June Collective Gemstone Learning Center
Emerald Cut Gemstone Guide: Step Facets, Clarity and How to Choose
Explore the distinctive architecture of emerald cut gemstones and learn how step faceting, clarity, proportions, depth, symmetry, color and light performance influence their appearance. This guide explains what buyers should examine when comparing natural emerald cut gemstones for fine jewelry, custom design and collecting.
The emerald cut is one of the most recognizable step cut gemstone styles. Its elongated rectangular outline, clipped corners and broad parallel facets create an appearance unlike the rapid sparkle associated with brilliant cut stones.
Instead of producing hundreds of small flashes, an emerald cut generally creates larger reflections that appear to move through the gemstone in broad bands of light and shadow.
This optical character is frequently described as a hall of mirrors effect.
That open architecture can be striking, particularly in gemstones with strong transparency and attractive color. It also means the interior of the gemstone is often easier to see.
Clarity characteristics, color zoning, windowing and cutting irregularities that might be less obvious in a highly scintillating brilliant cut can be more apparent in an emerald cut.
For that reason, evaluating an emerald cut requires a different eye. Instead of asking only how much it sparkles, examine the balance of its step facets, the rhythm of its reflections, the quality of its outline, its face up dimensions, its depth and how successfully the cut presents the gemstone's natural color.
The defining beauty of an emerald cut is not rapid sparkle. Its appeal comes from broad flashes, transparency, symmetry, color and architectural facet structure.
What Is an Emerald Cut Gemstone?
An emerald cut typically has a rectangular outline with four clipped corners. Those clipped corners create an eight sided perimeter rather than a simple four sided rectangle.
The crown and pavilion are usually fashioned with rows of long step facets arranged approximately parallel to the girdle.
These facets create a different light pattern from brilliant style faceting.
Rather than dividing the face into numerous small reflections, the broad steps produce larger flashes that can appear to move inward and outward through the stone.
Although the name contains the word emerald, the cut is not limited to emerald gemstones.
Sapphire, aquamarine, tourmaline, spinel, topaz, zircon, garnet and many other natural gemstones can also be fashioned into emerald cuts.
For an overview of shape versus cutting style, visit the Gemstone Cut Guide: Shapes, Styles and How to Choose .
Why Is It Called the Emerald Cut?
The style became strongly associated with emerald because step cutting can work particularly well with emerald rough.
Emerald crystals often occur in elongated forms, and the rectangular outline can make efficient use of that crystal structure.
Clipped corners also remove the sharply projecting corners that would otherwise be vulnerable in a simple rectangle.
Over time, the visual appeal of the style expanded far beyond emerald itself and became popular for many transparent gemstones.
Understanding Step Faceting
Step facets are long facets arranged in rows around the gemstone. Viewed face up, these rows can resemble stairs descending toward the center.
The structure creates broad reflections instead of the finer pattern of light typical of brilliant faceting.
Because the facets are large, the viewer often sees deeper into the gemstone.
This can showcase beautiful transparency and color, but it can also make inclusions, extinction and uneven color more obvious.
Broad Reflections
Step facets create larger flashes that move across the gemstone in a slower, more architectural rhythm.
Open Interior
The large table and broad facets often provide a clearer view into the stone than highly fragmented brilliant faceting.
Geometric Pattern
Parallel rows of facets create an organized pattern that emphasizes symmetry and precision.
Color Presentation
Broad facets can show large areas of gemstone color without breaking them into numerous tiny reflections.
The Hall of Mirrors Effect
One of the most recognizable characteristics of an emerald cut is the hall of mirrors appearance.
When the gemstone moves, broad step facets alternate between bright and dark reflections.
These reflections can appear as repeating bands extending toward the center of the stone.
The effect is very different from traditional sparkle.
Instead of hundreds of fast flashes, an attractive emerald cut may produce fewer but much broader changes in brightness.
The quality of this pattern depends heavily on facet alignment, symmetry, proportions and the optical properties of the gemstone.
The Anatomy of an Emerald Cut
Table
The large central facet provides an open view into the gemstone and strongly influences its overall appearance.
Crown
The crown contains rows of step facets between the table and girdle. Its height influences depth and reflection patterns.
Clipped Corners
The corners are truncated rather than pointed, creating the characteristic eight sided outline.
Girdle
The girdle defines the outer perimeter and separates the crown from the pavilion.
Pavilion
The lower step facets play a major role in light return, extinction, color concentration and windowing.
