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Radiant Cut Diamonds: Everything You Need To Know

Radiant Cut Diamonds: Everything You Need To Know

The radiant cut may indeed be considered as a hybrid cut that combines the benefits of the three most common diamond shapes – round, Asscher, and emerald cut. It features the same fire and brilliance as a round cut, the trimmed corners as an Asscher cut, and the “openness” of an emerald cut.

Radiant cut diamonds usually appeal to customers who want a modern-fusion style in their engagement rings since it is a unique expression of several characteristics. 

Are you looking for a brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring? Or perhaps you wish to learn more about this beautiful gem? If the answer is affirmative, we’ve got you covered!

In this post, we’ll teach you how to choose a stunning radiant cut diamond and share hidden secrets to help you stay on a budget. We’ll also provide you with tips and tricks on things you should look out for when shopping for this gorgeous gem.

Let’s get into it!

What Is A Radiant Cut Diamond?

The radiant cut diamond – which has been popular since the 1980s – stands true to its name by being both radiant and dazzling. 

In 1977, Henry Grossbard created the radiant cut to combine the best characteristics of the round brilliant and emerald cuts. The radiant cut diamond’s radiance is ensured by the 70 facets located in its pavilion and crown. Each facet’s perfection provides incredible brightness and fire. 

In fact, only the round brilliant cut outshines the radiant cut in terms of brightness. As a result, the radiant cut is a fantastic choice for an engagement ring that gleams with brilliance and fire.

Radiants’ finely cut edges provide significant resilience against chipping and breakage, making it a perfect choice for individuals who lead an active lifestyle. Because of this trait, you may match the radiant cut diamond with both square and rounder diamonds.

Why Are Radiant Cut Diamonds Called Hybrids?

The radiant cut diamond is a stunningly symmetrical, non-traditional shape that blends the brilliance of round cuts with the purity of an emerald cut.  

Related Read: Radiant Cut Vs. Emerald Cut

Trimmed corners offer this loose diamond form flexibility, allowing it to shine in a variety of jewelry, particularly engagement rings. When opposed to a princess cut, the faceting of a radiant cut gives it a flaming appearance while preserving delicate, trimmed edges. 

Related Read: Radiant Cut Vs. Princess Cut

Overall, the radiant diamond combines some of the most adored characteristics of other renowned diamond forms.

Another name for a radiant cut diamond is “the rectangular modified brilliant diamond.” Simply defined, these are square diamonds instead of the more usual round, brilliant stones. For this reason, radiant cut diamonds belong to the gem cut category known as hybrids, which refers to how its traits – like the cut’s beveled corners – may be seen as mixes of different stone forms. 

The rectangular radiant cut diamond is a fantastic choice for purchasers who prefer the emerald cut form but desire the brightness of a round diamond. However, these dazzling diamonds are also available in a square shape. 

The only distinction is their width to length ratio. Because it captures more raw diamond color than other cuts, this diamond shape is also a favorite choice for fancy colored diamonds.

A Bow-Tie Effect in Radiant Cut Diamonds

Diamonds in elongated fancy shapes – including the marquise, oval, pear, and radiant cut – frequently exhibit a “bow-tie” effect. A bow tie is a black patch that goes across the center of the diamond from right to left in the shape of a man’s bow tie.

The bow tie is created by light leakage caused by misaligned facets. Light entering the diamond travels out the pavilion rather than reflecting to your eye in this dark region. That results in seeing the black region while gazing at the diamond. However, it’s important to mention that the diamond is not black – nor is the bow tie an inclusion.

A bow-tie appearance is more prevalent in longer (more rectangular) radiant cut diamonds – but not as common as in oval, marquise, and pear cuts – ranging from virtually invisible to severe. The visibility of a bow-tie effect can only be determined by eye inspection, not by checking the diamond certificate or measurements.

While most diamonds of these shapes include some bow tie, the severity ranges from light (near invisible or only apparent at certain angles) to significant (large, easily seen from every angle). 

If someone informed you about the bow-tie effect in your radiant cut diamond, it’s probably reasonably light. Some bow-tie effects can be beneficial, adding contrast to the diamond.  

Only when it becomes the main focus – the first thing you see – should you rule out the gem completely.

The Settings Of The Radiant Cut Diamond

Once you’ve chosen a radiant cut diamond, the next obvious step is to select a setting to compliment the diamond cut. The four-prong setting is the most common and sensible choice for a dazzling type engagement ring.

