The diamond clarity grade refers to the flaws or inclusions within the diamond. These inclusions occur naturally during the growing process, whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural. Clarity is the most important of the 4Cs to consider when selecting an emerald cut diamond, and designer Melanie Casey recommends prioritizing clarity over anything else. 

The unique beauty of an emerald cut diamond comes from the step faceting that creates the quintessential hall of mirrors inside the diamond. Because an emerald cut diamond is more open, you are more easily able to see any inclusions within the diamond. For this reason, prioritizing clarity is important when selecting a diamond for your emerald cut ring. 

It’s also worth noting that the larger an emerald cut diamond is, the more clearly you will be able to see into the diamond. A 2 carat emerald cut diamond ring or a 3 carat emerald cut diamond ring will show inclusions more easily than a ring with a smaller diamond. While she typically recommends a clarity grade of VS2 and up for brilliant cut diamonds, designer Melanie Casey recommends a clarity grade of VS1 and higher for an emerald cut diamond.

Cut refers to how your diamond interacts with light: how much it sparkles, how well it scintillates, and how much fire (colored light) is released from the diamond. While cut is the hardest of the 4Cs for non-diamond experts to quantify, Melanie’s recommendation makes selecting the right stone for an emerald cut engagement ring easy!

The most important and defining element of the emerald cut diamond is its step cuts. You can tell that a diamond has been well cut if you can see clear, defined, alternating lines of light and dark creating the unique hall of mirrors effect within the stone. Be sure to take a close look inside the diamond, confirming the contrast that makes this diamond pop.

The diamond color scale ranges from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow). The more colorless the diamond, the higher the color grade. While champagne diamonds have their own unique beauty, if you’re looking for a bright white emerald cut diamond, this is the guide for you.

Color is not as important as clarity, but still worth considering when selecting an emerald cut diamond. The openness of an emerald cut’s facets allows you to see more easily into the diamond, so, just as is the case with clarity, an emerald cut diamond will show its color more clearly than a brilliant cut diamond. Melanie recommends a color grade of G+ for an emerald cut diamond. Fun fact: a warmer diamond will look more colorless when set into yellow gold!

The carat refers to the weight of the diamond. Unlike cut, clarity, and color, carat weight is completely subjective! At the end of the day, the carat weight you choose depends on your personal style preferences and budget. Melanie’s recommendation when navigating our diamond selection tool is to set your preferences for color and clarity, then allow your budget to determine your carat weight.