What is an emerald cut?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
An emerald cut is a rectangular gemstone cut with long parallel facets arranged in steps along the sides and a flat, open table on top, with the four corners trimmed at an angle to create an octagonal outline. Unlike brilliant cuts that scatter light in a flash of sparkle, the step facets of an emerald cut produce a hall-of-mirrors effect: long, elegant flashes of light and dark that feel deep and architectural. Originally developed for emeralds, whose inclusions were less visible in a step cut, it is now widely used for diamonds and is prized for the way it shows a stone's true colour and clarity.
Frequently asked questions
- Does an emerald cut show inclusions more than a round brilliant?
- Yes, the large open table and flat step facets leave inclusions with nowhere to hide, unlike a brilliant cut which scatters light and breaks up the view inside the stone. Clarity is more important for an emerald cut; a VS1 or better is often recommended.
- What is the difference between an emerald cut and an Asscher cut?
- Both are step cuts with trimmed corners, but an Asscher cut is square rather than rectangular and has more pronounced cropped corners, giving it a more distinctly octagonal shape. The Asscher also tends to have deeper facets, producing a more concentric, windmill-like pattern.
- Is an emerald cut cheaper than a round diamond?
- Generally yes, because less of the rough diamond is lost in cutting a rectangular step cut compared to a round brilliant. You can typically get a larger-looking emerald cut stone for the same budget, though quality factors like clarity still influence price significantly.
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