You’ve made the smartest switch already - lab-grown diamonds. Great decision. Clean origin, clear conscience, and a ton of sparkle. But now, you have hit another crossroads: Emerald Cut or Round Cut?
Both have their own fan clubs and aesthetics. But when it comes to how they perform—visually, practically, and financially—it’s worth breaking it down.
Understanding the Shapes
|
Feature |
Emerald Cut |
Round Cut |
|
Shape |
Rectangular with cropped corners |
Perfectly round |
|
Facet Style |
Step-cut (broad, parallel facets) |
Brilliant-cut (58 triangular facets) |
|
Sparkle Type |
Elegant, mirrored glow |
Intense sparkle and fire |
|
Visual Aesthetic |
Bold, vintage-meets-modern |
Timeless and universally flattering |
|
Cost per Carat |
More affordable, larger face-up size |
Premium pricing due to popularity and to cut losses |
Sparkle Science: Who Wins?
Let’s not dodge the main question—which one sparkles more?
That would be the Round Cut. It’s engineered with maximum brilliance in mind. Its symmetrical shape and brilliant-cut facets bounce light back in all directions, creating that high-intensity dazzle most people associate with “diamond sparkle.”
Emerald Cuts, meanwhile, play a different game. They emit light in very long, clean flashes. What do you get? A softer, more subtle sparkle that says sophistication. Less disco ball, more cozy candlelit dinner.
If you are looking for the loudest sparkle in the room, Round Cut clearly takes the top spot. But if you are looking for subtle sophistication and don’t want to look like everyone else, Emerald Cut is a strong contender.
Check out more about diamond shapes and cuts - https://ivanajewels.com/pages/lab-grown-diamonds
Who’s Wearing What?
In recent years, emerald cuts have had a serious comeback. Think Amal Clooney’s engagement ring. Beyoncé, too, rocks an emerald-cut stunner. These are powerful, style-driven women choosing a cut that makes a quiet yet commanding statement.
Round cuts? Think classic bridal. Think Blake Lively, Natalie Portman, and countless red carpet regulars. It’s the choice you make when you want elegance to speak for itself—no caption needed.
Price Perspective: Budget vs Brilliance
Here’s the reality check: Round cuts are typically more expensive per carat. Why? Two reasons:
-
They’re the most in-demand diamond (even in the lab-grown diamond industry) cut globally.
-
More of the rough diamond is discarded during shaping.
Emerald cuts, on the other hand, retain more of the rough, resulting in better size-per-carat value. Plus, their shape can make the diamond look larger, especially in minimalist settings.
If you want to make the most of your lab-grown diamond budget, emerald cuts offer serious visual mileage.
Practical Considerations
Durability and maintenance also come into play:
-
Round cuts are low-maintenance. Their shape hides inclusions and wears well over time. They’re ideal for everyday wear.
Our suggestion -
-
Emerald cuts need a bit more love. Their open table can expose imperfections more easily, so they’re best selected at higher clarity grades. A regular clean-up keeps them at their reflective best.
Our suggestion -
https://ivanajewels.com/collections/diamond-engagement-rings/products/sgr0662
For people who wear their jewellery daily (and don’t want to worry about smudges or micro-scratches), round is an easy win. But if you’re careful with your pieces and appreciate sharp aesthetics, emerald is worth the extra polish.
The Lab-Grown Advantage
No matter which shape speaks to you, lab-grown diamonds from Ivana offer major benefits:
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Chemically identical to mined diamonds
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Lower environmental impact
-
Conflict-free and traceable
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Better clarity and quality for the price
So whether you're team sparkle-all-day or team clean-and-classic, the ethics, value, and beauty are already in your favour.
The Ivana Approach
At Ivana Jewels, we know your diamond should reflect your personality, not just a price. Whether you're dazzled by the light performance of a Round Cut or the linearity of an Emerald Cut, we carry lab-grown diamonds that are responsibly created, GIA/IGI certified and absolutely stunning.
Every Ivana piece is crafted to match the moment—and the mindset—of today’s modern buyer. Because sparkle should never come with compromise.
Final Word
Still deciding between Emerald and Round? That’s a good problem to have. Because when you start with a lab-grown diamond, you’ve already chosen better. Now, it’s just about matching your sparkle to your story.
Explore both at ivanajewels.com and find the one that feels like you.
