Emerald cut engagement ring is beloved for their clean lines, vintage charm, and understated elegance. Yet when compared to round or princess cuts, many buyers are surprised to find that emerald cuts often come with a lower price tag per carat. At KRK Jewels, we believe that understanding the why behind diamond pricing helps our clients make informed, confident decisions. So let’s explore why emerald cut diamonds tend to be less expensive—and why that doesn’t mean they’re any less valuable.
The Shape: Less Waste, Lower Cost
One of the key reasons emerald cut diamonds are more affordable comes down to the way they are shaped from the rough diamond crystal. When a diamond is cut and polished, a significant amount of the original rough is lost in the process. Round brilliant diamonds, the most popular shape on the market, require a great deal of cutting and waste to achieve their perfectly symmetrical form. This results in more discarded material—and a higher price to account for it.
Emerald cuts, on the other hand, are more efficient to produce. Their rectangular shape with trimmed corners allows cutters to retain more of the original diamond rough. This lower waste during the cutting process translates to a lower cost per carat, which is reflected in the retail price.
At KRK Jewels, we work closely with our suppliers to source emerald cut diamonds that offer the perfect balance of quality and value—so our clients can enjoy more stone for their budget without compromising on elegance.
Demand Plays a Role
Another factor that affects price is demand. Round brilliant diamonds dominate the market, making up over 70% of all diamonds sold. Their popularity keeps demand—and prices—high. Emerald cuts, while increasingly admired for their refined and architectural look, remain a niche choice. Lower demand can sometimes result in slightly more competitive pricing, giving savvy buyers an opportunity to get more carat weight for their money.
That’s why many clients at KRK Jewels choose emerald cuts as a way to own a larger, high-quality diamond without breaking their budget. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking both impact and individuality.
Carat Weight Illusion
Emerald cut diamonds often appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight. This is thanks to their broad, flat surface area (especially the table—the large top facet). While a one-carat round brilliant and a one-carat emerald cut technically weigh the same, the emerald cut may look bigger when viewed from above.
This optical illusion means you can achieve a visually impressive ring without paying the premium that would typically come with a larger round diamond. At KRK Jewels, we guide clients through this visual trick to help them find a ring that meets their size expectations and stays within budget.
Clarity Requirements May Affect Price
One important thing to note: while emerald cuts tend to be more affordable per carat, they often require a higher clarity grade to truly shine. Because of the step-cut facet pattern and open table, inclusions and blemishes are more visible in emerald cuts than in brilliant cuts.
At KRK Jewels, we always recommend selecting at least a VS1 clarity or better for emerald cuts, so you get a stone that maintains its beauty under close inspection. While this can raise the overall cost slightly, it still remains a strong value compared to other cuts—especially when considering the visual presence and elegance an emerald cut provides.
Final Thoughts from KRK Jewels
The emerald cut may be less expensive in terms of price per carat, but it is certainly not lesser in beauty or sophistication. Its streamlined shape, vintage appeal, and generous face-up appearance make it a smart and stylish choice for those who appreciate understated luxury.
At KRK Jewels, we believe that a diamond’s value goes far beyond the numbers. It’s about how it reflects your personal style, your story, and your future. If you’re considering an emerald cut, let us help you explore its unique potential—where elegance meets value in the most beautiful way.
