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Radiant-cut diamonds have the outline of emerald-cut diamonds but show far more brilliance. They lengthen the finger and come at a big discount compared to rounds, making them great options for engagement rings. Learn the pros and cons of this modern cut and how it compares to other diamond shapes, so you can find the best quality radiant-cut stone for your budget.
This 2-ct radiant diamond is set in a rose gold ring with a delicate pavé band. The unique diamond shape adds a subtle twist to the classic solitaire engagement ring. You can get something similar at CustomMade. © by Bonnie Jewelry. Used with permission.Radiant-cut diamonds are some of the sparkliest on the market. Invented in 1977, this diamond cut is the most modern diamond shape. However, it can still look like a classic. Whether elongated or square-shaped, a radiant-cut diamond will stand out from the crowd, giving your engagement ring a unique look.
While choosing a diamond shape is mostly a matter of style, we'll compare radiant cuts with round, princess, and cushion cuts for those of you on the fence.
When compared with the classic round diamond, radiants have a somewhat smaller face-up size, about 4% smaller. However, the diagonal measurement on a radiant cut can trick the eye, making it appear larger than a round brilliant of the same carat weight.
Of all diamond shapes, round brilliants provide the most light return and sparkle. Still, a radiant cut is one of the most brilliant cuts and will result in a very sparkly diamond.
Visit linkFor a simple solitaire, a radiant diamond will make for an eye-catching choice, but you can never go wrong with the classic round. Images © James Allen. Used with permission.Princess-cut diamonds have a different facet pattern than radiant-cut diamonds, but the main difference that non-experts will notice is their shape. While princess cuts are square, radiant cuts have beveled corners. This makes a radiant more durable than a princess, since its sharp corners are more likely to snag and chip.
Typically, radiant-cut diamonds are elongated, whereas princess-cut diamonds are square. However, there are also square radiant-cut diamonds and elongated princess-cut diamonds.
Visit linkThe difference between a princess-cut diamond and a radiant-cut diamond is subtle, but both make great choices for an engagement ring. Images © James Allen. Used with permission.Cushion-cut diamonds have a gentle curvature, while radiant-cut diamonds have straight sides. If you're considering a three-stone ring setting, the outlines of radiants make them a great option.
On the other hand, cushions show more dispersion or fire, flashes of colored light, than radiants. If you prefer this kind of sparkle, a cushion cut might be your best bet.
Visit linkNotice the colored fire coming from the cushion-cut diamond on the left. Cushions are known for this effect, while radiant-cut diamonds give off more white sparkle. Images © James Allen. Used with permission.If you opt for a radiant-cut diamond, you'll have to learn how to evaluate its cut quality. Most of a diamond's beauty comes from its cut. However, with fancy diamond shapes like radiants, this is largely subjective. Since the GIA and other gem labs don't grade radiant cut quality, you'll have to judge it for yourself.
Ultimately, you'll look for the diamond with the most sparkle, but there are a few parameters you can set to help you find a fantastic radiant.
Like other fancy gem cuts, radiants get their appeal mainly from their shape. Make sure the corners are evenly truncated. Avoid outlines with overly truncated corners because these will appear off-shape. Take a look at the diamonds below or compare them on the James Allen site.
Images © James Allen. Used with permission.
Radiant-cut diamonds come in a wide range of length-to-width ratios (L/W). This is a matter of personal preference, but most consumers prefer a L/W of 1.15 to 1.35 for elongated shapes or under 1.05 for square radiants. Check out these diamonds from James Allen and see what you like best.
Images © James Allen. Used with permission.
Like ovals, pears, and marquise-cut diamonds, radiant-cut diamonds have a bowtie region — a dark band across the center of the stone. Poorly cut diamonds will show a dark bowtie, but a well-cut radiant will still have good sparkle throughout the stone. Always take a close look at this part of the diamond to ensure that it sparkles well. A radiant with a large bowtie region that doesn't sparkle isn't worth your money.
For example, take a look at these three videos of radiant diamonds. This diamond shows a dark and unattractive bowtie, while the bowtie on this diamond is slight and only visible from certain angles. Still, you should always try to choose a stone with a bowtie that doesn't go dark, like this radiant-cut diamond.
Restricting the total depth percentage and table ranges will help you find the best radiant-cut diamond. While this won't eliminate all poor performers, it will narrow your search.