Culet
The pavilion generally terminates toward the center beneath the stone. Its exact configuration depends on the cutting design.
Emerald Cut Proportions
Emerald cuts can range from nearly square to dramatically elongated.
The shape is therefore better understood as a family of rectangular proportions rather than one fixed silhouette.
Some buyers prefer a moderately elongated form with substantial width. Others prefer a slender rectangle with a stronger lengthening effect.
There is no universal best proportion for every gemstone.
Color distribution, rough shape, intended setting and personal preference all matter.
Length to Width Ratio
Length to width ratio describes how elongated an emerald cut appears.
A lower ratio creates a wider stone. As the ratio increases, the gemstone becomes visually longer and narrower.
Ratio should be used as a descriptive tool rather than a rigid quality grade.
| Appearance | Visual Character | Jewelry Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Broad Emerald Cut | Strong width with moderate elongation | Substantial horizontal presence |
| Classic Rectangular Emerald Cut | Balanced length and width | Traditional architectural appearance |
| Elongated Emerald Cut | Longer and more slender | Greater vertical visual length |
Why Clarity Matters More in Emerald Cuts
Emerald cut gemstones generally provide a more direct view into their interior than highly scintillating brilliant cuts.
Large step facets and an open table mean there are fewer small reflections to visually disguise inclusions.
As a result, inclusions located beneath the table may appear particularly obvious.
This does not mean every emerald cut gemstone must be inclusion free. Natural gemstones frequently contain internal characteristics.
The important consideration is how visible those features are face up and whether they interfere with the overall beauty, transparency or durability of the stone.
Clarity vs. Transparency
Clarity and transparency are related but not identical.
Clarity refers to the presence and visibility of inclusions or surface features.
Transparency refers to how freely light passes through the gemstone.
An emerald cut can contain visible inclusions yet remain attractively transparent.
Another stone may contain fewer obvious individual inclusions but appear cloudy or less transparent overall.
Because step cutting provides such an open view, both characteristics deserve careful evaluation.
Surface Reaching Inclusions
Inclusions that reach the surface deserve additional attention because their position can affect durability.
Features near corners, the girdle or other areas exposed during setting may warrant closer inspection.
This is especially important in gemstone species that already require careful handling.
An inclusion is not automatically a reason to reject a stone, but its location, size and relationship to the structure of the gemstone matter.
How Emerald Cutting Influences Color
Emerald cuts can showcase color beautifully because their broad facets create large uninterrupted areas of visible hue.
This can make color feel deep, calm and expansive rather than broken into small flashes.
Depth can also affect tone and saturation.
A deeper emerald cut may strengthen color, while an overly deep stone can become too dark in certain materials.
A shallower gemstone may appear lighter and provide greater face up spread, but excessive shallowness can contribute to windowing.
Color Zoning in Emerald Cuts
Broad step facets can make color zoning particularly visible.
If a natural crystal contains regions of stronger and weaker color, those differences may appear as bands, stripes or blocks across the gemstone.
A skilled cutter may orient the rough so that zoning appears balanced or works with the geometry of the finished cut.
In other examples, zoning may divide the stone visually and reduce the sense of even color.
When shopping online, inspect both still photographs and video. Movement can reveal zoning that is less apparent in one carefully selected image.
Windowing in Emerald Cut Gemstones
Windowing occurs when light passes through part of a transparent gemstone rather than returning effectively toward the viewer.
Because emerald cuts already have a relatively open visual structure, windowing can become particularly noticeable.
A significant window may make the center appear transparent or washed out and may weaken color concentration.
This is especially important in lighter transparent gemstones such as aquamarine and some tourmalines.
Buyer Tip: Look at an emerald cut while it moves. A strong window may become much more obvious as the viewing angle changes.
Extinction in Emerald Cuts
Extinction refers to areas that appear very dark because comparatively little light returns toward the observer.
Some dark step reflections are normal and are part of the hall of mirrors effect.
The concern is excessive extinction that causes large areas to remain dark across normal viewing positions.
The ideal emerald cut generally displays a balanced pattern of bright and dark reflections rather than large inactive zones.
What Is Patterning in an Emerald Cut?
Patterning describes the organized sequence of light and dark reflections created by the step facets.
A well balanced pattern can make the gemstone appear highly architectural and almost hypnotic.
Uneven facet placement or poor alignment may cause the pattern to feel disorganized.
