Apr 13, 2022 / Diamonds / diamonds 101 / Diamonds|Engagement / Engagement / Engagement Guide / Jeweler's Posts / real-diamonds / top-questions

What are Step Cut Diamonds?

gigi thompson

Step Cuts: A Symbol of Elegance

The 1920's Are Back!

The most popular diamond shape of the Art Deco Era was the step cut.

The Emerald Cut Diamond was first introduced in the 1920's. It became very popular during the Art Deco period because of the clean lines and symmetry. This style is perfect for those who are looking for a more antique look and feel.

A woman showing a step cut diamond ring giving an antique look.

What are Step Cut Diamonds?

Step cuts are when the facets of the diamond run in parallel lines along its length and width. You can see this in Asscher, Emerald, and Baguette cut stones. Due to the different cut of the stone, the facet structure in a step cut diamond allows for more shine verses sparkle when compared to brilliant cut diamonds like rounds or ovals.

Brilliant cuts have a facet structure that is designed to maximize the sparkle factor of your diamond. Step cuts, on the other hand, are shiny and have a glass-like quality. This means they tend to be higher in clarity as there is no room to hide any imperfections. Step cuts are always square or rectangular shape.

This kind of diamond is favored by royals and celebrities as the clean sophistication of the stone is a glamorous status symbol.

A close up of a diamond ring with a step cut diamond.

What's the Difference Between the Types of Step Cuts?

Baguettes are a smaller and thinner version of an emerald cut. This stone is often utilized as a side stone or in fashion pieces as an emerald cut alternative. Simply put these baguettes are half the calories.

Asschers are square like a princess cut and are also referred to as a square emerald. Elizabeth Taylor famously wore a 33 carat Asscher ring, which for reference is roughly the size of an air-pod case.

Emeralds are the most desired shape in the step cut family. They are long and rectangular. Many celebrities have the emerald cut. Beyoncé wears a 24 carat Emerald Cut worth over $6 million.

Tweezers holding up a beautiful step cut diamond ring with multiple stones.

Classic Choice!

If you’re set on having a classic round brilliant diamond, consider an emerald or baguette wedding band. You can mix and match stones. Or consider them for side stones. Flanking any center stone with trapezoidal baguettes, which are tapered baguettes, gives any ring old Hollywood glamour. They can compliment every cut center diamond.

Paris Hilton is a recent example of someone wearing the old school style. Her Emerald is tension set in a band with two shield (ie baguette) stones. Paris, while a symbol of new money, actually comes from old money, it is no surprise her ring is an ode to the classic style.

For more information on the cut of diamonds, read our comprehensive blog post on Cut, one of the four C's of diamonds!

Want to get this classic look or yourself? Schedule an appointment with us today!

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