For the best quality, limit your search to diamonds with a depth of 61-67% and a table of 61-69%.
Keep in mind that there are great diamonds outside these ranges, too, like this deeper diamond from James Allen. If you have a tight budget or want to see more choices, widen your search parameters to a depth of 59-70% and a table of 58-71%.
See all radiant cut rings at..
To make the most of your diamond budget, you'll want to spend on the best cut and get the minimum clarity grade without negatively impacting the diamond's appearance.
Because of the intense brilliance or light return of a radiant-cut diamond, inclusions in a low clarity grade diamond are tough to spot. You can find eye-clean diamonds in SI1 and SI2 clarity grades. If your budget is tight, look at I1 diamonds as well, though there may be few to choose from.
Always check for large, dark inclusions under the table facet. These can be seen with the naked eye.
For diamonds two carats and up, consider VS2 clarity as well. Since larger diamonds will show inclusions more readily, you may have to opt for a higher clarity grade for a larger diamond to ensure it's eye-clean.
Like other fancy shapes, radiant-cut diamonds show more color than round brilliants. Still, an H or I color radiant will appear white in any engagement ring setting. Some J and K color diamonds will look great, too. Lower color grades are perfect for setting the diamond in yellow or rose gold. Since the color of the metal reflects in the diamond anyway, even the top color grades (D-F) will also show a slight tint in these settings.
While you could opt for a whiter color grade, you'll be paying more for a difference that you'll probably never be able to see. Try our diamond color quiz and see for yourself.
Whether you should buy a radiant cut lab grown diamond depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds and can offer significant cost savings compared to their mined counterparts. Here are two diamonds from James Allen to depict these savings.
Radiant cut diamonds, known for their brilliant sparkle and versatile shape, can be a stunning choice for an engagement ring or other jewelry. If you value ethical considerations, lab grown diamonds are typically more environmentally friendly and free from concerns related to the diamond mining industry. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as budget, environmental impact, and your desire for a beautiful and responsibly sourced gemstone.
When buying a radiant cut lab grown diamond, there are a few key steps to consider. First, determine your budget and desired specifications for the diamond, including carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.
Research reputable jewelers or online retailers such as James Allen or Blue Nile that specialize in lab grown diamonds and read customer reviews to ensure their credibility. Compare prices and options from different sources to make an informed decision.
Inspect the diamond's visual appearance and view magnified images or videos to assess its brilliance and sparkle. Finally, make your purchase from a trusted source that offers transparent information, warranties, and a return policy.
Fancy colored radiant cut diamonds mesmerize with their unparalleled brilliance and striking hues, offering an amazing alternative to traditional colorless diamonds. Each radiant cut gem exudes a unique personality, showcasing an array of vibrant colors such as vivid yellows, deep blues, intense pinks, and rich greens.
Their rectangular or square shape, combined with precise faceting, allows these diamonds to sparkle with exceptional fire, making them a special choice for those seeking a distinctive and glamorous statement piece. Whether adorning an engagement ring, pendant, or earrings, fancy colored radiant cut diamonds effortlessly elevate any jewelry design, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to any ensemble.
1.14 Carat I-SI1 Radiant Cut Diamond Pavé Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
1.32 Carat I-VS2 Radiant Cut Diamond French Cut Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
1.32 Carat G-VVS2 Radiant Cut Diamond Vintage Round Diamond and Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring
If you're buying a radiant-cut diamond, remember that you won't be able to tell the cut quality from a grade report alone. It's absolutely essential to see the diamond perform up close to find one with great cut quality and avoid clarity that's not eye-clean.
Both James Allen and Blue Nile offer magnified, 360° videos of their diamonds, making them the best options for buying a radiant diamond online. However,
James Allen has a major advantage for those looking for an engagement ring. They offer hundreds of engagement ring settings to choose from, including many styles that Blue Nile doesn't offer.
For more information, please visit cushion crushed ice vs brilliant.
Still, Blue Nile has a major plus for those who are picky about shape — if you're looking for a replacement stone for an existing setting, for example. Their search options allow you to filter results by L/W.
If you're not sure about finding the best cut quality, or if you're looking for something truly unique, consider working with CustomMade. Their jewelry experts can help you find the best stone for your style and place it in an engagement ring that's truly unique.
Radiant cut diamonds are an excellent choice if you want a bright, sparkly diamond. They are one of the most brilliant diamond cuts, meaning they reflect a lot of white light to create a bright sparkle. This high brilliance means that you can even choose a diamond with a poorer color grade, as it can be hidden by the gem's bright glimmer and faceting.
