Best Emerald Cut Diamond Settings

Emerald cut diamonds are among my favorites. Maybe it’s because I gravitate toward both simple and deco-inspired rings, two styles of settings that really let emerald cut diamonds shine. I like to think of them as the demure sibling in the diamond family tree.

They may not be as unique as a pear shaped diamond or as sparkly as a radiant diamond, but they’re elegant, understated, and timeless. 

Emerald cut diamonds make great choices for engagement rings. They’re relatively affordable, and they never go out of style.

If you’re an emerald cut lover like myself, you may be in need of a setting to complement your diamond. You’ve come to the right place! Below is a list of what I think are the best emerald cut diamond settings. 

Bottom Line Up Front

This list represents the best emerald cut diamond settings. All of these settings work particularly well with an emerald cut diamond, but my personal favorite is the Margot ring. It’s one of the most delicate bezel settings I’ve seen, and I think it’s a simple yet unexpected way to show off an understated emerald cut diamond. 

My Picks at a Glance

  1. Margot Engagement Ring — Best Bezel Set Ring
  2. Petite Baguette and Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring — Best Pavé Diamond Ring
  3. Heirloom Petite Milgrain Engagement Ring — Best Vintage Inspired Ring
  4. Adele Diamond Engagement Ring — Best Deco-Inspired Ring
  5. Reina Diamond Engagement Ring — Most Romantic Ring
  6. Arabesque Diamond Engagement Ring — Best Halo Ring
  7. Fiorella Diamond Engagement Ring — Best Nature Inspired Ring
  8. Matte Two-Tone Solitaire Engagement Ring — Best Contemporary Ring
  9. Piper Diamond Engagement Ring — Best Three Stone Ring
  10. Sincelo Diamond Engagement Ring — Most Elegant Ring
  11. Tapered Baguette Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring — Best Classic Ring

What is an Emerald Cut Diamond?

Engagement Ring

The emerald cut has been around for hundreds of years and originated as a cut for emerald gemstones (no surprises there.)

It’s an elongated rectangular-shaped stone with diagonally cropped corners. Emerald cut stones are step cut, which means they are faceted with straight, linear cuts that run parallel to each other down the stone, sort of like steps (again, no surprises.)

Emerald cuts are popular among people who want something understated and classic and with anyone who wants a large diamond that’s relatively affordable.

Since emerald cut stones appear larger than other cuts with similar carat weight, and the fact that the simpler cut means fewer man-hours, emerald cut diamonds can offer a lot of bang for your buck. They look especially great in simple or art-deco style settings. 

The Pros and Cons of Emerald Cut Diamonds

Pros

  • Emerald cut diamonds are a classic cut that has been around for hundreds of years and won’t go out of style.
  • Emerald cut diamonds are more affordable than brilliant cut diamonds.
  • The angled corners of an emerald cut diamond protect the edges from chipping.
  • The clean lines of an emerald cut diamond work well with both classic and contemporary styles.
  • Emerald cut diamonds show a “hall of mirrors” effect that, when viewed head-on, gives them depth and makes them look like a bottomless pool of water. 
  • Emerald cuts look larger than other diamond cuts of similar carat weight.
  • Emerald cut diamonds are understated and elegant.
  • The elongated shape of an emerald cut diamond lengthens the finger.

Cons

  • Emerald cuts show flaws more easily than other cuts, so the diamond needs to have a good color and clarity rating.
  • Emeralds aren’t as sparkly and don’t show as much brilliance and fire as brilliant cut diamonds.
  • Emerald cuts aren’t as showy as other diamond cuts and may be too simple for some people’s tastes.
  • Some step cut diamonds can show large, dark areas if not properly cut. 

Similar Cuts to the Emerald Cut

  • The asscher cut is another step cut diamond that is more square and less rectangular than the emerald cut. The asscher cut also has angled corners, but they’re often more exaggerated than the emerald cut, giving the diamond an almost octagonal shape.
  • The baguette cut is another rectangular, step cut diamond, but baguettes are cut with fewer facets than emeralds and have square corners which can be prone to chipping. Baguette cut diamonds are most often used as side stones rather than center stones. 
  • Trapezoid cut diamonds are also step cut diamonds. They’re most often used as side stones. 
  • Radiant cut diamonds are a relatively new cut that was created in the 1970s. They are also rectangular shapes with cropped corners but are cut with many facets to maximize sparkle, similar to brilliant cut diamonds. If you like the rectangular shape of an emerald cut diamond but don’t want to sacrifice any sparkle, you may want to consider a radiant cut diamond instead. 
  • Princess cut diamonds are also square, but like radiant cuts, they are faceted to maximize brilliance. 

