Radiant Cut Diamonds

About the Radiant Shape

The modern radiant shape was perfected by Henry Grossbard in 1977 when he successfully blended the geometry of the emerald cut with the brilliance of the classic round diamond. A radiant cut is, in essence, a hybrid stone that is generally square or rectangular but with slightly cropped corners that contribute to its eye-catching sparkle. Today this fancy stone shape is rapidly growing in popularity as a unique and gorgeous gem design.

Comparison to Other Diamond Shapes

Radiant cut diamonds are similar to three other familiar diamond shapes: sharply square princess cuts, elongated and slightly cropped emerald cuts, and the unique Asscher cut with its square proportions and heavily cropped corners. At the same time, the radiant cut is substantially different from each one and brings its own uniqueness to extraordinary pieces of jewelry.

The cropped corners of the radiant cut immediately distinguish it from the sharp princess. A closer look, however, reveals that the radiant cut has a more uniform series of facets lending it a smooth sparkle, while princess cut diamonds have a starburst or X-shaped facet pattern.

In comparison to the emerald cut, the radiant cut also has a more uniform sparkle. The key to a pristine emerald shape is in the series of step diamond cuts that give it a very clear center, while the radiant has reflecting facets throughout the gem.

The differences between radiant cut diamonds and Asscher cut diamonds are similar to those between radiant cuts and emerald cuts. The Asscher, too, uses a series of long step cuts to create a uniform series of reflections, while the radiant’s sparkle and fire is closer to the brilliance of a round gem with its greater number of smaller facets. Radiant cut gems also have smaller trims on the corners, whereas Asscher cut diamonds have strong trims that give them an almost octagonal shape.

Basic princess, round, emerald, Asscher, and radiant cut diagrams, respectively.

Cut is Crucial

For maximum brilliance and a kaleidoscope of diamond fire, a precise cut is crucial for a radiant diamond shape. The cut’s precision creates the heavy reflection and refraction within the stone and eliminates many dark areas or obvious shadows. An improperly cut diamond will have a lower value and less brilliant appearance that dampens the effect of its unusual shape. Most consumers assume that a proper radiant cut must be square with an equal length-to-width ratio, but in fact many stunning radiant cuts are rectangular; the exact proportions are a matter of personal preference.

Benefits of Radiants

The radiant cut offers many benefits over other diamond cut designs. Because of its increased brilliance that highlights the light within the gem, a well cut radiant can appear to have a better diamond color than a stone with a simpler cut, and the extra facets can also help conceal diamond flaws and inclusions for overall better clarity. Properly proportioned, radiant cuts also maximize the diamond carats by using more of the gem in visible ways rather than obscuring useless weight beneath the surface of the stone. Radiant cuts also have an added benefit over princess cuts: the square corners of the princess cut are delicate and vulnerable, prone to chipping and other damage. Because radiants have clipped corners, however, they are more durable and may be more suitable for an active lifestyle.

Engagement Rings with Radiant Cut Diamonds

Couples interested in radiant cut engagement rings have any options for beautiful engagement ring designs. A radiant cut can add a unique twist to a classic diamond solitaire engagement ring, or it can be easily accented with other radiant cuts, round gems, princess cuts, or trilliant cuts for a coordinated design. Square-proportioned radiants are a great accompaniment to the flashier Asscher cuts, and many jewelers set equally proportioned radiants together in beautiful three stone engagement rings.

Finding Radiants

Because radiant cuts are only just gaining popularity, they can be difficult to find and many jewelers may try to steer couples toward more easily accessible princess or emerald cuts, though they will lack the same brilliance. Couples who haven’t had the opportunity to personally view radiant cuts should check the diamond’s certificate for its exact designation: radiant cuts are usually referred to by their technical specifications relative to standard cuts – the phrase “cut corner square modified brilliant” is actually a radiant cut.

Radiant cut diamonds are a gorgeous hybrid diamond cut that maximizes brilliance while retaining a unique square or rectangular shape. By understanding the unique properties of this diamond shape, couples can find beautiful radiants to celebrate their engagement or other special occasion with sparkle and distinction.