appeal.
The clean look of the stones and setting have an enticing modern appeal. The piece has an unmistakable sense of sophistication and elegance, and there is no doubt it brings the drama.
If you’re in for something with an even more modern appeal, The Charlotte may snag your attention. The sleek beveled edge gives the setting a cool and contemporary feel, while sleek polished metal plays off the diamond's clarity. It brings out all the best, highlighting the depth and beauty of the Emerald. A hidden halo adds a touch of brilliant sparkle and a breath of freshness that completes the setting in its effortless elegance.
Don’t underestimate the drama of smooth simplicity. The Kamellie is a flawless classic solitaire and perfect for such a timeless stone. The delicate band creates an elegant appeal, bringing out the very best in the stone. Smooth, thin lines combine with the elongated stone to lengthen the finger with its subtle glamour. A touch of brilliance peaks out from the hidden halo putting in the final touch for timeless perfection. It’s truly simple elegance at its finest.
We love the clean, classic lines of an Emerald diamond. They shine like no other, allowing you to sparkle it up or keep it clean and classic. There’s really no wrong way to go.
So whether you’re feeling uniquely whimsical is more you, or you’d rather go totally timeless, there’s no wrong way to wear an Emerald. And hey, if you’re still unsure or want to talk sparkles and settings, we’re here to help you find that stone a perfect home.