Emerald Cut Diamond Guide: Clarity, Ratio, Sizes and Prices
An emerald cut diamond is a rectangle with cut corners and long, flat "step" facets. It shows wide flashes of light instead of many small sparkles. Because the top is so open, inclusions are easier to see, so choose VS2 clarity or better. A 1 carat emerald cut measures about 6.8 × 4.7 mm and a 2 carat about 8.6 × 5.9 mm. At Milagros, a complete 14K gold emerald cut engagement ring typically costs about $1,029 at 1 carat and $1,759 at 2 carats.
What makes an emerald cut different
Most diamond shapes, like round, oval and pear, are "brilliant" cuts with many small, triangle-shaped facets that make a lot of sparkle. An emerald cut is a "step" cut: its facets are long rectangles that run parallel to the edges, like steps. When you look into it, you see broad flashes of light and dark, often called a "hall of mirrors" effect.
The look is calm, clean and elegant. It pairs well with straight wedding bands and suits people who prefer a modern or Art Deco style over maximum sparkle.
Clarity matters more with an emerald cut
The large, flat top of an emerald cut works like a window into the diamond. GIA advises that an emerald cut "will require higher clarity since inclusions might be easier to see."1
| Clarity | In an emerald cut |
|---|---|
| VVS1, VVS2 | Very clean, even when you look closely. A safe choice for larger stones. |
| VS1, VS2 | Usually clean to the eye. Check the photo or video, as the position of an inclusion matters. |
| SI1, SI2 | Inclusions are often visible in a step cut. We do not recommend them for emerald cuts. |
Color can also show a little more in a step cut than in a brilliant cut, so many buyers choose D to G color. Our complete emerald cut rings use E–F color and VVS–VS clarity center diamonds, each with its own IGI report. Learn how to read an IGI report.
Emerald cut sizes by carat
| Carat weight | Typical emerald cut size | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 carat | 5.6 × 3.8 mm | 1.48 |
| 1 carat | 6.8 × 4.7 mm | 1.43 |
| 1.5 carats | 7.7 × 5.4 mm | 1.42 |
| 2 carats | 8.6 × 5.9 mm | 1.45 |
| 2.5 carats | 9.3 × 6.4 mm | 1.44 |
| 3 carats | 9.9 × 6.7 mm | 1.47 |
| 4 carats | 11.0 × 7.3 mm | 1.50 |
Middle (median) measurements of white emerald cut lab grown diamonds in the Milagros diamond list, checked on 6 October 2026. Ratio is the middle length-to-width ratio. See every shape in our diamond carat size chart.
Which ratio should you choose?
The ratio is the length divided by the width. Both numbers are on the IGI report. In our diamond list, the middle emerald cut has a ratio of about 1.45, and half of all emerald cuts fall between about 1.40 and 1.52.
- 1.30 to 1.40A shorter, wider rectangle. Looks bold and a little more square.
- 1.40 to 1.50The classic emerald cut outline. Most of the stones in our list are in this range.
- Over 1.50Long and slim. Makes fingers look longer and the stone look larger from the top.
- Under 1.10Nearly square. A square step cut like this is called an Asscher cut.
Emerald cut, radiant or Asscher?
| Emerald cut | Radiant cut | Asscher cut | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outline | Rectangle, cut corners | Rectangle or square, cut corners | Square, cut corners |
| Facets | Long step facets | Many small brilliant facets | Step facets |
| Look | Broad flashes, "hall of mirrors" | Strong sparkle | Layered, "windmill" look |
| Clarity needed | Higher | Hides inclusions better | Higher |
Emerald cut engagement ring prices at Milagros
We have 91 complete emerald cut engagement ring designs. Each price includes an IGI-certified lab grown center diamond, made to order in the metal you choose.
| Center diamond | From | Typical price | Designs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 carat | $719 | $1,029 | 9 |
| 1.5 carats | $1,149 | $1,459 | 13 |
| 2 carats | $1,209 | $1,759 | 9 |
| 2.5 carats | $1,429 | $1,779 | 17 |
| 3 carats | $2,049 | $2,330 | 14 |
| 4 carats | $2,299 | $2,819 | 5 |
Milagros emerald cut engagement ring prices in 14K gold on 5 October 2026. "Typical price" is the middle price of all emerald cut designs at that carat weight. Prices change, so always check the ring's own page.
If you prefer to choose your own diamond, typical loose emerald cut lab grown diamonds in E–G color and VVS2–VS2 clarity cost about $261 at 1 carat and $732 at 2 carats on our list. At 1 carat, emerald cuts were the lowest-priced shape on our list on 5 October 2026. See all shapes in our lab grown diamond price guide.
Questions
Does an emerald cut sparkle less than a round?
It sparkles differently. You see broad flashes of light rather than many small sparkles. Many people prefer this calm, glassy look.
What clarity is best for an emerald cut?
We recommend VS2 or better, because the open top makes inclusions easier to see than in a brilliant cut.
How big is a 2 carat emerald cut?
A typical 2 carat emerald cut lab grown diamond in our list measures about 8.6 × 5.9 mm.
Is an emerald cut cheaper than a round?
Often, yes. On our diamond list on 5 October 2026, a typical 1 carat emerald cut (E–G, VVS2–VS2) cost $261, compared with $367 for a typical 1 carat round.
Can I see an emerald cut ring before I buy?
Yes. Book an appointment at our office at 580 5th Ave, Suite 2300, New York, or meet us on a video call.
Find your emerald cut ring
Every center diamond comes with its own IGI report. Made to order in New York and shipped free and insured in the US.
Book an appointment- GIA 4Cs blog, "GIA's Holiday Buying Guide: Fancy Cut Diamonds," 12 December 2013: 4cs.gia.edu
- Milagros Jewel data: emerald cut engagement ring prices and loose diamond prices checked on 5 October 2026, and measurements of white lab grown diamonds in our diamond list checked on 6 October 2026.
