Size guides › Emerald
Emerald diamonds
Emerald diamond size chart
Long, clean lines and a 'hall of mirrors' look. An emerald cut is a rectangle with trimmed corners and long, parallel step facets. It sparkles less than a brilliant and flashes more, with a calm, elegant look.
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Every emerald size, drawn to scale
From 0.25 to 3 carats, on a millimeter grid. Tap a size to jump to it.
| Carat | Size (mm) | Looks like a round of | Covers of a size 6 finger |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 ct | 4.55 × 3.25 mm | 0.29 ct | 18% |
| 0.5 ct | 5.73 × 4.10 mm | 0.58 ct | 23% |
| 0.75 ct | 6.56 × 4.69 mm | 0.88 ct | 27% |
| 1 ct | 7.22 × 5.16 mm | 1.17 ct | 29% |
| 1.25 ct | 7.78 × 5.56 mm | 1.46 ct | 31% |
| 1.5 ct | 8.27 × 5.91 mm | 1.75 ct | 33% |
| 2 ct | 9.10 × 6.50 mm | 2.34 ct | 37% |
| 2.5 ct | 9.80 × 7.00 mm | 2.92 ct | 40% |
| 3 ct | 10.42 × 7.44 mm | 3.51 ct | 42% |
Typical proportions. Real stones vary by a few tenths of a millimeter — the certificate gives the exact size.
What to know about emerald diamonds
Clarity and color show
The open step facets work like a window, so inclusions and tint are easier to see than in a brilliant cut. Many buyers choose a higher clarity grade for an emerald cut than they would for a round.
Corners are cut for a reason
The trimmed corners take away the sharp points that would otherwise chip.
Classic ratios
Most emerald cuts run between about 1.30 and 1.50 long-to-wide.
Length-to-width ratio
Two emeralds of the same weight can look quite different. These three all weigh 1 ct; only the ratio changes — from 6.9 mm long at 1.30 : 1 to 7.6 mm at 1.50 : 1. It's a matter of taste, not quality.
Emerald vs round
The dashed line is a 1 ct round. A 1 ct emerald covers about 11% more area from above.
Size by size
Every emerald weight, answered
0.25 carat emerald
How big is a 0.25 carat emerald diamond?
About 4.6 × 3.3 mm, and it looks about as big as a 0.29 ct round. Laid on a US dime (17.91 mm), it would cover about a quarter of the coin's width lengthwise and a fifth of it across.
Small and delicate
A quarter carat reads as a bright point of sparkle rather than a statement. It's a lovely size for minimalist and stacking rings and for anyone who wants something that sits close and never catches, and it leaves room in the budget for a better cut or color. As an emerald, it looks about 11% bigger from above than a round of the same weight, so it delivers more of this size's presence for the money.
Want it to look bigger?
A halo of small diamonds around it takes the face-up width from 3.25 mm to about 4.5 mm — 38% wider — for much less than a bigger center stone would cost.
The same size in other shapes
To cover the same area from above you'd need about 0.29 ct in a round, 0.26 ct in an oval and 0.35 ct in a cushion.
Settings
- Made to orderSolitaire, halo, three stone, bezel, cathedral and east–west — the ready-made heads we could find are for round and oval stones, so ask for one made at 4.6×3.3 mm.
Shop a 0.25 ct emerald: Blue Nile · Blue Nile, lab-grown · With Clarity · Rare Carat
Blue Nile opens already narrowed to 0.23–0.27 ct at a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.45 — the range of weights a stone this size can be — so the first page of results is this size rather than every emerald they carry. It also asks for a well-cut emerald's depth (60–70%) and table (57–67%).
0.5 carat emerald
How big is a 0.5 carat emerald diamond?
About 5.7 × 4.1 mm, and it looks about as big as a 0.58 ct round. Laid on a US dime (17.91 mm), it would cover about a third of the coin's width lengthwise and a quarter of it across.
Petite and practical
Half a carat is a classic petite size: noticeable without being showy, comfortable for everyday wear, and easy to set low so it doesn't snag on gloves or knitwear. As an emerald, it looks about 11% bigger from above than a round of the same weight, so it delivers more of this size's presence for the money.
Consider 0.45 ct
Prices tend to step up at round weights like 0.5 ct. A 0.45 ct emerald measures about 5.54 × 3.95 mm — only 0.14 mm narrower, with 7% less area on top. That's very hard to see on a hand.
Want it to look bigger?
A halo of small diamonds around it takes the face-up width from 4.10 mm to about 5.7 mm — 38% wider — for much less than a bigger center stone would cost.