Radiant cut diamonds are far less expensive than round cut diamonds of the same carat weight. Because of their shape, gem cutters are able to use up more of the diamond's rough, making them much more cost-effective to make and cheaper for you to buy.
Some of the cheapest diamond cuts are cushion, emerald, and radiant cut diamonds. Fancy cut diamonds are significantly less expensive than round cut diamonds because they use up more of the diamond's rough than round cut diamonds, so these cuts are excellent choices if you are looking for the timeless look of a diamond while on a budget.
A brilliant cut is usually used to describe a round brilliant diamond, which is rounded in shape and cut to maximize brilliance. While radiant cut diamonds also display a high brilliance, they are a rectangular shape with truncated corners. If you're looking to maximize the brilliance of your diamond and have a flexible budget, opting for a round brilliant cut will be your best option.
Timeless symbols of love and commitment — as well as fashion — radiant cut engagement rings come in many styles, each with their own personality. Yet, at the literal center of each of these rings is a diamond shape so special it makes up only 2% of the diamond market. Radiant cut diamonds boast more facets than other diamond shapes, making them one of the most intensely brilliant. A perfect blend of sparkle and sophistication, if you will, yet still full of mystery. One of the newest shapes on the market, perhaps you've thought of purchasing a radiant diamond but you're not sure if it's right for you. From their inception to what makes them stand out from the crowd, in this comprehensive guide we'll tackle all of your radiant cut diamond questions. Here's what to look for, and how to find the perfect radiant cut engagement ring for your love story.
A radiant diamond should be well cut, with even proportions to look its best, making diamond cut important to your purchasing decision.
A radiant diamond shape works in many engagement ring settings, so choose the one that works best for your individual style and fashion.
A radiant diamond is an affordable diamond, especially when compared to round, but if you're looking for more savings, try a lab grown radiant diamond.
A square or rectangular shaped diamond with straight sides, clipped corners, and brilliant facets, a radiant cut diamond is sort of a crossover between a princess and an emerald cut diamond. Radiant cut diamonds have a whopping 70 facets, while a typical round diamond has only 57 or 58, and these extra facets give radiant cut diamonds their signature sparkle. Pro tip: You won't see "radiant cut" on a diamond grading report. They are referred to by gemological laboratories as “cut-cornered rectangular or square modified brilliant”.
An Elongated Radiant Cut diamond
While natural diamonds are billions of years old, the cutting of them into what we recognize today is much newer, and the radiant diamond is the youngest of the bunch. This fancy shape (which refers to any shape other than round brilliant cut) was originally created in the late 1970's by Henry Grossbard, with the intention of combining the shape and sophistication of an emerald cut with the sparkle of a round brilliant cut diamond.
The radiant diamond, rather than being a step cut (like an emerald or Asscher) or a brilliant cut (like a round or princess) is a "mixed cut" diamond, and has step-cut facets on its crown (the top) and brilliant facets on its pavilion (the bottom) for the best of both worlds.
The cropped corners of a radiant diamond give it a unique aesthetic and add to its durability. Whereas a princess cut diamond has pointed corners, the beveled corners of radiant cuts help to reduce the risk of chipping during setting or daily wear. And unlike cushion cuts, which have curved sides and rounded corners, radiant cuts offer straight sides for those whose individual style is towards a more geometric look.
Round brilliant cut diamonds make up more than 60% of engagement rings, making them by far the most popular diamond shape on the market. Thanks to their sparkle and versatility, radiant cut diamonds have grown in popularity, yet still make up only about 2% of the total market. This can be both a pro and a con when it comes to shopping for a radiant cut diamond ring. Because radiant cut diamonds are less popular than other shapes, there are less of them cut, and therefore it may be more difficult to find one that suits your preferences and budget. However, if you do find the perfect radiant cut diamond for you, you can rest assured you’ll have a look that is all your own.
Radiant cut diamonds possess exceptional brilliance, but only if they are well cut. The same holds true for any diamond shape, making diamond cut quality the most important of the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat weight). A well cut diamond will showcase maximum sparkle, can make a diamond appear larger than its weight, and help hide inclusions, while a poorly cut diamond can appear small, dull, and lifeless.
