Question by DIXIE: what do you know about emerald cut engagement rings?
Please answer my 5 questions about this type of ring. When answering please consider a 3 emerald cut stone setting on white gold.
1. Is it more of a classic or modern cut?
2. Why is it less popular than other diamond cuts?
3. What type jewelery taste does it fit the most?
4. Would you say it's a grandma ring (ancient, vintagey)?
5. Is it as high of quality, price, and sparkling as other cuts?
Any other inputs and suggestions are welcome. I'm trying to get my girlfriend an engagement ring and cannot mess up. Thank you!
Best answer:
Answer by Nohealani
1. Technically, it is a newer cut relative to your standard round brilliant cut. The round brilliant cut is quite old, but the shape of the emerald cut evokes more of a nostalgic feeling, which is why some think it has more of an antique feel. The emerald cut was originally developed for emeralds (hence the name), and was later adapted for diamonds and other gemstones. Many people associate emerald jewelry with older generations, which is another reason why any stones cut in that fashion evoke a more vintage vibe.
2. Because of the very nature of its stepped cuts, it has less fire. GIA also doesn't offer as detailed a rating scheme for emerald cuts (or other exotic cuts for that matter), so you are often at the mercy of what the salesperson tells you.
3. The answer to this is purely subjective. If it's all about size, and nothing else, an emerald cut may be the way to go. However, you will be sacrificing fire and the all-around "chic" appeal of a round brilliant.
4. See the last part of answer 1. A lot of jewelry in the "grandma" generation were done in emerald cuts. A lot of that probably has to do with the Art Deco influence of that generation. I think what you are asking is would I feel old if I wore one. My honest answer--yes.
5. -Quality is subjective because GIA doesn't do detailed ratings of emerald cuts.
- By sparkle, I assume you mean fire. The answer is no. It is just a fact of geometry and physics that round brilliants will always have more fire than emerald cuts.
- Price--all other things being equal (weight, color, and clarity), an emerald cut will cost less. This is partly due to less market demand, and also because inclusions are more easily seen in emerald cuts.
Since you are specifically asking about emerald cuts, you might want to check out this article:
http://www.thediamondbuyingguide.com/emerald_cut_diamond.html
My only other advice would be to avoid mall jewelers like the plague. Seek out an independent, private jeweler in your town. Verify that they are GIA certified, then check your local Better Business Bureau to make sure they are in good standing. Since this is for an engagement ring, I feel it's worth it to do a little more legwork. Ideally the business you choose should have a certified gemologist and a jewelry maker (sometimes they are one and the same person). They can give you more individualized attention, and can procure a better quality diamond for the same price as a mall jeweler; or, procure a mall quality diamond for less than a mall jeweler. This is how I always buy diamonds. Working with them one-on-one will be a great educational experience. 
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