The same size in other shapes
To cover the same area from above you'd need about 0.58 ct in a round, 0.52 ct in an oval and 0.69 ct in a cushion.
Settings
- Made to orderSolitaire, halo, three stone, bezel, cathedral and east–west — the ready-made heads we could find are for round and oval stones, so ask for one made at 5.7×4.1 mm.
Shop a 0.5 ct emerald: Blue Nile · Blue Nile, lab-grown · With Clarity · Rare Carat
Blue Nile opens already narrowed to 0.46–0.54 ct at a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.45 — the range of weights a stone this size can be — so the first page of results is this size rather than every emerald they carry. It also asks for a well-cut emerald's depth (60–70%) and table (57–67%).
0.75 carat emerald
How big is a 0.75 carat emerald diamond?
About 6.6 × 4.7 mm, and it looks about as big as a 0.88 ct round. Laid on a US dime (17.91 mm), it would cover about a third of the coin's width lengthwise and a quarter of it across.
Just under the milestone
Three-quarters of a carat gives a good share of the look of a one-carat stone, and on a slim finger the difference can be hard to see. It's a sensible size if the budget is better spent on cut quality or the setting. As an emerald, it looks about 11% bigger from above than a round of the same weight, so it delivers more of this size's presence for the money.
Want it to look bigger?
A halo of small diamonds around it takes the face-up width from 4.69 mm to about 6.5 mm — 38% wider — for much less than a bigger center stone would cost.
The same size in other shapes
To cover the same area from above you'd need about 0.88 ct in a round, 0.78 ct in an oval and 1.04 ct in a cushion.
Settings
- Made to orderSolitaire, halo, three stone, bezel, cathedral and east–west — the ready-made heads we could find are for round and oval stones, so ask for one made at 6.6×4.7 mm.
Shop a 0.75 ct emerald: Blue Nile · Blue Nile, lab-grown · With Clarity · Rare Carat
Blue Nile opens already narrowed to 0.70–0.80 ct at a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.45 — the range of weights a stone this size can be — so the first page of results is this size rather than every emerald they carry. It also asks for a well-cut emerald's depth (60–70%) and table (57–67%).
1 carat emerald
How big is a 1 carat emerald diamond?
About 7.2 × 5.2 mm, and it looks about as big as a 1.17 ct round. Laid on a US dime (17.91 mm), it would cover about two-fifths of the coin's width lengthwise and a quarter of it across.
The milestone size
One carat is the size many people picture when they think of an engagement ring. It's clearly a center stone without being heavy, and it suits almost every setting style. As an emerald, it looks about 11% bigger from above than a round of the same weight, so it delivers more of this size's presence for the money.
Consider 0.9 ct
Prices tend to step up at round weights like 1 ct. A 0.9 ct emerald measures about 6.97 × 4.98 mm — only 0.18 mm narrower, with 7% less area on top. That's very hard to see on a hand.
Turned east–west
Set across the finger instead of along it, its 7.22 mm length spans 41% of a size 6 finger instead of 29%. A modern look that reads wider.
The same size in other shapes
To cover the same area from above you'd need about 1.17 ct in a round, 1.04 ct in an oval and 1.39 ct in a cushion.
Settings
- Made to orderSolitaire, halo, three stone, bezel, cathedral and east–west — the ready-made heads we could find are for round and oval stones, so ask for one made at 7.2×5.2 mm.
Shop a 1 ct emerald: Blue Nile · Blue Nile, lab-grown · With Clarity · Rare Carat
Blue Nile opens already narrowed to 0.93–1.07 ct at a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.45 — the range of weights a stone this size can be — so the first page of results is this size rather than every emerald they carry. It also asks for a well-cut emerald's depth (60–70%) and table (57–67%).
1.25 carat emerald
How big is a 1.25 carat emerald diamond?
About 7.8 × 5.6 mm, and it looks about as big as a 1.46 ct round. Laid on a US dime (17.91 mm), it would cover about two-fifths of the coin's width lengthwise and a third of it across.
A step past one carat
A quarter carat over the milestone. It reads as noticeably substantial on most hands while still sitting comfortably in standard settings, and it avoids the round-number weights where prices tend to jump. As an emerald, it looks about 11% bigger from above than a round of the same weight, so it delivers more of this size's presence for the money.
Turned east–west
Set across the finger instead of along it, its 7.78 mm length spans 44% of a size 6 finger instead of 31%. A modern look that reads wider.
The same size in other shapes
To cover the same area from above you'd need about 1.46 ct in a round, 1.30 ct in an oval and 1.73 ct in a cushion.
Settings
- Made to orderSolitaire, halo, three stone, bezel, cathedral and east–west — the ready-made heads we could find are for round and oval stones, so ask for one made at 7.8×5.6 mm.
