17 Emerald-Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Rings

There’s truly no natural diamond shape as classic as an emerald cut. Step-cut facets, a large open table, and a rectangular silhouette come together in this elegant cut, worn by some of history’s most stylish women: Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Victoria Beckham, and Beyoncé all sport an emerald cut natural diamond engagement ring.

“Emerald cut engagement rings feel both classic and modern, making it a perfect choice for someone looking for something more understated, but still impactful,” says NYC-based jewelry designer Briony Raymond, who works with both antique and contemporary natural diamonds. “Their step-cut faceting creates long, sleek lines and a “hall of mirrors” effect, emphasizing clarity over brilliance,” adds Stephanie Gottlieb, another NYC-based jewelry designer. “This understated sparkle feels more sophisticated and timeless.”

“They’re unfussy,” concurs designer Kirsty Stone of Retrouvai. “The scintillation of step cuts is unmatched… they’re bold and understated at the same time.” Plus, emerald cuts can be set in many ways that showcase their rarity and beauty. From the classic solitaire or Old World-style three-stone setting to a modern bezel setting, Raymond agrees the emerald cut “lends itself so well to various setting styles and can be completely transformed by, for instance, an east-west orientation with a thick gold bezel or a complimentary emerald cut flanking the center stone in a platinum mounting.” Even though both styles feature the same center stone, “they each evoke an entirely different look and feel through the setting technique.”

“As one of the oldest cuts, the emerald cut originated as a way to shape green emeralds, preserving their delicate nature,” Gottlieb shares of the emerald cut’s storied past. “Its historic roots give it a vintage, classic appeal, and wearing one is often seen as a nod to timeless style.” Plus, because of the shape, Gottlieb loves the “elongating” effect emerald cuts have on the finger.

When choosing your own emerald-cut diamond for an engagement ring or even the ever-popular emerald-cut eternity band, Raymond, Stone, and Gottlieb offer a few tips for finding the perfect natural diamond.

“Pay attention to the proportions,” says Stone. “Do you prefer a more elongated shape (higher ratio) or do you prefer something chubbier (smaller ratio)?” Gottlieb agrees, adding that “it’s key to focus on measurements rather than just carat weight.” Stone also suggests seeing the diamond in person or working with someone who will send you detailed videos of your natural diamond options. “I always prefer to see a diamond in an iPhone video as opposed to the magnified videos you can find online,” she adds.

The large, open facets of an emerald cut reveal more of the diamond’s natural beauty

Both Raymond and Gottlieb suggest focusing on the diamond’s clarity as well. “The large, open facets of an emerald cut reveal more of the diamond’s natural beauty, including its clarity and color,” explains Gottlieb. “There’s less hiding imperfections, so emerald cuts often need to be of higher clarity to maintain that elegance.”

Ahead, get inspired by these uniquely designed and stunningly set emerald-cut natural diamond engagement rings from Briony Raymond, Retrouvai, and more.

Briony Raymond
Regent Diamond Ring

This bespoke stunner features a emerald cut natural diamond center stone in a bezel set mounting surrounded by custom baguette natural diamonds in handmade mounting with a solid 18K gold shank. Raymond calls out the bezel setting as a “favorite” of hers: “It gives the diamond a contemporary edge while providing extra security.”

Retrouvai Loop Ring

Each of these handmade rings is one-of-a-kind and remains one of Stone’s favorite styles, setting different diamond cuts in each iteration. “I set an emerald cut in one of our Loop Ring Settings a couple of years ago and it felt very unexpected but very right,” she shares. This ring is a perfect example of a chubbier emerald-cut diamond with a smaller ratio.

Stephanie Gottlieb
Band and a Half Ring

“A modern and bold twist, our popular “band and a half” design involves a double-band setting that creates an illusion where the diamond almost appears to be floating,” explains Gottlieb of her stunning design.

Jessica McCormack
East-West Button Back Ring

“For something more unexpected, I also love an east-west setting,” shares Raymond. “This fresh take on tradition makes the ring feel more distinctive,” agreed Gottlieb. . Jessica McCormack’s signature button-back style brings the twist in a Georgian-inspired setting.

Ashley Zhang Lillian Ring

Two baguettes flank an emerald-cut natural diamond on each side of this stunning yet simple engagement ring design.

Briony Raymond
Antique Emerald Cut Sloan Solitaire

Another bespoke creation from Briony Raymond, this one features an antique cut emerald natural diamond bezel set in a hand-fabricated 18K gold mounting.

Tiffany & Co
Novo Engagement Ring

An absolute classic, the pave band brings some extra sparkle to this emerald-cut engagement ring from Tiffany & Co. “I love setting emerald cut diamonds in ways that highlight their sleek lines and geometry,” says Raymond. “A classic four-prong or double-claw prong setting allows the diamond to take center stage.”

Material Good Emerald Cut Engagement Ring with Trapezoids

Trap-cut natural diamonds are the perfect complement to an emerald-cut center stone thanks to their similar sharp lines and step-cut facets.

Single Stone Eleni Ring

For those that want the bezel look plus more, Single Stone’s Eleni ring has that on-trend chunky style that stays timeless thanks to the emerald cut center stone.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Morton Engagement Ring

If you don’t want to fully commit to the bezel look, this half bezel setting from Greenwich St. Jeweler should do the trick.

De Beers Classic Emerald Cut and Tapered Ring

Tapered baguettes are another classic setting for an emerald cut center stone.

Fred Leighton Emerald Cut Diamond Collet Ring

This vintage-inspired natural diamond ring features an antique-style collet setting in silver topped with gold.

Retrouvai Impetus Ring

For the bride-to-be who wants something a little out of the box, this Retrouvai creation is also a one-of-a-kind. “I love an emerald cut in our Impetus Ring setting,” says Stone. “I dream of it all the time!”

Kwiat Diamond Engagement Ring with East-West Setting

Channel-set baguette diamonds bring another touch of sparkle to this gorgeous ring, set East-West for a more unexpected look.

Harry Winston
Classic Diamond Band

The emerald-cut eternity band is a classic and can be the perfect engagement ring alternative to a classic solitaire or even three-stone setting.

Greenwich St. Jewelers
Rivington Engagement Ring

A split shank band sets this solitaire setting apart from the rest.

Marla Aaron
Dime Siempre Arrows Ring

Set East-West, this unique engagement ring design features a double, interlocking band, a wonderful symbol of the commitment of marriage.