The best emerald cuts often create a sense of depth in which the facet steps appear to descend naturally toward the center.
Symmetry in Emerald Cut Gemstones
The geometric nature of the emerald cut makes symmetry particularly easy to notice.
The long sides should visually coordinate with one another.
The shorter ends should feel balanced.
The four clipped corners should generally appear consistent in size and angle.
The table should look reasonably centered and the step pattern should appear organized around the long axis.
Minor asymmetry can be acceptable in natural colored gemstones when the cutter is preserving exceptional color or valuable rough.
The Importance of Clipped Corners
Clipped corners are one of the defining visual characteristics of an emerald cut.
They soften what would otherwise be sharp ninety degree corners and can help reduce vulnerability during setting and wear.
The size of the clipped corners also influences the silhouette.
Small clipped corners create a stronger rectangular appearance, while larger corners make the eight sided outline more obvious.
All four corners should generally relate visually to one another.
Table Size
Emerald cuts often have large tables, which contribute to their open interior appearance.
A large table provides a clear view into the gemstone and can emphasize clarity characteristics and step patterning.
A smaller table leaves more room for crown facets and can change the balance of reflections.
Table size should always be evaluated together with crown height and pavilion design rather than independently.
Crown Height
The crown is the upper portion between the table and girdle.
A higher crown may add visual depth and provide larger angled surfaces for light interaction.
A low crown can create a flatter profile and a different reflective character.
There is no universal crown proportion appropriate for every natural colored gemstone.
Pavilion Depth
The pavilion has a major influence on light return and visible size.
If the pavilion is very deep, substantial carat weight can be hidden below the girdle.
This can make the gemstone appear smaller face up than another stone of similar weight.
If the pavilion is too shallow, light may escape through the bottom and create windowing.
The most successful pavilion balances color, depth, face up spread and light performance.
Carat Weight vs. Face Up Size
Carat measures gemstone weight rather than visible dimensions.
This distinction is particularly important with emerald cuts because two stones with identical carat weights can have very different lengths, widths and depths.
A deeper gemstone may carry more material beneath the visible face.
A shallower stone may spread more broadly but can sacrifice optical performance if pavilion angles become unsuitable.
Always compare length, width and depth measurements with carat weight before deciding which emerald cut provides stronger visible presence.
Girdle Thickness
The girdle surrounds the outer edge of the gemstone.
Extremely thin girdle areas can become vulnerable during setting or wear, depending on the gem material.
An unusually thick girdle can add hidden weight without increasing face up dimensions proportionally.
Some variation is common in natural colored gemstones, so the goal is appropriate structure rather than absolute uniformity.
Emerald Cut vs. Asscher Cut
The emerald and Asscher cuts share step faceting and clipped corners, but their proportions create different visual personalities.
Emerald cuts are usually rectangular and elongated.
Asscher cuts are generally square or close to square and use concentric step patterns that can produce a more centralized geometric appearance.
Read the Asscher Cut Gemstone Guide for a detailed comparison.
Emerald Cut vs. Radiant Cut
Emerald and radiant cuts can have similar rectangular outlines and clipped corners, but their internal faceting is dramatically different.
Emerald cuts use broad step facets.
Radiant cuts generally use brilliant or modified brilliant faceting that creates considerably more scintillation.
The emerald cut emphasizes architectural flashes and transparency. The radiant emphasizes sparkle and visual movement.
Continue with the Radiant Cut Gemstone Guide .
Emerald Cut vs. Cushion Cut
Cushion and emerald cuts can both be rectangular, but the cushion usually has softer rounded corners and a more curved outline.
Cushions may use brilliant, modified brilliant or mixed faceting, creating much more variety in scintillation.
Emerald cuts create a cleaner, more architectural pattern.
Compare them in the Cushion Cut Gemstone Guide .
Emerald Cut vs. Baguette Cut
Baguette cuts are also rectangular step cuts but are generally narrower and more elongated.
They are commonly used as accent stones rather than primary center stones.
An emerald cut tends to provide greater width and a more substantial central presence.
Explore the Baguette Cut Gemstone Guide .
Emerald Cut vs. Octagon Cut
An emerald cut technically presents an eight sided outline because of its clipped corners, but not every octagonal gemstone uses classic emerald step faceting.
Octagonal gemstones can be fashioned with step, brilliant or mixed patterns.
The distinction is therefore important when evaluating the exact cutting style.
Continue with the Octagon Cut Gemstone Guide .