How to Choose an Emerald Cut Diamond

  1. Before you even start looking at diamonds, determine your budget. It will narrow down your search and prevent you from falling in love with a stone you can’t afford.
  2. Once you’ve got your emerald cut diamond in front of you, first look at the cut. Make sure the stone is symmetrical, and the parallel edges are even. View the diamond under several different light sources, including natural light, and make sure no large, dark areas are visible. Make sure the proportions of the stone meet your needs and taste.
  3. Examine the color under different light sources. Emerald cut diamonds don’t sparkle the way round brilliant diamonds do, so you want your stone to be as colorless as possible. Brilliant cut diamonds will appear whiter than emerald cut diamonds of the same color grade. If you choose a setting with brilliant cut accent stones, make sure you examine all of the diamonds next to each other. Don’t rely solely on the color grade, or you’ll risk your center stone appearing yellow compared to its accent stones. 
  4. Inspect the clarity of the diamond. The large surface areas of emerald cut diamonds make it easier to spot any cloudiness or dark inclusions. Make sure you’re happy with the clarity of your diamond since the cut won’t hide any visible flaws.
  5. Take a step back and inspect your stone again. Make sure you’re happy with it overall and that it will work with your preferred style of engagement ring. It’s never a bad idea to bring a trusted friend along to ask for a second opinion, but make sure that you’re the one making the final decision at the end of the day. Trust your instincts

My Selections for the Best Emerald Cut Diamond Settings

I chose the rings on this list because I think they best showcase an emerald cut center stone. Each setting is lovely, well constructed, and durable enough for everyday wear. I didn’t include any settings that I felt were overpriced.

All of the rings on this list come from reliable retailers, and many of them are customizable. I didn’t include any simple solitaire settings on this list because you don’t need me to tell you that those are stunning, timeless settings that look great with any center stone. 

Margot Engagement Ring

Margot Engagement Ring

I adore this delicate milgrain bezel setting for an emerald cut diamond. Bezel settings can sometimes look severe or bulky, but this ring from Brilliant Earth is light and airy.

While they offer this setting for the eight most popular diamond shapes, it really shines with an emerald cut. Buy here for $1,050 (setting only).

Pros

  • Bezel settings are extra secure and will keep your center stone safe
  • Simple, delicate setting that pairs with many different types of wedding bands
  • Four metal options
  • Under $1,500

Cons

  • Not everyone likes bezel settings

Petite Baguette and Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

Petite Baguette and Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

Emerald cut center stones and baguette cut side stones are a match made in heaven. This ring from Blue Nile has a ton of extra sparkle, thanks to the pavé band.

I love how the side stones taper gracefully toward the glittery diamonds along the band. I think this setting looks more expensive than it is. Buy here for $990 (setting only).

Pros

  • Timeless, elegant ring
  • Four metal options
  • Under $1,000

Cons

  • This setting might make thicker fingers appear wide
  • The stone sits high on this band, which makes it easier to pair with a wedding band, but could cause the ring to catch on clothing

Heirloom Petite Milgrain Engagement Ring

Heirloom Petite Milgrain Engagement Ring

I love this vintage-inspired setting. It’s so romantic! The proportions are perfect for an emerald cut diamond. I love that the milgrain work and side diamonds add extra sparkle as well.

This ring from Blue Nile looks like something you would inherit from a great-grandmother with exquisite taste, and it’s super affordable! Buy here for $690 (setting only).

Pros

  • Gorgeous vintage-style setting
  • Available in three metal colors
  • Under $1,000
  • Blue Nile also carries a matching wedding band for this ring

Cons

  • Milgrain setting might be too old-fashioned or ornate for some people’s taste
  • If you choose not to purchase the matching wedding band, you may have a hard time finding a band that matches the curvature and milgrain work of this ring

Adele Diamond Engagement Ring

Adele Diamond Engagement Ring

This is another gorgeous emerald cut diamond ring with baguette side stones. I really like the geometric, deco-inspired design of this setting from Brilliant Earth. The milgrain bezels on the side stones are such a lovely detail and make this ring look refined. Buy here for $2,590 (setting only). 

Pros

  • Stunning vintage-meets-modern design
  • Four different metal color options

Cons

  • Over $2,000
  • You may have limited options for coordinating wedding bands

Reina Diamond Engagement Ring

Reina Diamond Engagement Ring

This vintage-inspired engagement ring setting looks excellent with any shaped center stone, but I particularly like it with an emerald cut diamond. The proportions are stunning.

The diamond-encrusted halo and band scream Old Hollywood elegance and work perfectly with the vintage feel of an emerald cut diamond. Buy here for $1,750 (setting only). 