Radiant cuts, like all fancy shapes, do not have industry standard cut grades like the round brilliant cut, however when evaluating diamond cut, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. The radiant diamond's clipped corners should always appear even, and the stone should have excellent polish and symmetry, which will be listed on the diamond grading report.
When it comes to selecting an ideal radiant cut diamond, there are really two main camps — square or rectangular shapes — to choose from. This is when it's important to understand length-to-width ratio. Radiant cut diamonds can have ratios ranging from 1.00 to 1.4 and up. A diamond that is perfectly square will have a 1.00 length-to-width ratio, while the higher the ratio, the more elongated and rectangular the diamond will be. A square radiant cut diamond will look quite a bit like a princess cut diamond, especially in smaller sizes, as prongs typically cover the corners of each shape. But which proportion you choose really comes down to personal preference. Do you like square, even diamond shapes? Or do you prefer longer, rectangular diamonds that give you more finger coverage?
Most of what you will find on the market for a radiant diamond will fall in the 1.20-1.35 ratio range, as this is a nice middle of the road option. Not square, not too elongated, but just right. If you want something that is super long and skinny, then go higher and look for a radiant diamond with a length-to-width ratio of 1.4 or above. This will kind of give you a long sparkly baguette appearance. And if you want square, then look for anything 1.05 ratio or less, as these will all appear square to the naked eye.
Radiant diamonds and cushion cut diamonds are often compared for their similarities. Both are mixed cuts that feature a variety of faceting patterns and can offer what is referred to as a "crushed ice" look, achieved by added reflections within the pavilion facets of the diamond, and a bit less black and white contrast than a standard cut stone. They also both offer both square or rectangular shape proportions to choose from.
Beyond that, the two shapes are quite different. Radiant cut diamonds have strong, straight, even sides and straight, clipped corners, like a stretched out octagon. Cushion cuts, on the other hand, have rounded corners and curved sides like their pillowy namesake. While both diamonds tend to be cut deeper than other diamond shapes, radiants are a typically just a hair shallower, which can make them appear larger than a comparable weight cushion cut.
Different diamond cuts carry their weight differently, usually depending on their elongated shapes or how deep they are cut. Compared to most other shapes, radiant cut diamonds are cut with more depth, carrying their weight in the pavilion to turn up the sparkle through the whole diamond. This pavilion weight means they do face up a bit smaller than other shapes, however radiant cuts can look a tad larger than princess cuts of the same carat weight, especially if they are an elongated radiant cut diamond, which can trick the eye with its stretched proportions. And because a princess cut has weight in its sharp corners, which are hidden under prongs, while the radiant has beveled corners, a radiant diamond will look a bit bolder from the top.
Radiant cut diamonds and emerald cut diamonds face up pretty similarly when it comes to size, however radiant diamonds have smaller facets and much more sparkle, whereas the elongated, larger facets of emerald cuts look more like a hall of mirrors. Because the two shapes have similar outlines, this is really about the aesthetic you prefer. Do you like more rainbow flash and sophistication or more bright white sparkle? Emerald shape diamonds are understated in comparison.
Because radiant cuts have more depth than other shapes, body color can actually show up a bit more. Now, this may not be what you're looking for, but it doesn't always have to be a bad thing. If you want a super-white diamond, then you'll probably want to stick with a radiant diamond with a color grade of G or higher. Lower than G and you may start to see some color in the stone with your naked eye. But if you're on a tight budget or simply want a warmer diamond, shop in the H-I color range. You can also set your diamond in yellow gold or rose gold to show of its warmth.
A radiant cut diamond's ability to hold color is also one of the reasons you'll find many fancy color diamonds in radiant shapes. The radiant's facet pattern, depth, and proportions are ideal for showing off a diamond's body color, so if a rough diamond is green, pink, yellow, or brown, cutting it in a radiant shape can yield a very beautiful stone. Certainly not a reason to write off the radiant cut and all of its potential!
The facet pattern of a radiant diamond helps with more than just maximizing brilliance. In fact, all those brilliant little mirrors can help disguise diamond inclusions, so you don't have to pay for a higher clarity grade stone. An SI clarity grade is typically eye-clean for radiant cuts, just look closely to ensure that it doesn't have large dark inclusions under the table facet (that big one at the top), as these will be the most obvious. Many minor inclusions will be easily hidden in a radiant cut and not visible to the naked eye. Unless having a very high clarity grade is on your diamond shopping priority list, a radiant diamond in a lower clarity grade can present some very affordable options, which means you can spend that budget on a larger diamond, or a higher color grade stone.
