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Arrange your visitDiamond Education · Buying Guide
Emerald Buying Guide
The emerald cut diamond typically features 57 facets and is known for its elongated, rectangular shape with distinctive step cuts, which create a "hall of mirrors" effect. Although not as sparkly as other cuts, emerald cuts often appear larger than diamonds of the same carat weight in other shapes. However, they tend to reveal more colour and, due to their large table, can accentuate even small flaws. As a result, buyers should be cautious of visible inclusions when selecting an emerald cut diamond.
Cut
Excellent emerald cut specifications
Table percentage
61% – 69%
Depth percentage
61% – 67%
Length-to-width ratio
1.40 – 1.50
The traditional emerald cut typically features a length-to-width ratio between 1.3 and 1.4. For a more elongated look or to create the illusion of longer fingers, seek a ratio between 1.5 and 1.6. Factors such as depth percentage, table percentage, and length-to-width ratio significantly influence the diamond's appearance and light reflection. Depth below 74% can be a shortlist preference, but table and depth ranges do not guarantee an attractive cut. Compare the complete proportions, report and clear video or an in-person view under more than one light source.
Colour
In emerald cut diamonds, colour is more pronounced due to their large table and step cuts, which can highlight the stone's natural hue more than other shapes. We offer D–H colour grades; compare individual stones across that range in your preferred setting and lighting.
Offered range · D to H
Clarity
For the best value, we suggest aiming for a VS2 clarity grade. Clarity grades SI1 and SI2 are usually not advisable for step cuts. Unlike brilliant cuts, which are designed to maximise sparkle, step cuts do not scatter light as effectively, making inclusions more visible. With their open facets, inclusions in step cuts are more apparent, so it's wise to choose a clarity grade no lower than VS2.
Recommended · VS2 or better
GoodClean sight-lines through the table
AvoidInclusions visible through the open facets
Emerald cut diamond size chart
What an emerald cut's measurements mean in carat weight. Step cuts carry their weight differently from brilliants, which is why these figures are measured rather than borrowed from another shape's formula. Every row from 0.30ct up is the median of real certified emerald cuts in our own inventory, with the sample size beside it; the smaller sizes come from our diamond supplier's book.
| Length × width | Carat weight | Typical range | Based on |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 × 1.4 mm | 0.03 ct | — | Calculated |
| 2.5 × 1.8 mm | 0.058 ct | — | Calculated |
| 3.0 × 2.3 mm | 0.10 ct | — | Supplier measurement |
| 3.8 × 2.6 mm | 0.17 ct | — | Supplier measurement |
| 4.0 × 3.0 mm | 0.24 ct | — | Supplier measurement |
| 4.5 × 3.2 mm | 0.30 ct | 0.30–0.33 ct | 79 stones |
| 4.7 × 3.4 mm | 0.33 ct | 0.31–0.38 ct | 120 stones |
| 4.9 × 3.5 mm | 0.40 ct | 0.36–0.42 ct | 120 stones |
| 5.0 × 3.6 mm | 0.45 ct | 0.40–0.50 ct | 425 stones |
| 5.3 × 3.8 mm | 0.50 ct | 0.43–0.51 ct | 271 stones |
| 5.5 × 3.9 mm | 0.53 ct | 0.48–0.61 ct | 1,053 stones |
| 6.0 × 4.3 mm | 0.71 ct | 0.66–0.80 ct | 1,490 stones |
| 6.5 × 4.7 mm | 1.00 ct | 0.84–1.03 ct | 3,520 stones |
| 7.0 × 4.9 mm | 1.06 ct | 1.01–1.20 ct | 2,957 stones |
| 7.5 × 5.4 mm | 1.51 ct | 1.33–1.57 ct | 2,846 stones |
| 8.0 × 5.7 mm | 1.70 ct | 1.53–2.05 ct | 4,548 stones |
| 8.4 × 6.0 mm | 2.00 ct | 1.89–2.12 ct | 173 stones |
| 9.0 × 6.4 mm | 2.51 ct | 2.04–2.80 ct | 4,915 stones |
| 9.6 × 6.8 mm | 3.00 ct | 2.89–3.11 ct | 104 stones |
| 10.0 × 6.9 mm | 3.09 ct | 3.01–3.58 ct | 4,897 stones |
