| Loose diamonds come in a wide variety of cuts, | | | | cut that accentuates the gem's clarity, such |
| both rounded and rectangular; emerald cut | | | | stones must necessarily be flawless: with emerald |
| diamonds are an example of the latter. | | | | cut diamonds, the slightest imperfections would be |
| Round Brilliant or Step? | | | | clearly seen. Generally, the investor or collector is |
| Loose diamonds for sale may be cut in a round or | | | | much better off spending the extra money for |
| oval fashion, or in a square or rectangular manner. | | | | high quality gems when buying emerald cut |
| Each type of cut has its advantages and appeal. | | | | diamonds. |
| First of all, it's helpful to understand that diamonds | | | | Rectilinear cuts were also quite popular during the |
| have certain qualities by which they are judged; | | | | Art Deco period from 1920 to the late 1940s. |
| primary qualities are brilliance/fire, and clarity. | | | | Many antique settings from that time have |
| Round brilliant cuts such as oval diamonds are cut | | | | step-cut gems. As a result, the industry is seeing |
| in order to display the gem's brilliance and fire. | | | | a growing demand for emerald cut diamonds and |
| Emerald cut diamonds are not nearly as brilliant as | | | | similar gems for reproductions and restorations of |
| their round and oval counterparts. Such a cut has | | | | antique diamond jewelry. |
| traditionally been used for emeralds, hence the | | | | Famous Emerald Cut Diamond Rings |
| name; it is the most common of the square | | | | One of the most famous emerald cut diamonds is |
| rectangular step cuts (so-called because of its | | | | set in a ring worn by Lady Camilla Bowles, who |
| resemblance to stairs). What these diamonds lack | | | | eventually married Prince Charles Windsor of |
| in brilliance however, they make up for in clarity. | | | | Great Britain. |
| Looking into an emerald cut diamond is like peering | | | | American "royalty" also apparently has developed |
| into pure, glacier-water ice; the full depth of the | | | | a taste for such diamonds; this cut was used for |
| stone is clearly visible. | | | | the engagement ring worn by the third Mrs. |
| How Does Cut Affect Value? | | | | Donald Trump. Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton also |
| This is a difficult question, and highly subjective. | | | | wear such rings. |
| Currently, the preference among buyers of | | | | If this preference by the rich and famous is any |
| diamond jewelry is for brilliant cuts, which are | | | | indication, it seems that the popularity of emerald |
| generally rounded or oval. Because of this, | | | | cut diamonds will continue to increase, adding to |
| rectangular step-cut diamonds may have less | | | | their value as a collector gem and an investment |
| monetary value. | | | | vehicle over time. |
| On the other hand, because of the nature of the | | | | |