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The Traditional  Emerald Stone

The emerald cut is rectangular with cut corners. Both the crown and the pavilion are step-cut. The facets are broad with flat planes resembling the steps of a stair. That's why it is referred to as a "step" cut. The emerald cut is used to enhance light to medium colors in the lower R.I. gem materials. It was designed for use with emeralds, thus the name. Some books show this type of cut under the name of "trap" cut. The word is from the Dutch, and means a staircase. Most people call it "step" cuts, so the two words are virtually identical as far as derivation is concerned. The emerald cut has bad limitation. If the faceter wishes to accentuate color only, the cut is excellent; but if brilliance is desired, this cut does very little. Though it doesn't have a lot of "fire", the emerald cut is good in retaining weight, especially when cut from a long crystal like topaz. Light-color stones can be quite beautiful when cut into the emerald shape. The cut's appeal doesn't lie in the flashy brilliance, but in the simplicity and its truly regal shape