Best size for emerald cut diamond to set in pendant?

[maisie2]

I’m planning to purchase an emerald cut diamond to be set into a 14K yellow gold prong set pendant as a gift for someone. They’re not a terribly flashy person, so it doesn’t have to be huge, but I would like it to be large enough to perform well.

I’m not terribly familiar with step cuts myself (more of an oval girl) so I was hoping to get some guidance on the best carat weight or dimensions for the diamond. I have noticed that emerald cuts seem to face up smaller than some other cuts - I had originally considered .5ct, but I’m now wondering if that’s too small.

I’ve also read that EC’s tend to show color and inclusions more than other cuts. I’m thinking I need to stay in the VS or higher and GHI or higher range, with excellent polish and symmetry. Does this sound right?

Any advice is welcome - Thank you!

 

[vintageinjune]

Hello, and welcome. What a lovely gift you are planning!

You are correct in understanding that step cut stones do show inclusions and color more so than brilliant cut diamond shapes of many varieties.

If the diamond is to be set in yellow gold, G/H/I should be fine as long as it is a well cut diamond with no visible inclusions to the naked eye.

As far as size goes.... that is such a personal preference! There is no right or wrong. Personally (again, just me, and I'll admit I love some big bling which heavily biases my tastes), I would want to gift a pendant at .75 ish carats or higher - substantial enough to be noticed, but nowhere near "too much" territory.

 

[maisie2]

Hello, and welcome. What a lovely gift you are planning!

You are correct in understanding that step cut stones do show inclusions and color more so than brilliant cut diamond shapes of many varieties.

If the diamond is to be set in yellow gold, G/H/I should be fine as long as it is a well cut diamond with no visible inclusions to the naked eye.

As far as size goes.... that is such a personal preference! There is no right or wrong. Personally (again, just me, and I'll admit I love some big bling which heavily biases my tastes), I would want to gift a pendant at .75 ish carats or higher - substantial enough to be noticed, but nowhere near "too much" territory.

Thank you so much for your response - this is exactly what I needed to know! I was mostly hoping for a “starting point” as far as size goes.

Thanks for the help!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I have a pair of 0.8ctw EC studs (so each stud is 0.4ct) and to my mind, they are too small for a pendant.

 

[AprilBaby]

At least .75

 

[Luce]

I have a .76 set in a simple pendant and it is a perfect size for me. Not too large but it sends off beautiful flashes.

 

[maisie2]

I have a .76 set in a simple pendant and it is a perfect size for me. Not too large but it sends off beautiful flashes.

Thank you so much! This is especially helpful, to see one set in a pendant. That does look like the perfect size!