The elegantstep cut, sized.Carat to millimetres.
With its long lines and open table, the emerald is measured length × width in millimetres. This chart converts each carat to real dimensions from our own stones.
Why carat isn't the same as size.
Carat measures weight, not dimensions. The size you actually see is the stone's measurement in millimetres — and two diamonds of the same carat can look different sizes depending on how they are cut.
A shallow, well-spread stone shows more face-up area; a deep-cut one hides weight underneath. So when comparing diamonds, compare the millimetre dimensions, not just the carat weight.
"The number that decides how big a diamond looks isn't the carat — it's the measurement in millimetres."
The chart below gives you both, so you can picture the real size before you choose.
What makes the emerald special.
Step facets and a large table create a 'hall of mirrors' rather than sparkle — and reveal the stone's clarity, so quality shows.
Its long, spread outline gives an emerald a generous face-up size for its weight.
Because the table is open, inclusions are easier to see — aim a little higher on clarity than you would for a brilliant.
Long, quiet lines give the emerald an understated, sophisticated character unlike any brilliant cut.
What each size actually looks like.
These emerald shapes are drawn to relative scale from real face-up dimensions. Notice how gently size grows — a 2 carat is larger than a 1 carat, but not twice the size.
Drawn to relative scale for a well-cut emerald. On-screen sizes are proportional, not literal millimetres — see the chart below for exact dimensions.
Emerald Cut carat to millimetre chart.
Approximate face-up dimensions for a well-cut emerald. Sizes marked "Measured" reflect our own diamond measurements; larger sizes are extrapolated to the same proportions. Individual stones vary with cut and depth.
| Carat Weight | Size (mm) | L/W Ratio | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 ct | 4.2 × 3.0 mm | 1.40 | Measured |
| 0.50 ct | 5.3 × 3.8 mm | 1.40 | Measured |
| 0.75 ct | 6.1 × 4.4 mm | 1.40 | Measured |
| 1.00 ct | 6.7 × 4.8 mm | 1.40 | Measured |
| 1.25 ct | 7.2 × 5.2 mm | 1.40 | Approx. |
| 1.50 ct | 7.7 × 5.5 mm | 1.40 | Approx. |
| 1.75 ct | 8.1 × 5.8 mm | 1.40 | Approx. |
| 2.00 ct | 8.4 × 6.0 mm | 1.40 | Approx. |
| 2.50 ct | 9.1 × 6.5 mm | 1.40 | Approx. |
| 3.00 ct | 9.7 × 6.9 mm | 1.40 | Approx. |
| 4.00 ct | 10.6 × 7.6 mm | 1.40 | Approx. |
| 5.00 ct | 11.5 × 8.2 mm | 1.40 | Approx. |
Choosing the right proportions.
Two emeralds of the same carat can look different depending on their length-to-width ratio. It comes down to taste — here are the main looks.
A broader, more square emerald — substantial and understated.
The balanced, most popular rectangle — long clean lines, elegant proportions.
A longer, sleeker rectangle for a striking, architectural look.
Four things worth knowing first.
Beyond size, a few emerald-specific pointers help you choose a stone that looks its best.
The open table shows inclusions, so favour VS1 or better for a clean look — this is the one shape where clarity is worth the step up.
Emeralds show colour cleanly across the table; near-colourless grades look crisp in white metal, warmer grades suit yellow gold.
Straight, parallel lines and even corners are what make an emerald look refined — symmetry is central to its beauty.
A 1.40–1.50 ratio is the classic rectangle; squarer or longer both work, depending on the look you want.
How the setting changes the size you see.
The same stone can look bigger or smaller depending on how it is set. If maximising visual size matters, the setting is as important as the carat weight.
A solitaire shows the true size; a halo frames it to read larger; a three-stone setting stretches the look along the finger. Choosing well means you can often get the presence you want without moving up in carat.
Browse emerald diamonds by size.
Found your size? Go straight to the collection — every stone IGI certified and lab grown.
Emerald size questions, answered.
The questions we hear most about emerald diamond sizing. If yours isn't here, just ask.
Chat on WhatsAppCompare sizes across every shape.
Still choosing a shape? Compare all cuts side by side →
Everything you need to choose with confidence.
Find your perfect emerald.
Every emerald is IGI certified and made to order, in the exact carat, ratio, and setting you choose. Not sure which size suits the hand? Tell us and we'll guide you.