The emerald cut diamond is rectangular with mitered corners, thus forming an octagon with 8 sides. This is done largely to protect the diamond as any sharp points are vulnerable to getting chipped.

The emerald cut refers both the shape and the style of cut, which is a step cut. The facets on a step-cut diamond are broad with flat planes resembling the steps of a stair. That's why the emerald cut is a form of step cut. There is no bow-tie effect on an emerald cut diamond.

Buying Tip: Go for higher-quality emerald-cut diamonds as both inclusions and color are more noticeable in an emerald cut than in other diamond cuts or shapes.