Lucky for you, radiants are one of the most affordable shapes on the market! The radiant diamond makes excellent use of the natural octahedral form of rough diamond crystals, meaning there is less material lost in the diamond cutting process, and more carat weight saved for the actual finished diamond. Less waste equals more savings.
Less overall demand also contributes to a radiant cut diamond's affordable price tag. Get the most bang for your buck by choosing a mid-range color, eye-clean radiant diamond with excellent polish and symmetry. And aim for a depth percentage under 68%, which will mean there's more face-up spread to the diamond instead of hidden weight in its pavilion.
Shopping lab grown diamonds can be a great way to save money. Today, lab created diamonds are available in all the same shapes as natural diamonds. And yes, lab created diamonds are the same optical, chemical, and physical properties of natural diamonds. They are all carbon that has been heated and pressurized.
One has just happened deep in the Earth over billions of years, while the other has been created through a replica process in a high-tech laboratory. Lab grown diamonds cost significantly less than natural stones, and still display diamond's beauty in the same ways. For example, a lab created 1 carat round brilliant diamond can cost you about half of a comparable-quality natural diamond of the same weight.
A 7 carat Radiant Cut diamond in our Signature Pavé engagement ring
When it comes to selecting an engagement ring for your radiant diamond, you're in luck — there are styles to suit everyone. But of course, you want to best show off that sparker, so let's talk a bit about what might be most flattering for this unique diamond cut.
Fixed upon a barely-there band, an elongated radiant diamond makes a sure statement in the easiest-wearing solitaire we've ever made. Setting a radiant diamond in a modern solitaire engagement ring lets it nearly float on your hand, light flowing in from all angles, with no distractions. This is similar to the way round cut diamonds have been set for ages - resting high on the hand in a simple, prong-set solitaire so they can really showcase their brilliance.
GOODSTONE Thin & Simple Solitaire engagement ring with a 3 carat Radiant cut diamond
The contemporary half-bezel solitaire, perfect for a bride who wants something classic with a unique twist is another great option. It firmly secures your radiant diamond between two walls of metal, yet still allows light to pass through beautifully. If you want to really change it up, go with the east-west half bezel solitaire, which turns the diamond on its side so that its elongated shape sits horizontally on your finger instead of parallel. And for a style that's perhaps most secure and perfect for those with extra-active hands, a full bezel radiant diamond solitaire: which surrounds your entire diamond in the metal of your choice, casting a perfect shadow on all sides, and gleaming from every angle.
Two GOODSTONE Half Bezel Solitaires with Radiant cut diamonds
Solitaires aren't for everyone, so let's talk upping the ante with a sexy three-stone engagement ring that's all edge. This style flanks your radiant diamond with two perfectly-matched shield cut diamonds. It creates a lot more sparkle and spread across your finger, while keeping the focus on the center diamond for all to appreciate. If you're choosing a smaller center stone, this can also give you more look for your money. And the same holds true of a halo engagement ring, which surrounds your radiant diamond with a row of sparkling micro-pavé diamonds for a luminous effect that adds extra dimension and visual size to your center stone.
A Three Stone Engagement ring with Shield sides and a 6 carat Radiant Cut diamond
A Three Stone Engagement ring with Shield sides and a 4 carat Radiant Cut diamond
For those looking to echo the intense sparkle of their radiant diamond engagement ring in a matching band, or if you want a band that really stands out on its own, keep it simple with a petite shared prong radiant diamond band. This one lines just the top of the ring in sparkle, keeping the metal minimal so all you see is light.
Or you find more unique styles like our petite reversible diamond eternity band, which features radiant diamonds on one half and oval cut diamonds on the other, giving you two looks in one. Who doesn't love that?
A Radiant cut Diamond Wedding band
Two of GOODSTONE's Radiant cut Diamond Wedding bands
Now that you're fully equipped with all the radiant diamond knowledge one could need, it's time to dive in. Explore our collection of radiant cut diamond engagement rings to find the style that best suits you. Or contact our team to begin designing a bespoke engagement ring today.
Penumbra Bezel Set Engagement ring with a Radiant cut
OurNorth South Half Bezel Solitaire with a 3 carat Radiant cut
GOODSTONE'sDouble Row Gap Engagement Ring With Elongated Radiant Cut
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