Do Emerald Cut Engagement Rings Meet The Criteria?

L finally sat down and wrote up a very long list (actually, it was an extremely long list) of criteria that she felt an engagement ring should meet to be the perfect one. The list was daunting to say the least and after three hours I finally finished reading it. My initial response was a look with a raised eyebrow that I hope simply said, "Are you serious?" Her response was a gleeful grin and an excited nod of the head.

Heading

So, with my epic list in hand, I headed off to meet with Tahlia Holland, in the hopes that she might be the miracle worker that could create this perfection for L. To my surprise Tahlia wasn’t ruffled in the slightest by L’s list and simply asked, "Is that it?" She followed this up with one statement, "Emerald cut engagement ring. Obviously that is what she wants". Given that Tahlia is the expert and given the confidence with which she made this claim, I was relieved to trust in her evaluation and eagerly awaited to hear her justifications for coming to this conclusion.

Tahlia explained that an emerald cut engagement ring would fulfil L’s wish for a unique, elegant and bold ring that would not be obtrusively glitzy. Unlike other diamond cuts that are done predominantly to enhance sparkle and shine, an emerald cut uses a mirror effect to create reflection and prisms of light. The gem still has the typical 50 to 58 facets but they are done in a step pattern leaving a large open table. The consequent hall-of-mirrors effect down plays the fiery sparkle of traditional round or oval cuts but significantly enhances a stone’s simple, elegant beauty and adds an interplay of light and contrasting dark planes.

Well, Ms Holland certainly knew her stuff and at this point we seemed to have already ticked off about 50% of L’s must-have list. However, L also mentioned the desire to use something other than an emerald for what was now to be her perfect emerald cut engagement ring. "Not a problem" Tahlia casually said. The emerald cut was originally designed to suit and enhance the beauty of the emerald gemstone, however it proved exceptionally exquisite when used on just about any other type of stone. The catch, however, is that due to the large open table the emerald cut creates it is very important to choose a high quality stone that is close to flawless, otherwise any irregularities or inclusions within the stone will be highly visible. Tahlia did highlight though the fact that there can be some give-and-take in this. An emerald cut engagement ring is one of the more affordable styles of cut available due to its simplicity. Consequently, the money saved on the cut can be invested in a higher quality stone or additional details on the band. So it all comes out in the wash in the end. L’s list was not looking like Mission Impossible so much anymore and I think Tahlia hit the nail on the head. An emerald cut engagement ring would meet L’s top priorities and provide elegant simplicity and an exquisitely unique look. It would be the perfect combination of vintage with a hint of modern, and offer timeless beauty too.

Frank L Orman is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From emerald cut engagement rings to princess cuts and engraved bands, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.