What is the hall of mirrors effect in an emerald cut diamond?

The hall of mirrors effect is produced by the emerald cut's 57 long, parallel step-cut facets. Instead of the rapid sparkle of a brilliant cut, the emerald cut produces sweeping, dramatic flashes of light and dark that move through the stone as it shifts. This creates a composed, elegant appearance entirely different from other diamond shapes.

What clarity grade should I choose for an emerald cut diamond?

For an emerald cut diamond, VS1 clarity is the recommended minimum. The large, open table of a step-cut diamond hides nothing — inclusions, colour tint, and any asymmetry are immediately visible to the naked eye. Always prioritise a clean stone over a larger one — in an emerald cut, quality is always visible.

What colour grade should I choose for an emerald cut diamond in a white metal setting?

For an emerald cut diamond in a white gold or platinum setting, F or G colour is recommended. The large, open facets of a step cut make colour more visible than in brilliant cuts, so a higher colour grade matters more with this shape.

What is the ideal length-to-width ratio for an emerald cut diamond?

The ideal length-to-width ratio for an emerald cut diamond is 1.30 to 1.50. This range produces the classic rectangular look associated with the emerald cut. Ratios below 1.30 produce a squarer stone, while ratios above 1.50 give a more elongated appearance.

What is the ideal Table% and Depth% for an emerald cut diamond?

The ideal Table% for an emerald cut diamond is 61% to 68%, which affects the size of the open table. The ideal Depth% is 60% to 65%, which controls the depth of the step facets and the overall light performance of the stone.

LAB CREATED DIAMONDS

Emerald Cut Diamonds

The emerald cut is a step cut, not a brilliant cut — which means it produces something entirely different from sparkle. Its 57 long, parallel facets create the “hall of mirrors” effect: sweeping, dramatic flashes of light and dark. Emerald cuts currently make up less than 3.5% of diamonds sold globally, which makes them genuinely distinctive on the finger.

The open table of an emerald cut hides nothing. Inclusions, colour tint, and any asymmetry are all immediately visible — which is why clarity is more important here than with any other shape. VS1 is the recommended minimum, and colour should be F or G for a white metal setting. Prioritise a clean stone over a large one — in an emerald cut, quality is always visible.

Beyond the 4Cs: Use the
proportions table to identify the
finest stones in our collection.

Proportion	Ideal range	Why it matters
Table %	61% – 68%	Affects the size of the open table
Depth %	60% – 65%	Controls the depth of the step facets
Polish & symmetry	Excellent	Step facets magnify any imperfection
Girdle	Thin – Slightly thick	Protects the cropped corners
Length to width	1.30 – 1.50	Determines the classic elongated look