Pros

  • The halo on this ring is set high enough that you can easily pair it with a standard wedding band
  • This ring comes in four different metal color options

Cons

  • Over $1,500
  • Style might be too ornate for some people’s tastes

Arabesque Diamond Engagement Ring

Arabesque Diamond Engagement Ring

I love the combination of baguette and round diamonds that make up this stunning take on a ballerina ring from Brilliant Earth.

Ballerina rings are a halo setting where accent stones radiate from the center stone like a tutu on a ballerina. They don’t always work with straight-edged diamond cuts, but the North-South facing design of this one works particularly well with an emerald cut diamond. Buy here for $2,950 (setting only).

Pros

  • Ballerina settings add major sparkle and Gatsby-esque glam
  • Comes in four different metal colors
  • Ring is set high enough to accommodate most wedding bands (Brilliant Earth suggests recommendations on the listing)

Cons

  • Design might be too bold for some people
  • Accent stones may catch on clothing

Fiorella Diamond Engagement Ring

Fiorella Diamond Engagement Ring

Yes, it is possible to pair an emerald cut diamond with a nature-inspired band! Although many nature-inspired rings tend to include a lot of curved, organic shapes, there are some whose symmetry is perfect when paired with a geometric center stone.

The proportions of the leaf detailing on this setting from Brilliant Earth look fantastic when combined with an emerald center diamond. I especially love the diamond accents nestled within the leaves. Buy here for $990 (setting only).

Pros

  • Simple, nature-inspired setting that’s not too extravagant
  • Comes in four different metal colors
  • Under $1,000
  • Very unique setting

Cons

  • Leaf details may make it difficult to find a corresponding wedding band
  • Leaves may be too on-the-nose for some people’s tastes

Matte Two-Tone Solitaire Engagement Ring

Matte Two-Tone Solitaire Engagement Ring

This ring from Blue Nile is the most contemporary setting on this list. The 3mm band is wider than the other bands on this list, but not so wide that the ring looks bulky. I love the two-tone band and matte finish. They really give this ring personality. Buy here for $890 (setting only). 

Pros

  • This contemporary ring is a great choice of engagement ring for all genders
  • Under $1,000

Cons

  • No option to customize metal colors
  • Band might be too thick for some people’s tastes

Piper Diamond Engagement Ring

Piper Diamond Engagement Ring

I know I already said it, but emerald cut center diamonds with baguette side stones really are a perfect combination. I love the classic lines of this three stone ring from Brilliant Earth. It’s a simple, chic setting that’s perfect for an emerald cut diamond. Buy here for $1,490 (setting only).

Pros

  • Simple, classic aesthetics
  • Comes in four different metal colors

Cons

  • Might be too plain for some people’s taste

Sincelo Diamond Engagement Ring

Sincelo Diamond Engagement Ring

It’s no secret that emerald cut diamonds look incredible when paired with a split shank setting, but this setting from Brilliant Earth is more than just split shank.

Three interwoven bands of micro-pavé diamonds are studded with larger accent diamonds before they converge on a center stone. This is another setting that’s available for several diamond shapes, but it works particularly well with an emerald cut diamond. Buy here for $3,150 (setting only). 

Pros

  • Super sparkly and glamorous with over 200 diamond accents
  • Comes in four metal colors
  • Very unique setting

Cons

  • More than $3,000 for the setting alone
  • Might be too extravagant for some people’s tastes

Tapered Baguette Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

Tapered Baguette Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

Ok so this is sort of the quintessential emerald cut diamond setting. Settings like this are very popular for emerald cut stones, which means that if you’re looking for something that’s very unique this might not be the right setting for you. That being said, this setting is popular for a reason.

The tapered baguettes are the perfect, elegant compliment to an emerald cut diamond. Plus, this ring will never go out of style. Buy here for $1,900 (setting only).

Pros

  • Classic, elegant ring setting
  • Available in six different metal options

Cons

  • Not very unique
  • Over $1,500

FAQs

Question: Are Emerald Cut Diamonds More Expensive?

Answer: Emerald cut diamonds are one of the cheapest cuts per carat, but they do show flaws and discoloration more than other cuts, which means you may end up spending extra cash to make sure your stone is flawless.  

Question: What is the Cheapest Cut of Diamond?

Answer: Both emerald and asscher cut diamonds are the least expensive per carat.

Question: Do Emerald Cut Diamonds Sparkle?

Answer: Emerald cut diamonds don’t sparkle the way brilliant cut diamonds do. Instead they show flashes of light and a “hall of mirrors” effect which makes them look like bottomless pools of water. 

Final Thoughts

Emerald cut diamonds are timeless and elegant. They work particularly well with simple and deco-inspired settings, but if you’d prefer something unexpected I hope you found it on this list.

My favorite settings for emerald cut diamonds will always be the simplest ones with gorgeous details, like the delicate milgrain Margot ring

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