With so many gemstone cuts providing allure and aesthetics, diamonds have symbolized eternal love, sophistication, and beauty for centuries. Among them, the fiery radiant cut diamond is one that combines brilliant geometry with burning brilliance, thereby showcasing a modern yet ageless design.
Whether you’re shopping for a beautiful cut engagement ring or simply reading about the world of diamonds, this guide will provide an in-depth critique of what makes this cut and how to find the perfect one.
What Is A Radiant Cut Diamond?
Initially developed in the latter part of the 20th century by professional cutter Henry Grossbard, the radiant cut diamond is a relatively new cut in the world of high-end jewelry. This cut produces a very bright gemstone by combining the hot sparkle of the round diamond with the fashionable, octagonal look of the emerald cut.
Having 70 facets, the radiant cut optimizes the reflection of light to provide a brilliance comparable even to the most elite diamond cuts. People who value brightness and structure in their jewelry more often choose this facet pattern since it maximizes clarity and color.
Why Should One Choose a Radiant Cut Diamond?
The radiant cut is a great option if you want a diamond that combines the best of both old and new. Here’s why:
Versatility
Radiant cut is perfectly suitable for an ideal variety of events. More often than not, radiant cut diamonds for engagement rings, as imaged on the Best Brilliance website for example, are favored because of the cut’s simplicity and precise geometric form.
They are also produced in various forms, such as square and rectangular. The cut presents an opportunity for people to customize their rings as they please through versatile shapes.
Durability
A radiant cut’s beveled edges help minimize chipping, making it a sensible option for daily wear. It protects the stone and ensures it stays at its sparkling best for years.
Ideal for Colored Diamonds
The brilliant cut accentuates the depth and intensity of colored diamonds. If you have a colored diamond, a radiant cut is a brilliant choice.
Selecting the Ideal Radiant Cut Diamond
Selecting a brilliant-cut diamond involves knowing essential factors that affect its overall value and beauty.
- Ratio and Shape: Radiant cut diamonds are available in square and rectangular elongated shapes. The ratio of length to width defines the overall look:
- Square Radiant Cut: Usually with a 1.00 to 1.05 ratio, it is an even, symmetrical shape with a 1.15 to 1.50 ratio.
- Rectangular Radiant Cut: This creates a smooth, stretchy appearance. A square radiant cut would be appropriate if you want a vintage appearance; a longer cut (like a rectangle) produces the illusion that the wearer has slimmer, longer fingers, and that’s one of the reasons engagement rings often appear in this cut.
- Cut quality: Radiant-cut diamonds do not have any official grading from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) like round diamonds. However, factors such as depth percentage (ideal range: 61-67%) and table percentage (ideal range: 61-69%) influence the diamond’s light return and brilliance.
- Color Considerations: Radiant cuts preserve more color than other cuts. This means you have to choose the appropriate color to complement your setting.
Uncommon and highly prized Colorless Diamonds (D-F) have no visible tint. Near Colorless Diamonds (G-J) have excellent value; only on close inspection will you see minor blemishes with colors of this range.
Fancy Colored Diamonds: Radiant cuts are ideal for showcasing deep, rich colors like pink, yellow, and blue.
- Clarification and Inclusions: The many facets of the brilliant cut hide flaws, enabling purchasers to choose lower clarity grades without compromising beauty. Though rare and expensive, flawless diamonds (FL) typically look spotless to the naked eye; VS2-SI1 clarity diamonds typically look flawless.
Radiant Cut vs. Other Popular Diamond Cuts
Knowing the main differences between a brilliant cut and another cut will enable you to decide which is best for you. Because of its brilliant-type faceting, which creates a “hall of mirrors” effect with step-cut facets, the radiant cut is far more sparkly than the emerald cut.
Radiant cuts are more able to conceal flaws. Radiant cuts are contemporary and flashy, while emerald cuts are traditional and subdued.
Creating the Ideal Radiant Cut Diamond Setting
The ideal cut diamond enables you to personalize and create special designs by complementing harmoniously with other settings.
- Classic Solitaire Setting: It makes the diamond gleam. Positioning smaller gemstones around the diamond makes the diamond shine even brighter and larger.
- Three-Stone Setting: Symbolizing past, present, and future. Ideal for a sentimental gift.
- Bezel Setting: Offers extra protection. Adding tiny diamonds to the ring band adds extra brilliance.
Is The Radiant Cut for You?
For those who love durable diamonds, modern elegance, and fire, the brilliant-cut diamond is a great choice. No matter if it is mounted in a simple solitaire or an elaborate halo setting, this cut has unparalleled brilliance and beauty. The radiant cut would suit you if you prefer a diamond that offers fine qualities and that does not lose its shine over time.
