If you’re looking for an engagement ring that offers a unique combination of understated elegance, a flattering shape, the illusion of size, stunning clarity and relative affordability (Wow! That's a lot of things!), an elongated emerald cut diamond may be the perfect match for you. Hollywood starlets Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly were huge fans of this style, and it’s still worn today by celebrities like Beyonce and Paris Hilton. Let’s take a closer look at the exquisite, elongated emerald cut diamond that continues to enchant the bridal world.
What is an elongated emerald cut diamond?
An elongated emerald cut diamond is a striking variation of the traditional emerald cut (originally designed for its green-gemstone namesake, the emerald). It features a rectangular shape and cropped corners but with a higher length-to-width ratio, giving it a longer and more slender appearance. Aside from its stretched-out silhouette, an elongated emerald cut diamond showcases step-cut facets, resembling a staircase that descends towards the center of the stone. When you peer into the diamond, you’ll see a hall-of-mirrors visual effect, dazzlingly displaying flashes of light. While dramatic, an elongated emerald cut offers a much more subdued and sophisticated sparkle than the intense disco-ball-like brilliance of other cuts, like the brilliant round or princess cut.
Choosing an elongated emerald cut diamond for an engagement ring
An elongated emerald cut diamond is a timeless engagement ring style, blending vintage elegance with clean, contemporary lines. A long emerald cut diamond pairs beautifully with various precious metals, including platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. It also looks equally as stunning in a cathedral or tension setting as it does in a traditional setting like a prong, bezel or halo. And since its roots date back to the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s, there are plenty of vintage-inspired designs to incorporate, like filigree metalwork. For a more modern, fashion-forward look, try an elongated emerald cut in an east-to-west setting, where the diamond sits horizontally on your finger.
Whether you’re secretly researching engagement rings before you’ve been proposed to or will be the one doing the proposing, here are four factors to consider (known as the 4Cs) when choosing a high-quality elongated emerald cut for an engagement ring:
Cut
First, decide on the desired proportions or dimensions for an elongated emerald cut (or its length-to-width ratio). This determines how rectangular or square the diamond will appear on the finger. Lower ratios (around 1.30) equate to a more square-like shape, whereas high ratios deliver the elongated "wow" factor. For a modest elongated shape, choose a ratio of 1.45 or 1.48. To emphasize a longer, more rectangular shape, aim for a ratio of 1.5 or even 1.6 and higher!
Clarity
The large table and open facets of an elongated emerald cut are like a large, well-washed window that can make inclusions (blemishes) easier to spot, so you’ll want to prioritize getting one with a higher clarity grade. Strive for a grade of VS1 or VS2 (Very Slightly Included) to ensure an eye-clean appearance. If you want exceptional clarity for an internally flawless look, pursue a grade of VVS1 or VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included).
Color
The step-cuts of an elongated emerald cut can also accentuate color, which is excellent for bringing out the vibrant hues of a colored diamond or gemstone but not so ideal for a colorless diamond. To avoid any noticeable yellowish tint that can be seen by the naked eye, aim for an emerald cut diamond with a color grade of G or higher. However, if your ring is set in yellow or rose gold, you can often get away with a slightly lower color grade, like an H or I. In these cases, the metal’s warm tones can help mask any yellow or brown undertones.
Carat weight
Due to their long, rectangular shape, elongated emerald cut engagement rings can appear larger than other diamond shapes, even if their carat weight is equal (or, in some cases, smaller). Emerald cuts are also typically less expensive per carat than other cuts, allowing you to indulge in a more prominent looking stone without breaking the bank. When picking a carat weight for your elongated emerald cut diamond engagement ring, opt for one between 1 and 5 carats for maximum visual impact.
Last but not least, ask your jeweler for a diamond certificate, or diamond grading report, at the time of purchase. This document verifies the emerald cut diamond’s quality and provides essential information on its characteristics, including the 4Cs discussed above.
Insure your emerald cut engagement ring
After you find the emerald cut engagement ring of your dreams, protect all that it represents for years to come with a jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that provides coverage beyond the limits of a typical homeowners policy, including protection against accidental loss, damage and worldwide travel. Check your rate from Jewelers Mutual by clicking the button below!
