Aside from giving the stone its shape, the cut of a diamond or gemstone determines a stones brilliance. Radiant cut is a deep cut perfect square with rounded edges and cut corners. Created in the 1970’s, radiant cuts have the brilliance of a round cut, a shape like an emerald cut, and between 53 and 70 facets for maximum sparkle.
Is Radiant Cut The Right Shape For You?
Radiant cut engagement rings naturally have a classic look because of their shape and brilliance. They’re most commonly seen in timeless styles like solitaire rings or, as the center stone in a three stone ring. A radiant cut gemstone or placing a rectangular radiant horizontally will give you a much more alternative look. Watch the video to learn more about designing rings with radiant cut stones.
Clipped corners mean less chance of chipping, snagging or breaking than a square cut
Can hide flaws and mask color in diamonds
More brilliance (or sparkle) than other stone shape
Less expensive than some other cuts
Cons
Can look smaller than other cuts of equal carat size because of its depth
More vulnerable to chipping, snagging, or breaking than a round or oval cut
WHO ARE RADIANT CUT RINGS RIGHT FOR?
Radiant cut engagement rings are a good choice if you want maximum sparkle in a square shape. Because there are no sharp corners, it’s a safe choice for active lifestyles or those that work with their hands or are rough on their jewelry. They’re not a good cut for someone who wants the most carat weight for their budget because the deep cut, but because radiant cuts are good at masking imperfections and color in diamonds, you may be able to get away with a larger stone with more imperceptible flaws than you would with other cuts.
Additional Resources
Halo Engagement Rings
So you’ve figured out your stone cut. Now, to halo or not to halo?