Elegant and Ethical: Emerald Cut Lab Grown Engagement Rings

If diamonds are forever, emerald cuts are forever chic. You’ve seen them on the fingers of your favorite celebs including Beyoncé, J.Lo, Amal Clooney, and Paris Hilton, as well as plenty of girls next door. There’s just something special about an emerald cut that whispers luxury instead of screaming bling. It’s that quiet confidence we love about this beautiful, classic diamond shape. Think: sleek, architectural, and unapologetically glam in a 90s-supermodel-meets-old-Hollywood way.

But if you're wondering if there's a more ethical and sustainable option for your emerald-cut diamond engagement ring, you've come to the right place. Let’s break down everything you need to know—from why emerald cuts are the moment, to how lab-grown diamonds stack up against natural ones, to all the chic setting styles and metal options that’ll make your dream ring truly you.

The emerald cut is understated glamour at its finest—vintage, modern, and timeless all at once.

The Emerald Cut's Main Character Energy

Unlike the round brilliant cut diamond (the world's most popular and expensive diamond shape), which is all about sparkle, the emerald cut is a bit more subdued. Its characteristic shape—a rectangle with cropped corners instead of sharp points—and step-cut facets flaunt a "hall of mirrors" effect. T

Step cuts are all about sleek symmetry and understated glamour. Instead of the sparkle-heavy brilliance cuts (think round or princess), step cuts use long, rectangular facets arranged in parallel layers—like steps in a staircase—to create a mesmerizing look. It’s more of a subtle flash than a glitter bomb, giving off serious vintage sophistication and cool, composed energy

Originally created for emerald gemstones (hence the name), this cut dates back to the Art Deco era. And today? It’s a favorite for modern romantics with vintage taste and Pinterest boards full of minimalist-meets-opulent aesthetics.

Cool. Composed. Completely smitten. This emerald cut engagement ring isn’t just pretty—it’s the definition of forever cool.

Celeb-Approved and Budget-Friendly

The rise of lab-grown diamonds has made emerald-cut diamonds even more accessible. If you’re wondering, “Wait—is a lab diamond real?” The answer is a resounding YES. Lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, and no one will be able to tell the difference (except some highly trained gemologists with high-tech equipment, of course).

Lab-grown diamonds are made using magic (kidding, it's science)! Labs replicate the natural growing conditions of earth-mined diamonds—high pressure and high temperature or chemical vapor deposition—to make them from scratch with a lot less impact on the Earth's resources. Bonus points: they also cost about half as much as comparable natural diamonds when you shop the same qualities and carat weight. That means a bigger emerald cut stone for you (or a fancier honeymoon), and a lower carbon footprint as well. Additionally, lab diamonds aren't tied to conflict zones, so they're an affordable, ethical, and beautiful choice for modern couples.

Today, lab-grown diamonds are also available certified and laser inscribed by independent grading labs, so your purchase is well documented and totally on the up-and-up.

Main character energy? Always. Sleek step cuts and symmetrical lines make emerald cuts the quiet luxury your Pinterest board's been craving.

Styling Your Emerald Cut Engagement Ring

Now comes the fun part. The emerald cut and its rectangular shape can look completely different depending on the setting and metal you choose to accent your center diamond. Let’s explore some of our favorite styles so you can find the perfect one for your unique love story.

• Solitaire: If you're into the "quiet luxury" look and want something that's totally timeless, a solitaire might be just the ticket. This style of setting, where it's just your center diamond showing off, really highlights the diamond cut. There are plenty of ways to still make it your own, including choosing between a bezel setting or prongs.

• Prong Setting: Classic and airy, a prong setting secures your emerald-cut diamond from four points, and is typically raised a bit higher off the band. You can also choose double-tipped prongs for a bit of vintage flair, or compass prongs (that sit at the sides instead of corners) for a modern take.

• Bezel Setting: Wrapped in metal like a chic protective case, a bezel goes all the way around your gem. It's sleek and clean and great for active lifestyles. If you want something a little more airy, try a half-bezel setting which secures your diamond from only two sides.

• East-West: Want to add a twist to your emerald-cut engagement ring? Turn your stone on its side. Traditionally, the diamond will face north-south, running parallel to your finger. An east-west setting flips it on its side so that it sits horizontally. It's surprising, a little edgy, and can make your center stone look a bit larger as it spreads wider across the hand.

• Toi et Moi (Two Stone): Representing a pair coming together, two diamonds—often mixed shapes—make for a romantic and symbolic style. It's an old style that's having a bit of a resurgence and we love the highly sought-after style for its unique beauty.

• Three Stone: One for the past, one for the present, one for the future, three-stone emerald cut engagement rings are super classic, yet you can make it your own with different side stones, shapes, and sizes. Go very traditional with petite baguette side stones or make it modern with emerald-cut side stones that are just a bit smaller than the center diamond. It's more "look" that will really stand out from the engagement ring crowd.

• Chunky Bands and Wide Styles: Big, bold, and loving it, chunkier engagement ring styles are very on-trend. You can go super maximalist with a domed, signet-like engagement ring or a bit more subtle with a simple, wider band.

• Colored Stone Accents: Emerald flanked by emeralds? Obsessed. If you're not afraid of standing out, look at colored gemstones to add some brightness to your engagement ring. The emerald cut diamond will look stunning with them all!

• Halo: Halo engagement rings circle your center diamond with a ring of smaller stones for extra sparkle and size. Whether a single, double, or triple halo, the choice is yours. Or try a hidden halo, which has smaller stones around the side of the setting for a bit of secret sparkle.

• Diamond Band: Smaller diamonds on the band, instead of larger side stones, can also be a great way to make your engagement ring your own. It's like a solitaire but amped up with extra light and sparkle. Keep it sleek and polished with dainty pave diamonds or choose a bolder look if you want to really bring down the house.

Wrapped in metal, made for movement. Bezel and half-bezel settings give your emerald diamond a sleek, modern edge—plus extra protection for everyday wear.

Metal Matters: Choose Your Finish Line

Metals are the mood setters of your ring. The vibe can shift dramatically based on what you pair your emerald cut with:

• 14k Gold: Durable, classic, and available in yellow, white, or rose. Slightly more affordable and perfect for everyday wear.

• 18k Gold: Softer, richer in color (especially in yellow gold), and a little more luxe. Think golden-hour lighting in metal form.

• Platinum: Naturally white, hypoallergenic, and ultra-durable. Also the priciest—but it’s giving lifelong love energy.

Stack the story. Three-stone emerald engagement rings bring the past, present, and future together—your way.

What to Look for in An Emerald Cut Diamond

When it comes to emerald cut stones, the 4 Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat—matter a little differently than they do for other shapes. Because of the open, transparent nature of the step cut, clarity is key; inclusions are more visible, so it’s worth investing in the diamond's clarity grade. Diamond cut also plays a huge role in the overall look—since emerald cuts don’t sparkle as much as brilliant cuts, symmetry and proportions are everything for that sleek, icy white shine. With color, even slight tints can show more easily, especially in white metals like platinum or white gold, so many people opt for near-colorless or higher. And since emerald cuts tend to look larger per carat thanks to their elongated surface area, you might be able to size down on carat and still get that major impact.

More facets, less impact. Lab-grown emerald cut diamonds deliver the elegance you love, without the sky-high price tag.

Stunning in Every Setting

Whether you’re team solitaire or halo, east-west or toi et moi, the emerald cut lab-grown engagement ring gives off cool, composed, and completely smitten vibes. Just like you. Explore our collection of emerald engagement rings to find the perfect match for your personal style, or start with a center stone and design a custom ring crafted by expert artisans to go with it.