In Search For An Ideal Emerald Cut Diamond $35K Budget

Emerald Cut Proportions: Table: 60-65% and Depth: 60-67% With Gorgeous Light Performance and Even Contrast

Q:

Hi Liz,

I’ve found this diamond: http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5173883-2.70-carat-Emerald-diamond-F-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

I’ve looked up ideal emerald cut diamond dimensions here and the diamond appears to fit into all the ideal categories. Apart from viewing it physically, can this still be a diamond that has no sparkle? I also checked the ASET view on B2Cjewels and it has no reflection inside which I expected because it’s an emerald. Is this an incorrect assumption? How can a diamond look good on paper but bad in real life?

Diamond Budget: $25-$35k, F+ colour, VS2+, carat length/width: 9mm x 7mm

Thank you,

Sammy

A:

Hi Sammy,

Thanks for contacting me.

I honestly wouldn’t recommend that emerald as it has significant light leakage throughout the center of the diamond. There is also a dark crystal and cloud inclusion under the main table facet in a somewhat prominent position.

This 2.70ct F VS2 emerald cut diamond has a 61% table and 65% depth. Despite the emerald fitting the depth and table guidelines for an ‘ideal’ cut emerald, with fancy cut diamonds it is imperative to view the actual magnified image to see how light is reflected from within the stone.

As for cut grade, in both the actual magnified image (looks dark) and in the ASET image (looks white) you can see significant light leakage. Despite the emerald fitting the depth and table guidelines for an ‘ideal’ cut emerald, with fancy cut diamonds it is imperative to view the actual magnified image to see how light is reflected from within the stone. The reason it can ‘look good on paper’ in this instance is because you are limiting your search to two very broad criteria: depth % and table %. Other critical proportions are crown angle and pavilion angle – which is unfortunately not part of the GIA grade report. Fancy cut diamonds also vary widely in length and width measurements which all affect it’s ability to reflect light from within the diamond’s facet structure. Overall, there are many factors that come into play when evaluating a diamond’s cut grade and overall light performance.

I do have to tell you that it is difficult to find an ideal cut emerald diamond. But, I did manage to find this beautiful 3.17ct G VS2 for $28,165.00: http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_emerald_excellent_cut_g_vs2#p=3664967

However, what you gain in light performance, larger carat weight (9.97mmx7.16mm), and lower price, you are compromising in getting one color grade lower. This diamond also has strong blue fluorescence, but this has no negative effect on the diamond and is just a natural characteristic. Strong blue fluorescence in this diamond will make it appear ‘whiter’ as the blue offsets any warm hue in a ‘G’. And finally, as the clarity grade is a VS2, there is a small crystal in the 1 o’clock position. As this isn’t in the middle of the table but near the top, it will not be easily visible (may not be eye-clean however).

I do feel that for the money, this 3.17ct is a much better option for you.

Let me know what you think and if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you for your prompt reply and I really appreciate your detailed answer.

Unfortunately we’re not as prompt as you and someone has already purchased that diamond 🙁

On the topic of fluorescence, some “diamond pro” websites advise that a G colour with Strong Fluorescence can result in the diamond being milky in colour and impact the diamond’s brilliance. Is that what you believe is true?

Please let me know if there are any further diamonds you can recommend based on your searches.

Thank you,

Sammy

A:

Hi Sammy,

2.04ct D VVS1 Ideal Cut Emerald from Zoara. This diamond measures 8.73mmx6.08mm with beautiful white light reflection and overall brilliance. This is an excellent example of a perfect emerald cut diamond.

I’m sorry to hear that. I did another search and found this stunning 2.04ct D VVS1 for $28,998.00: http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_emerald_excellent_cut_d_vvs1#p=3587215

This diamond is slightly smaller than what you were looking for, but what you are compromising on a slightly smaller emerald cut (6.08mmx8.73mm) you gain in pristine color, clarity and cut.

This diamond has great proportions (61% table and 64.8 depth%) and it shows with fantastic light return as seen in the magnified photo. The length/width ratio is 1.43, which is great. If you are ok with the size then I would move quickly on this one.

Talk soon,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you so much for your reply. After much deliberating we have decided to consider the 2.04ct D VVS1 that you suggested. I’m waiting to hear back from Zoara to go ahead.

My local jeweller has let me know he can offer this one for the same price:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5103243-2.07-carat-Emerald-diamond-D-color-VVS1-clarity.aspx

I just want to check with you, that the 2.04ct D VVS1 has better light return? It’s just that I don’t have a ASET image from Zoara to compare with this.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you so much.

Sammy

A:

Hi Sammy,

I’m not sure why your jeweler would recommend that emerald cut diamond unless he just wants your sale.

This is a 2.07ct emerald that measures 8.55mmx6.09mm. Compare this to the 2.04ct that measures 8.73mmx6.08mm, which is visually larger and also shows much better light performance and overall brilliance.

The 2.07ct D VVS1 has terrible light return. You can easily see this with the magnified image. It shows a dark center and this translates to light leakage in the ASET image which shows up white. The depth on this stone is too deep, and the dimensions of this diamond are smaller than the 2.04ct because the weight is concentrated in the pavilion. I wouldn’t recommend this diamond.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

I thought so too. I’m guessing the recommendation came from his importer.

Just one final check, I found this one on Ritani – would the 2.04 D still out perform the light brilliance? This one has the size: http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/emerald-diamond-2-50-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-THNSR1

Thank you!

Sammy

A:

Hi Sammy,

The 2.50ct from Ritani is also cut deep. The HD video shows a dark band across the center of the diamond. The still image is off center so I cannot confirm what the contrast and light performance looks like when facing down directly into the table facet.

If this is a contender, I would ask Ritani for more photos or light performance images if possible. However, I have a very strong feeling that since the depth is so deep, this diamond will not be on par with the 2.04ct.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Thanks so much Liz. 2.04 D it is! Yay! How exciting. Thank you so much for being available to answer so many of my questions.

I’ll let you know how it goes when it arrives.

Sammy

And A Week Later,…

Hi Liz!

Can I just say – the emerald is AMAZING!!!!

It’s so beautiful and even more sparkly then I imagined. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

Thank you so so much.

Sammy