Emerald Cut vs. Oval Cut
The oval and emerald cut create very different aesthetics.
An oval uses smooth curves and often brilliant style faceting.
An emerald cut uses straight sides, clipped corners and step facets.
Oval gemstones typically emphasize scintillation and elongation. Emerald cuts emphasize transparency and broad flashes.
Read the Oval Cut Gemstone Guide .
Emerald Cut vs. Round Cut
Round brilliant gemstones often display numerous small flashes distributed around a symmetrical circular face.
Emerald cuts provide a very different experience with long parallel facets and larger flashes.
A buyer who prioritizes rapid sparkle may prefer a round, while someone drawn to geometry, transparency and broad reflections may prefer an emerald cut.
Compare them in the Round Cut Gemstone Guide .
Which Gemstones Work Well in Emerald Cuts?
Emerald
The cut's historical association with emerald reflects the way its rectangular architecture can complement elongated crystal shapes and rich green color.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine can display clean blue color and broad flashes beautifully in step faceting, although windowing should be examined carefully.
Sapphire
Emerald cut sapphires can produce dramatic broad color fields and an architectural alternative to brilliant style sapphire cuts.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline crystals frequently grow in elongated forms, making rectangular step cuts a natural option for many pieces of rough.
Spinel
Transparent spinel can create crisp, clean step reflections and vivid color in emerald cut form.
Topaz
Topaz is often available in larger transparent crystals and can produce substantial emerald cut gemstones with impressive face up dimensions.
Garnet
Certain garnets can display rich color in step cuts, although overly deep tone should be considered when evaluating extinction.
Zircon
Zircon's strong optical properties can create bright broad flashes in an emerald cut while maintaining its geometric appearance.
Other Gemstones
Many additional transparent gemstone species can be fashioned into step cut rectangular forms depending on their crystal shape and durability.
Emerald Cut Emeralds
The emerald cut remains especially significant for emerald itself.
Natural emerald commonly contains internal characteristics that are part of the gemstone's formation.
Because step facets offer a clear view into the interior, buyers should look at how inclusions affect transparency and overall beauty rather than expecting every natural emerald to appear internally flawless.
Color remains a major consideration.
A richly colored emerald with attractive transparency and balanced step facets can be compelling even when inclusions remain visible.
Emerald Cut Aquamarine
Aquamarine is especially well suited to step cutting when the material has attractive transparency.
Broad facets can create clean blue reflections and emphasize the gem's clarity.
At the same time, pale transparent aquamarine can reveal windowing readily.
Examine the central area carefully and compare total depth with face up dimensions.
Emerald Cut Sapphire
An emerald cut sapphire offers a different visual experience from the more common oval or cushion sapphire.
Broad facets can produce strong blocks of blue or other sapphire colors, while the geometric outline creates a sophisticated architectural appearance.
Dark sapphire requires careful evaluation because broad step facets can make extinction especially noticeable if the material is too deep in tone.
Emerald Cut Tourmaline
Tourmaline frequently occurs as elongated crystals, making rectangular cuts efficient for retaining natural rough.
Its pleochroism can also influence how the cutter orients the stone.
A successful emerald cut tourmaline should balance its primary face up color with depth, zoning and light return.
Pay particular attention to stones that become very dark along one direction.
Step Cutting and Pleochroism
Pleochroic gemstones may show different colors or color intensities when viewed along different crystallographic directions.
Because emerald cuts have a strong directional architecture, the orientation selected by the cutter can greatly influence the finished color.
The cutter may orient the table to emphasize the most desirable direction or to balance two visible colors.
This is especially relevant in tourmaline, sapphire and other pleochroic materials.
Emerald Cuts for Engagement Rings
Emerald cut gemstones can create exceptionally elegant engagement rings.
Their elongated geometry provides visual length while the clipped corners offer a softer structure than a simple rectangle.
They work beautifully in solitaire, halo, bezel and three stone settings.
Tapered baguettes and other step cut side stones can reinforce the architectural character of the center stone.
For frequent wear, consider the durability and care requirements of the gemstone species in addition to the cut itself.
North South and East West Emerald Cut Settings
The traditional orientation places the long dimension vertically along the finger.
This north south orientation emphasizes elongation.
An east west setting rotates the stone horizontally and creates a wider, more contemporary silhouette.
The same gemstone can look dramatically different depending on its orientation.