Shop a 1.25 ct emerald: Blue Nile · Blue Nile, lab-grown · With Clarity · Rare Carat
Blue Nile opens already narrowed to 1.16–1.34 ct at a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.45 — the range of weights a stone this size can be — so the first page of results is this size rather than every emerald they carry. It also asks for a well-cut emerald's depth (60–70%) and table (57–67%).
1.5 carat emerald
How big is a 1.5 carat emerald diamond?
About 8.3 × 5.9 mm, and it looks about as big as a 1.75 ct round. Laid on a US dime (17.91 mm), it would cover about half of the coin's width lengthwise and a third of it across.
A clear statement
At a carat and a half, the stone is the first thing people notice about the ring. It's still easy to wear every day, but cut quality starts to show more, because there's more stone to see. As an emerald, it looks about 11% bigger from above than a round of the same weight, so it delivers more of this size's presence for the money.
Consider 1.4 ct
Prices tend to step up at round weights like 1.5 ct. A 1.4 ct emerald measures about 8.08 × 5.77 mm — only 0.13 mm narrower, with 4% less area on top. That's very hard to see on a hand.
Turned east–west
Set across the finger instead of along it, its 8.27 mm length spans 47% of a size 6 finger instead of 33%. A modern look that reads wider.
Clarity shows at this size
A step cut's open facets act like a window, and at 1.5 ct that window is 5.9 mm wide. Inclusions that would hide in a brilliant cut can be visible here, so many buyers choose a higher clarity grade.
The same size in other shapes
To cover the same area from above you'd need about 1.75 ct in a round, 1.56 ct in an oval and 2.08 ct in a cushion.
Settings
- Made to orderSolitaire, halo, three stone, bezel, cathedral and east–west — the ready-made heads we could find are for round and oval stones, so ask for one made at 8.3×5.9 mm.
Shop a 1.5 ct emerald: Blue Nile · Blue Nile, lab-grown · With Clarity · Rare Carat
Blue Nile opens already narrowed to 1.40–1.61 ct at a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.45 — the range of weights a stone this size can be — so the first page of results is this size rather than every emerald they carry. It also asks for a well-cut emerald's depth (60–70%) and table (57–67%).
2 carat emerald
How big is a 2 carat emerald diamond?
About 9.1 × 6.5 mm, and it looks about as big as a 2.34 ct round. Laid on a US dime (17.91 mm), it would cover about half of the coin's width lengthwise and a third of it across.
A large stone
Two carats is big on most hands and is seen from across a room. At this size clarity and color are easier to judge by eye, and a secure head matters more, so ask how it's set. As an emerald, it looks about 11% bigger from above than a round of the same weight, so it delivers more of this size's presence for the money.
Consider 1.9 ct
Prices tend to step up at round weights like 2 ct. A 1.9 ct emerald measures about 8.95 × 6.39 mm — only 0.11 mm narrower, with 3% less area on top. That's very hard to see on a hand.
Turned east–west
Set across the finger instead of along it, its 9.10 mm length spans 52% of a size 6 finger instead of 37%. A modern look that reads wider.
Clarity shows at this size
A step cut's open facets act like a window, and at 2 ct that window is 6.5 mm wide. Inclusions that would hide in a brilliant cut can be visible here, so many buyers choose a higher clarity grade.
The same size in other shapes
To cover the same area from above you'd need about 2.34 ct in a round, 2.08 ct in an oval and 2.77 ct in a cushion.
Settings
- Made to orderSolitaire, halo, three stone, bezel, cathedral and east–west — the ready-made heads we could find are for round and oval stones, so ask for one made at 9.1×6.5 mm.
Shop a 2 ct emerald: Blue Nile · Blue Nile, lab-grown · With Clarity · Rare Carat
Blue Nile opens already narrowed to 1.86–2.14 ct at a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.45 — the range of weights a stone this size can be — so the first page of results is this size rather than every emerald they carry. It also asks for a well-cut emerald's depth (60–70%) and table (57–67%).
2.5 carat emerald
How big is a 2.5 carat emerald diamond?
About 9.8 × 7.0 mm, and it looks about as big as a 2.92 ct round. Laid on a US dime (17.91 mm), it would cover about half of the coin's width lengthwise and two-fifths of it across.
Very large
Two and a half carats is a very large stone for everyday wear. Setting height starts to matter: a lower head snags less, and a sturdy one protects a stone this valuable. Many owners have it appraised for insurance. As an emerald, it looks about 11% bigger from above than a round of the same weight, so it delivers more of this size's presence for the money.
