When picking an engagement ring, the question of size will arise. And in case you are head over heels in love with the classic beauty of emerald cut engagement rings, you are likely asking yourself: “What size would my partner swoon at without soaking my bank account?”
Fret not, we have you covered. Choosing the optimal size of the emerald is not a matter of simply going large, but it is about the comfort zone where preferences, cost, and the lifestyle of the wearer are aligned in unison.
Emerald Cuts Are Having Their Moment
First things first – emerald diamond engagement rings are absolutely having a moment right now, and for good reason. That smooth, rectangular profile and its stepped angles (called a hall of mirrors effect) produce a very mature, vintage style that is classic yet completely Instagram-ready. In contrast to the round diamonds that are concentrated on sparkles, emerald cuts are concentrated on clarity and elegance. They are the equivalent of the little black dress in the world of women’s engagement rings; timeless, stylish and always in fashion.
Understanding Emerald Cut Proportions
A majority of emerald engagement rings are in the range of 1.3:1 to 1.5:1 ratio. The 1.3:1 ratio gives you a much squarer silhouette, and a 1.5:1 ratio provides you with that typical stretched rectangle that makes fingers appear longer and more graceful.
The beauty of this shape is that it usually appears bigger than other cuts while having the same carat weight due to its wide, flat table. If you have a specific budget to work with, an emerald cut will offer more value.
Finding Your Goldilocks Zone
So what’s the “just right” size? It depends on a few key factors:
- Lifestyle Considerations: Does your partner type, work with his/her hands, or play sports all the time? An enormous stone may not be useful to an individual who requires agility in their life. Conversely, if they wish to make a statement with their accessories, they may prefer a bolder choice.
- Hand Size and Finger Length: Now, a bit of jewellery insider information: the carat weight doesn’t matter, the important thing is proportion. An emerald cut that is 1.5 carats in size might appear simply perfect in the hands of one individual and disproportionate in the hands of another. Finger length tends to dictate the kind of size a stone needs, as longer fingers tend to accommodate bigger stones and more rectangular-shaped ones, whereas shorter fingers may be better off with smaller and less domineering stones.
- Personal Style: Is your partner drawn to delicate, minimalist jewellery or do they gravitate toward statement pieces? Their existing jewellery collection is your best research tool here.
The Popular Size Sweet Spots
Based on current trends and what we see couples gravitating toward, here are the most popular emerald cut sizes:
- 1 to 1.5 Carats: This is the tried-and-tested option that will never go out of fashion. It is sizable enough to be noticed but not oversized to the point where it would be unmanageable. It is an ideal strap that will suit a person who seeks class but does not fancy extremes.
- 1.5 to 2 Carats: This range offers a serious wow factor while still being appropriate for everyday wear. You’re getting into “head-turner” territory here, but in the most sophisticated way possible.
- 2+ Carats: Now we’re talking show-stopper territory. These are for partners who love luxury and aren’t afraid to own it. Just remember, with great size comes great responsibility; you’ll want to make sure the quality is there to match the scale.
Quality Over Quantity (But Why Not Both?)
Here’s something crucial to remember about emerald cuts – they’re incredibly honest. Those large, flat facets mean there’s nowhere for inclusions to hide. When working within a budget, prioritize the diamond 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight – with special emphasis on clarity and colour over size for emerald cuts.
That being said, do not worry so much about being perfect. The objective is to purchase a stone, which is beautiful to the naked eye and one that your partner adores.
Setting Matters Too
Your setting can alter your emerald cut. A traditional solitaire will focus the whole attention on the stone, and a halo setting will make your center stone look bigger. Perhaps the side stones can bring additional spark and additional weight without significantly adding to the cost.
Making the Final Decision
At the end of the day, the perfect emerald size is the one that makes your partner light up when they see it. Whether you choose a natural or lab-grown diamond, trust your instincts, consider their lifestyle and preferences, and remember that the love behind the ring is what truly matters.
Your Toronto Emerald Cut Experts
When you’re ready to find that perfect emerald cut, you don’t have to navigate this decision alone. For over 45 years, Serli & Siroan has been helping couples find their dream engagement rings in Toronto. Our family-owned studio prides itself on making one-of-a-kind engagement rings that meet your specifications and meet your budget.
What makes us extraordinary is the incomparable personal service that we provide, as well as the ethically sourced, certified diamonds that we offer. We know that an engagement ring is one of the most significant purchases that you will ever make, and we will ensure every aspect is exactly right, starting with finding the right emerald cut size along with designing a custom setting that perfectly frames your stone.
And because we offer our lifetime services of cleaning, resizing and maintenance, your emerald engagement ring will dazzle generation after generation. Because at Serli & Siroan, we don’t just create jewellery, we create heirlooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the emerald cut appear larger than the other diamond shapes that have the same carat weight?
Yes, emerald cuts do look bigger. They have a wide, flat table and a rectangular shape that maximizes appearance. - Should I emphasize size or quality in an emerald cut diamond?
Quality over size. In emerald cuts, inclusions are easily exhibited, and thus clarity and colour are more important than the carat weight. - How should the height-to-width ratio of emerald cut diamonds be?
The majority of emerald cuts fall in the ballpark of 1.3:1 (squarer) to 1.5:1 (more rectangular), which appear most elegant. - Which size of emerald cut should I get for my partner?
Consider their way of life, hand size, personal style, and the jewellery they already own to find the right proportional fit.