Emerald Cuts for Earrings
Emerald cut gemstones can produce sophisticated stud or drop earrings.
For matching pairs, compare visible dimensions, length to width ratio, corner shape, color, tone, transparency and step pattern.
Exact carat matching is often less visually important than ensuring that the stones look balanced when viewed side by side.
Emerald Cuts for Pendants
The rectangular form of an emerald cut naturally lends itself to pendant design.
A vertically oriented stone can create an elegant drop, while east west orientation produces a more contemporary look.
Because pendants generally experience less direct impact than rings, they can also be attractive options for gemstone materials that require more care.
How to Evaluate an Emerald Cut Gemstone Online
Study the Outline
Check whether the rectangle appears balanced and the clipped corners look consistent.
Compare Dimensions
Review length, width and depth alongside carat weight.
Watch the Step Pattern
Look for organized broad flashes rather than large inactive areas.
Inspect the Center
Check for excessive windowing or a weak transparent center.
Evaluate Clarity
Determine whether inclusions are distracting beneath the open table.
Watch the Color
Look for zoning, uneven tone and changes as the gemstone moves.
Check Extinction
Distinguish normal step contrast from large persistent dark areas.
Compare Lighting
View the gemstone under more than one lighting environment whenever possible.
Consider the Setting
Make sure the dimensions, depth and corner architecture suit the intended jewelry design.
Common Emerald Cut Buying Mistakes
Expecting Brilliant Cut Sparkle
Emerald cuts are designed around broad step reflections, not rapid brilliant style scintillation.
Ignoring Clarity
The open architecture can make centrally located inclusions easier to see.
Choosing by Carat Weight Alone
A deep stone can hide significant weight beneath the girdle.
Ignoring Windowing
Step cutting can make a transparent central window especially noticeable.
Ignoring Color Zoning
Broad facets may reveal bands or blocks of uneven color.
Assuming All Rectangular Cuts Are Emerald Cuts
Radiants, baguettes and other rectangular stones can use completely different facet structures.
Ignoring the Corners
Uneven clipped corners can disrupt the geometric balance of the entire stone.
Assuming Longer Is Always Better
A highly elongated shape may suit one design beautifully while a broader stone may offer greater visual presence in another.
Buying From One Photograph
Movement is essential for understanding step reflections, windowing and extinction.
Emerald Cut Buying Checklist
Overall rectangular outline
Length to width ratio
Clipped corner consistency
Table size
Crown height
Pavilion depth
Girdle thickness
Carat weight compared with face up dimensions
Step facet alignment
Hall of mirrors pattern
Symmetry
Windowing
Extinction
Hue
Tone
Saturation
Color zoning
Pleochroism where applicable
Transparency
Visible inclusions
Surface reaching inclusions
Performance in motion
Appearance under more than one lighting environment
Suitability for the intended jewelry design
Does Emerald Cut Quality Affect Gemstone Value?
Cutting quality can influence desirability, but it is only one component of gemstone value.
Species, variety, color, transparency, clarity, carat weight, treatment, rarity and market demand can all influence price.
An exceptionally transparent and beautifully colored gemstone may retain strong value even if its proportions are not mathematically perfect.
Conversely, severe windowing or poor symmetry can prevent otherwise attractive material from displaying its full potential.
The strongest evaluation considers the complete gemstone rather than assigning value from one characteristic alone.
Precision Cut Emerald Gemstones
Precision step cutting can produce extremely crisp facet junctions, consistent corners and an organized hall of mirrors pattern.
This type of workmanship can be visually impressive.
However, precision alone does not determine value.
Natural color, rarity, transparency, size and treatment remain important.
A precisely cut stone with ordinary material is not automatically more valuable than a less mathematically exact gemstone with exceptional natural color.
Why Colored Emerald Cuts Differ From Diamond Emerald Cuts
Diamond cutting standards are developed around the optical properties of diamond.
Natural colored gemstones encompass many different mineral species with different refractive properties, crystal structures, colors and cutting challenges.
Colored gemstone cutters may intentionally retain extra depth to strengthen color or position zoning advantageously.
They may also accept slight asymmetry to preserve valuable natural rough.
Colored emerald cuts should be evaluated according to how successfully the cutting presents that particular gemstone rather than whether the stone follows a diamond proportion formula.
When a Deep Emerald Cut Can Be Worth Choosing
Deep cutting is not automatically undesirable.
Extra depth can sometimes improve color concentration, preserve rare material or work more successfully with the shape of the natural crystal.
