Despite its classic appearance, a radiant cut diamond is a relatively new diamond shape and the first cut to be patented in 1977. So, with classic cuts like round and emerald being well-loved in jewellery settings for hundreds of years, why develop the radiant cut? Our guide explains everything you need to know.
The Radiant Cut Diamond: Best of both
The radiant cut diamond is a unique cut that balances the best features of an emerald cut and round cut diamond for maximum sparkle and brilliance.
Emerald Vs Radiant Cut
Like an emerald cut diamond, the radiant cut is shaped in a rectangular or square cut. The overall shape is where the similarities end, as an emerald cut will have much more subtle sparkle as it has fewer facets, whereas a radiant cut diamond will benefit from a similar crushed ice effect to a round cut diamond due to its triangular and kite-shaped facets.
Looking for a square or rectangular cut diamond, but not sure which is the best option for you? Our comparison chart explains the key differences.
|
Emerald Cut |
Radiant Cut |
|
|
Number of facets |
57 |
70 |
|
Type of sparkle |
Flashes like mirrors or glass. |
Sparkles like crushed ice. |
|
Illusion of size |
Larger surface area makes it appear larger. |
Elongated facets give the impression of a larger stone. However, it will have a smaller surface area due to the depth of the cut. |
|
Clarity |
Shows off the clarity of the diamond due to its mirror-like cut. However, it is less forgiving against visible inclusions. |
Its smaller facets are more forgiving for diamonds with visible inclusions. |
|
Colour |
The diamond's larger facets show the colour of the diamond more intensely, making it a good choice for either coloured diamonds or colourless diamonds. |
Radiant cut diamonds also display colour more prominently, so if you are choosing a colourless diamond, you should choose a higher colour grade. Alternatively, they are a popular choice for fancy coloured diamonds. |
|
Cost |
Emerald cut diamonds are less forgiving when it comes to flaws, so we recommend choosing a higher quality diamond, which will be generally more expensive. |
Radiant cut diamonds can be more forgiving when it comes to inclusions and colour, which makes it a more budget-friendly option. |
How to choose a radiant cut diamond?
Radiant cut diamonds offer the perfect balance of elegance and brilliance. Combining the sophisticated shape of an emerald cut with the sparkle, fire and brilliance of a round cut diamond. If you’re looking for a versatile and glamorous diamond, a radiant cut is a great choice. Follow our expert tips to find the perfect radiant cut diamond for your budget and style.
Radiant cut diamond ratio
Radiant cut diamonds can be cut in a square or rectangular shape, giving you flexibility when choosing a diamond that suits your personal taste. If you’re choosing a radiant cut diamond for a ring, consider the following ratios:
- Rectangle radiant cut diamond (between 1.15 and 1.4): An elongated rectangular shape is the most figure-flattering to make your fingers appear long and slender.
- Square radiant cut (1): If you’re choosing a square cut, a ratio of 1 will have the most balanced appearance for those who prefer a bold, symmetrical shape.
Radiant cut carat
Ultimately, the size and weight of the diamond you choose is up to you. The larger the carat, the more the diamond will cost. However, radiant cut diamonds offer excellent value for money when compared to round cuts. This is because less of the diamond is wasted when the shape is cut from the rough diamond, meaning you can get a visibly larger stone for a better price than the round brilliant cut diamond of a similar carat weight once the stone has been cut.
Radiant cut colour
The light reflection in a radiant cut enhances the dispersion of different colours and allows the diamond to sparkle well in different colour grades;
- Ice white: Choose a minimum of a F colour or higher, especially if set in white gold, platinum or silver, always check the D/E colour grades as you will see the brightest colourless shine in these grades if you want no hint of colour or yellowing in your diamond.
- Fancy coloured stones: The colour of a fancy diamond is amplified in a radiant cut diamond, making them a great choice for a bold and intense colours such as Yellow diamonds or bright green emerald gemstones, these are very popular in this diamond shape.
Radiant cut clarity
A radiant cut’s brilliant faceted pattern helps to hide imperfections well. This means you can choose a lower clarity grade, such as VS2, and your diamond will still look stunning and sparkly, be sure to take a close look at the radiant cut diamond you prefer to make sure you can not see the inclusions present in any lower clarity grades than this.
Radiant cut settings
A radiant cut diamond is incredibly versatile, making it the ideal choice for several settings. Here are just a few of our favourite options:
- Solitaire setting : A solitaire setting lets the diamond shine and stand out by itself. As the diamond is a square or rectangular shape, it should be secured by a minimum of 4 prongs.
- Halo setting: If the super sparkle of a radiant cut diamond isn’t enough, a halo setting can help to maximise the glitz and shine as smaller diamonds surrounding the center stone, making it appear larger and even more brilliant.
- Side stone setting: A side stone setting or trilogy complements the brilliance of a radiant cut stone and - if set in a trilogy - represents the past, present and future of a relationship.
How can Diamond Quarter Help?
Our expert team at Diamond Quarter can help you choose the perfect radiant diamond jewellery, whether you’re looking for an engagement ring for the love of your life or want to treat yourself to some earrings that will catch everyone's eye. Book an appointment at our shop in the Jewellery Quarter.