Sell an Emerald Cut Diamond

Color and clarity matter more

Emerald cuts (step cuts) have a large rectangular table and long parallel facets. Light passes through them differently than through brilliant shapes — body color shows clearly, and inclusions that would hide in a round can be visible. For resale, that means an H/VS2 emerald cut prices closer to an I/SI1 round.

Size helps

Emerald cut shows best at larger sizes (2ct and up) where the step facets feel deliberate rather than cramped. Larger emerald cuts also have a steady buyer market — high-end engagement and dress-ring designers.

Selling

GIA certification is worth it especially because of how visible the color grade is in this shape. See how to sell diamonds online and get more than one offer.

FAQ

How much do emerald cut diamonds sell for?

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A 1 carat emerald cut typically resells for $1,000 to $4,200 in the US, about 15% to 20% below an equivalent round brilliant. Larger emerald cuts (2ct+) hold value better because the step-cut style shows best at size.

Why does color matter more for emerald cut?

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Emerald cut has large open facets that show body color clearly. An I-color emerald looks more tinted than an I-color round. Buyers price for that, so color drops cost more here than in brilliant shapes.

Why do inclusions hurt emerald cut resale more?

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The large open table shows clarity more than brilliant shapes do. SI1 and SI2 inclusions that would be invisible in a round can be visible to the naked eye in an emerald cut, which discounts the offer.

Other shapes

• Round
• Oval
• Cushion cut
• Princess cut