The tradeoff is usually reduced face up spread.
A deep gemstone can still be an excellent choice when the added depth provides a visible benefit.
When a Shallow Emerald Cut Can Work
A moderately shallow stone can provide generous face up dimensions if the pavilion still returns light effectively.
Problems develop when the stone becomes shallow enough to produce severe windowing.
The apparent size advantage then needs to be weighed against reduced color and optical performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emerald Cut Gemstones
What defines an emerald cut gemstone?
An emerald cut generally has a rectangular outline with clipped corners and broad parallel step facets on the crown and pavilion.
Is an emerald cut only used for emeralds?
No. Sapphire, aquamarine, tourmaline, spinel, topaz, garnet, zircon and many other gemstones can also be fashioned into emerald cuts.
Do emerald cut gemstones sparkle?
They reflect light differently from brilliant cuts. Emerald cuts usually produce broad flashes and a hall of mirrors effect rather than numerous small flashes.
Why does clarity matter in an emerald cut?
The large table and broad step facets provide an open view into the stone, which can make inclusions easier to see.
Can emerald cut gemstones have windowing?
Yes. Transparent emerald cuts can display windowing when pavilion proportions allow significant light to pass through rather than return toward the observer.
What is the hall of mirrors effect?
It is the broad alternating pattern of bright and dark reflections created by step facets as the gemstone moves.
Do emerald cuts look large for their carat weight?
Some provide generous visible spread, but deeper stones may carry significant weight below the girdle. Always compare millimeter dimensions.
Are emerald cuts good for colored gemstones?
Yes. Broad step facets can showcase gemstone color beautifully, particularly in transparent material.
Are emerald cuts good for engagement rings?
Yes. Their elongated geometric shape works beautifully in solitaire, three stone, halo and bezel settings. Gemstone durability should also be considered for daily wear.
Is a longer emerald cut better?
No. Length to width ratio is primarily an aesthetic and design choice. Balance and overall gemstone performance matter more than maximum elongation.
Are inclusions more visible in emerald cuts?
They often can be because step faceting provides fewer small reflections to visually disguise the interior.
What is the difference between emerald and radiant cuts?
Emerald cuts use broad step facets and produce architectural flashes, while radiant cuts generally use brilliant style faceting and produce greater scintillation.
Continue Exploring Gemstone Cuts
The emerald cut is one part of the broader relationship between gemstone shape, proportions and faceting.
Start with the Gemstone Cut Guide: Shapes, Styles and How to Choose to compare all of the major gemstone cuts.
For the closest step cut comparison, continue with the Asscher Cut Gemstone Guide and the Baguette Cut Gemstone Guide .
Compare step faceting with brilliant style cutting in the Radiant Cut Gemstone Guide , Round Cut Gemstone Guide and Oval Cut Gemstone Guide .
For softer geometric shapes, explore the Cushion Cut Gemstone Guide .
For additional eight sided cutting styles, visit the Octagon Cut Gemstone Guide .
For unusual faceting and artistic cutting, explore the Portuguese Cut Gemstone Guide and Freeform and Fantasy Cut Gemstone Guide .
For broader gemstone buying education, read the Gemstone Buying Guide: How to Choose a Natural Gemstone .
You can also explore the complete June Collective Gemstone Learning Center for additional gemstone guides and educational resources.
Final Perspective: How to Choose an Emerald Cut Gemstone
The emerald cut rewards a different kind of observation than a brilliant cut gemstone.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on sparkle, look at the geometry of the stone.
Study the outline and clipped corners. Examine the length to width ratio and decide whether the proportion suits the jewelry you envision.
Look through the large table and evaluate transparency and clarity. Observe how the parallel step facets alternate between bright and dark as the gemstone moves.
Check the center for windowing and determine whether darker reflections create elegant contrast or excessive extinction.
Then consider color.
Broad facets can showcase hue, tone and saturation exceptionally well, but they can also reveal zoning and uneven color more clearly than highly fragmented brilliant faceting.
Finally, compare actual measurements with carat weight and determine whether the depth provides a meaningful optical benefit or simply hides weight beneath the visible face.
The most successful emerald cut gemstone is not necessarily the one with the fewest inclusions, the highest carat weight or the longest proportions.
It is the stone in which color, transparency, step pattern, proportion and craftsmanship work together to create a balanced and compelling architectural beauty.
Where Your Dreams Meet Their Setting.