When choosing a diamond, most people focus on the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. But when it comes to emerald cut moissanite ring one C rises to the top—clarity.
At KRK Jewels, we’re passionate about helping our clients understand why clarity is so essential to the beauty and brilliance of an emerald cut engagement ring. If you’re considering this timeless, elegant shape, here’s why clarity should be your top priority.
The Nature of the Emerald Cut
Emerald cuts are defined by their step-cut faceting, which features long, straight facets arranged in parallel lines. This structure gives the diamond its sleek, hall-of-mirrors appearance—more about flashes of light than sparkle. Unlike brilliant cuts (like round or cushion), emerald cuts have fewer facets, meaning there are fewer places for inclusions to hide.
What does that mean for you? Any imperfection inside the diamond (like a feather, crystal, or cloud) is much easier to see with the naked eye.
Why Clarity Stands Out More
Because emerald cuts have large, open tables (the flat top surface of the diamond), you’re essentially looking straight into the stone. If there’s a blemish or internal flaw, it won’t be masked by brilliance or sparkle—it’ll be right in view. That’s why selecting a diamond with higher clarity is critical when choosing an emerald cut.
Common inclusions that show in emerald cuts:
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Feathers (internal cracks)
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Crystals (dark mineral spots)
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Clouds (hazy patches)
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Pinpoints clustered near the center
Even small inclusions that wouldn’t be visible in a round or princess cut may be noticeable in an emerald cut diamond.
Recommended Clarity Grades
At KRK Jewels, we suggest the following clarity grades for emerald cut diamonds to ensure maximum visual appeal:
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VVS1–VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Almost flawless to the naked eye. Perfect for those who want absolute perfection and investment-grade quality.
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VS1–VS2 (Very Slightly Included): The ideal sweet spot. These grades offer exceptional clarity at a more accessible price, with minimal visible inclusions.
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SI1 (Slightly Included): Still possible, but should be carefully inspected. Some SI1 diamonds can be eye-clean if the inclusions are near the edges or hidden under prongs—but this is rare with emerald cuts.
KRK Tip: We always recommend viewing the diamond in person or under magnification before purchasing an SI1 or lower clarity emerald cut.
What About Color and Cut?
Color and cut still matter, but they’re slightly more forgiving than clarity in emerald cuts.
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Color: Emerald cuts tend to show more color than brilliant cuts, but not dramatically. We recommend diamonds in the G–H range or better for a crisp, white look, especially when set in white gold or platinum.
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Cut: While emerald cuts aren’t graded on cut like round diamonds, symmetry and proportions are key. A well-proportioned emerald cut (with a length-to-width ratio between 1.30 and 1.50) enhances brilliance and visual balance.
Investing in What You See
Because the emerald cut puts everything on display, clarity isn’t just a technical grade—it’s a visual experience. A high-clarity emerald cut diamond radiates elegance, while one with visible inclusions may appear cloudy, dull, or distracting.
That’s why at KRK Jewels, we hand-select emerald cut diamonds with superior clarity and transparency—so your ring is breathtaking from every angle.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to emerald cut engagement rings, clarity isn’t optional—it’s essential. The cut’s minimalism and transparency demand a clean, clear diamond that reflects light and luxury. Whether you’re going for a modern solitaire or an Art Deco-inspired masterpiece, clarity will be the quiet star of the show.
Clean. Classic. Crystal clear. That’s the KRK standard.
