Celebrity Inspired
Beyoncé’s Engagement Ring: The Emerald Cut on a Split Shank
The most famous step cut in pop culture, why it asks more of the stone than any brilliant, and how to wear the look at a real-world size.
Written by the Mapple Gems workshop, Surat · Updated 26 September 2026
Short answer: Beyoncé’s engagement ring, from Jay-Z, is an emerald-cut diamond designed by Lorraine Schwartz, set on a split shank with pavé diamonds. The stone is most often estimated at around 18 carats; the exact weight has never been confirmed. The look is a long, clean step cut on a band that divides as it reaches the stone. Our inspired version is an emerald-cut moissanite or IGI-certified lab grown diamond with double claws on a pavé split shank, 2 to 5 carats.
Jay-Z proposed in late 2007 and the couple married in 2008, famously privately. Beyoncé has rarely discussed the ring, and neither she nor her jeweller has published its specification. What the photographs make clear is the design: a large emerald-cut diamond held above a split shank, with small diamonds set along the band. Lorraine Schwartz, who also made rings for several other celebrities, is widely reported as the designer.
Figures you will see quoted — around 18 carats, a value of several million dollars — are estimates by jewellers looking at photographs. Some sources give different numbers. Treat all of them as guesses.
Why an emerald cut is different from every brilliant
Most engagement stones are brilliants: dozens of small triangular and kite facets that scatter light into sparkle. An emerald cut is a step cut: long, parallel facets arranged like stairs around a large open table. Instead of glitter, it gives broad flashes and a “hallway of mirrors” effect as the stone moves.
That calm look has a practical cost. A step cut is a window, not a mirror — there is little visual noise to hide what is inside the stone. Inclusions and any hint of colour show more easily than in a round or oval of the same grade. It also faces up smaller per carat than a round because more of its weight sits in depth.
The original compared with our inspired version
| Beyoncé’s ring (as reported) | Mapple Gems inspired version | |
|---|---|---|
| Centre stone | Emerald-cut diamond | Emerald-cut moissanite or lab grown diamond |
| Size | Unconfirmed; most often estimated ~18ct | 2, 3, 4 or 5 carats |
| Band | Split shank with pavé | Pavé split shank |
| Metal | Commonly reported as platinum | 925 silver or solid 10K/14K/18K yellow, rose or white gold |
| Paperwork | Not public | IGI certificate with lab grown; moissanite is not graded |
For the closest match to the original’s cool, white look, choose white gold. Yellow gold gives a warmer, more vintage read of the same design.
Moissanite or lab grown diamond for an emerald cut?
This is the shape where the choice matters most. Moissanite (silicon carbide, dispersion 0.104) is the calmest it ever looks in a step cut — emerald and Asscher are the least fiery moissanite shapes, because long parallel facets separate less colour than a brilliant’s many small ones. That makes an emerald-cut moissanite one of the most convincing large alternatives. Lab grown diamond (Mohs 10, dispersion 0.044) gives the cleanest match to the original and comes with an IGI certificate. Because a step cut shows inclusions and colour more readily, buy one grade higher in both clarity and colour than you would for a round.
From the workshop
An emerald cut has four cut corners, and each one is a place a knock can chip the stone. Whatever ring you buy, count the prongs: every corner should have its own claw. Double claws, as on our version, spread the grip. On a split shank, also ask for the width and thickness of each strand, not only the combined figure — two thin strands are weaker than one band of the same total width, and they carry the weight of a large step-cut stone every day.
Before you order
- Pick the metal first — white gold for the icy original look, yellow for warmth.
- Ask for the stone’s length and width in millimetres and its length-to-width ratio; about 1.4 to 1.5 is classic.
- If lab grown, go one grade higher in clarity and colour than for a brilliant.
- Check a claw on every corner.
- Ask for per-strand shank dimensions on the split shank.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
What cut is Beyoncé’s engagement ring?
It is an emerald-cut diamond — a rectangular step cut with long parallel facets — set on a split shank with pavé diamonds.
Who designed Beyoncé’s engagement ring?
It is widely reported to have been designed by jeweller Lorraine Schwartz.
How many carats is Beyoncé’s ring?
It has not been confirmed. The most commonly quoted estimate is around 18 carats, but that figure comes from jewellers looking at photographs.
Is an emerald cut moissanite a good diamond alternative?
It is one of the best. Step cuts show the least coloured fire of any moissanite shape, so an emerald-cut moissanite looks calmer than a round or oval moissanite. It is still not a diamond, and it is not graded by any laboratory.
Why do emerald cuts need higher clarity?
Their large open table and long facets act like a window, so inclusions and colour are easier to see than in a brilliant cut of the same grade. Going one grade higher usually keeps the stone looking clean.
The emerald cut split shank look, made to order
2 to 5 carats, double claws, silver to 18K gold.
In moissanite In lab grown diamondMapple Gems is an independent workshop in Surat, India, and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Beyoncé, Jay-Z or Lorraine Schwartz. “Inspired” describes a design reference, not a copy. Details of the original ring come from published reporting; carat and price figures in the press are estimates.
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