| 11.0 × 7.6 mm | 4.10 ct | 4.01–5.04 ct | 2,507 stones |
| 12.0 × 8.3 mm | 5.51 ct | 5.02–6.20 ct | 876 stones |
| 13.0 × 9.1 mm | 7.09 ct | 6.52–8.02 ct | 447 stones |
| 14.0 × 9.8 mm | 9.02 ct | 8.03–10.07 ct | 275 stones |
| 15.0 × 10.4 mm | 10.59 ct | 10.03–12.04 ct | 173 stones |
Rows from 0.30 ct up are the median of our own GIA and IGI certified stones, with the sample size shown and the typical range being the middle 80% of that bucket. Smaller sizes come from our diamond supplier's own book where it carries the shape, and are calculated from the trade weight formula where it does not. Covers 2.0 mm to 15.0 mm. Snapshot 2026-08-30.
Length and width give an indicative weight range. Depth, girdle thickness and other proportions also affect weight, so this table is an estimate. Use the individual grading report or a measured loose-stone weight for an exact figure. For every other shape, and a converter that works both ways, see the full diamond size chart.
How much does an emerald diamond cost?
Choose a carat weight to see what a natural and a lab-grown emerald diamond cost today, or enter your budget to see the size it buys. Each figure is the typical price of the emerald diamonds available through us at the grade shown under the results, worked out every night; follow its link to see the real stones.
1 ct emerald · Natural
about A$5,994
Typical price · based on 223 diamonds available through us
Listed now, at or under this price
1 ct emerald · Lab-grown
about A$1,546
Typical price · based on 224 diamonds available through us
Listed now, at or under this price
At this size, lab-grown costs about 75% less than natural.
Natural: E–F colour, VS2 clarity, excellent cut for rounds. Lab-grown: E colour, VS1 clarity, ideal cut for rounds. GST included.
Put it in an engagement ringTypical prices of the diamonds available through us, updated 11 October 2026. See every shape and size in our diamond price guide.
Compare other shapes
Emerald is part of the step-cut family. The closest cousin is the square Asscher Buying Guide; for a brilliant-faceted rectangular outline with more sparkle, see the Radiant Cut Buying Guide. For a single-page side-by-side across all ten shapes, see our Diamond Shape Comparison. Or jump straight to our engagement ring designs when you're ready to choose a setting.
Common questions
Why does emerald cut clarity matter more?
Emerald cuts are step cuts with large open facets and a big table, so they don't scatter light into sparkle the way brilliant cuts do. That can make inclusions easier to see. VS2 can be a useful shortlist starting point, but visibility depends on the type, size and position of inclusions and on the individual stone. Inspect it under different lighting before choosing.Do emerald cuts have less sparkle?
Yes — an emerald cut trades sparkle for the 'hall of mirrors' effect, where parallel step facets create long flashes of light reflecting off each other. The character is more calm and architectural than a round brilliant. If you want maximum sparkle in a rectangular outline, look at the radiant cut instead.Which length-to-width ratio suits an emerald cut?
The traditional emerald cut sits at a length-to-width ratio of 1.30 to 1.40. For a more elongated look — often flattering on smaller fingers — aim for 1.50 to 1.60. Below 1.30 the outline reads more square (approaching asscher territory); above 1.60 the stone starts looking narrow and stretched.What settings suit an emerald cut?
The classic emerald setting is the four-claw solitaire — a clean, modern frame that lets the step-cut faceting do the visual work. Bezel settings reinforce the geometric outline and offer maximum protection. Three-stone settings with tapered baguette side stones echo the emerald's linear geometry beautifully.