Turned east–west
Set across the finger instead of along it, its 9.80 mm length spans 56% of a size 6 finger instead of 40%. A modern look that reads wider.
Clarity shows at this size
A step cut's open facets act like a window, and at 2.5 ct that window is 7.0 mm wide. Inclusions that would hide in a brilliant cut can be visible here, so many buyers choose a higher clarity grade.
The same size in other shapes
To cover the same area from above you'd need about 2.92 ct in a round, 2.60 ct in an oval and 3.46 ct in a cushion.
Settings
- Made to orderSolitaire, halo, three stone, bezel, cathedral and east–west — the ready-made heads we could find are for round and oval stones, so ask for one made at 9.8×7 mm.
Shop a 2.5 ct emerald: Blue Nile · Blue Nile, lab-grown · With Clarity · Rare Carat
Blue Nile opens already narrowed to 2.33–2.68 ct at a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.45 — the range of weights a stone this size can be — so the first page of results is this size rather than every emerald they carry. It also asks for a well-cut emerald's depth (60–70%) and table (57–67%).
3 carat emerald
How big is a 3 carat emerald diamond?
About 10.4 × 7.4 mm, and it looks about as big as a 3.51 ct round. Laid on a US dime (17.91 mm), it would cover about three-fifths of the coin's width lengthwise and two-fifths of it across.
Dramatic
Three carats is a show-stopping size. It dominates all but the broadest fingers, so seeing it on your own hand before buying matters more here than at any other size. Look for a head made for a stone this size, and insure it. As an emerald, it looks about 11% bigger from above than a round of the same weight, so it delivers more of this size's presence for the money.
Consider 2.9 ct
Prices tend to step up at round weights like 3 ct. A 2.9 ct emerald measures about 10.30 × 7.36 mm — only 0.08 mm narrower, with 2% less area on top. That's very hard to see on a hand.
Turned east–west
Set across the finger instead of along it, its 10.42 mm length spans 59% of a size 6 finger instead of 42%. A modern look that reads wider.
Clarity shows at this size
A step cut's open facets act like a window, and at 3 ct that window is 7.4 mm wide. Inclusions that would hide in a brilliant cut can be visible here, so many buyers choose a higher clarity grade.
The same size in other shapes
To cover the same area from above you'd need about 3.51 ct in a round, 3.12 ct in an oval and 4.16 ct in a cushion.
Settings
- Made to orderSolitaire, halo, three stone, bezel, cathedral and east–west — the ready-made heads we could find are for round and oval stones, so ask for one made at 10.4×7.4 mm.
Shop a 3 ct emerald: Blue Nile · Blue Nile, lab-grown · With Clarity · Rare Carat
Blue Nile opens already narrowed to 2.79–3.21 ct at a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.45 — the range of weights a stone this size can be — so the first page of results is this size rather than every emerald they carry. It also asks for a well-cut emerald's depth (60–70%) and table (57–67%).
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See an emerald on your own hand
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Questions
How big is a 0.25 carat emerald diamond?
About 4.55 × 3.25 mm, and it looks about as big as a 0.29 carat round.
How big is a 0.5 carat emerald diamond?
About 5.73 × 4.10 mm, and it looks about as big as a 0.58 carat round.
How big is a 0.75 carat emerald diamond?
About 6.56 × 4.69 mm, and it looks about as big as a 0.88 carat round.
How big is a 1 carat emerald diamond?
About 7.22 × 5.16 mm, and it looks about as big as a 1.17 carat round.
How big is a 1.25 carat emerald diamond?
About 7.78 × 5.56 mm, and it looks about as big as a 1.46 carat round.
How big is a 1.5 carat emerald diamond?
About 8.27 × 5.91 mm, and it looks about as big as a 1.75 carat round.
How big is a 2 carat emerald diamond?
About 9.10 × 6.50 mm, and it looks about as big as a 2.34 carat round.
How big is a 2.5 carat emerald diamond?
About 9.80 × 7.00 mm, and it looks about as big as a 2.92 carat round.
How big is a 3 carat emerald diamond?
About 10.42 × 7.44 mm, and it looks about as big as a 3.51 carat round.
Do emerald diamonds look bigger than round ones?
Yes. At the same weight an emerald covers about 11% more area from above than a round.
What is the best length-to-width ratio for an emerald?
There's no best — it's taste. Most emerald cuts run between about 1.30 and 1.50 long-to-wide.
What size setting does an emerald diamond need?
Any common style can be made to fit it: ask for a head the size of the stone — about 7.2×5.2 mm for a 1 ct. Ready-made heads are mostly listed for round stones, so for an emerald choose a setting made to order.