Even in a six-prong setting, a radiant cut diamond with a high clarity grade would dazzle beautifully. However, the four-prong setting will highlight the diamond’s square or rectangular form, making it suitable for radiants.

Related Read: 4 Prong Vs. 6 Prong: Which Diamond Ring Setting Is Better?

Although bezel settings can be utilized, they’re not advised for radiant cut diamonds – here’s why: 

The bezel setting encloses the center stone for a secure and unified feeling. But by sealing itself off, the bezel setting reduces the light that hits the gem. 

Although personal choice is ultimately the deciding factor, this setting will significantly reduce the ring’s brilliance.

Corner Size and Length-To-Width Ratios In Radiant Cut Diamonds

Radiant cuts, like emerald cuts, can have an overall contour that ranges from square to quite elongated. The length-to-width ratio has a considerable influence on the diamond’s aesthetic appearance. 

To a great extent, this is a matter of personal preference. Nonetheless, an overly extended radiant might suffer from performance issues such as a “bow-tie” effect, which we explained earlier.

The length to width ratio indicates how near the diamond is to a square. A completely square diamond has a length-to-width ratio of 1.00. The proportion of the ratio that’s larger than one reveals how long it has been elongated. 

Most rectangular radiants have a balanced L/W ratio of 1.20 to 1.40.

A more lengthened form of radiant cut diamond seems more prominent and is more elegant in hand. Particular sorts of setting designs may benefit from a more square form. As long as light performance is not compromised, the length to width ratio is essentially a matter of personal preference.

As for corners, they should be cut to a reasonable size –  not so big that they appear to be the same size as the sides, and not so little that the angularity they add to the form is lost due to the prongs that cover them.

Color Grade Of Radiant Cut Diamond

A radiant cut diamond usually draws focus to the hue of the wearer’s skin. The longer ray pathways that travel through a diamond due to the facet layout capture more of the diamond’s body color. That’s why so many fancy color diamonds are shaped into radiants. 

When looking for a round brilliant, it’s best to aim for a somewhat broader color spectrum than you might ordinarily. Round brilliant diamonds with excellent cuts usually reflect a large amount of ambient light to the eye, masking some body color and appearing whiter than its color grade. Radiants have the opposite effect, though.

To locate a brilliant cut that seems white, stay within the higher near-colorless range of G-H. That’s because the colors between the I-J range and lower will start to become yellow.

Clarity Grade Of The Radiant Cut Diamond

One advantage of radiant cut diamonds over emerald cuts is that they hide imperfections easier. 

Emerald cut diamonds display clarity characteristics more than other cuts. Radiant cuts’ tiny, quick scintillation patterns make minor inclusions considerably more challenging to discern. As a result, lesser clarity radiant cuts that are visually pure and appealing may be found at significant discounts.

There are numerous lovely radiant cut diamonds in the Si range. Just make sure that the additions do not negatively influence transparency since this may occasionally happen. Even with a high-quality cut, the consequent loss of brightness could occur.

Light Performance Of The Radiant Cut Diamond

The light performance created by the cut, like with every diamond, is the core of what makes its unique beauty – brightness, fire, and sparkle. The most challenging aspect of radiant cuts for non-experts is evaluating light performance. 

A GIA report will tell you a lot about a radiant – but it won’t tell you anything about light performance. 

While proportion measures and shine and symmetry ratings are available, they don’t readily disclose how the diamond transmits light. Other diagnostics must then be used to make such evaluations.

Diamond photos and videos are helpful, while modern imaging techniques such as ASET offer even more detail. ASET is a lightmap that offers information on brilliance, light absorption, and contrast – the three most important aspects of light performance. However, reading ASET signatures on fancy shape diamonds takes practice. 

It is not as simple with radiants as it is with round brilliants. So, it’s preferable to work with a vendor who can give in-depth analysis and diagnostics to help you understand these critical factors.

The “Crushed Ice” Look

Because the radiant cut has mixed faceting, certain portions of the gem may reflect direct light. In contrast, others will reflect a more delicate twinkling effect – which is sometimes compared to “crushed ice.” The broken ice appearance appeals to many customers. This taste of light performance may be found in various cushion cuts.

Related Read: Radiant Cut Vs. Cushion Cut

A crushed ice cut creates many secondary reflections that bounce around inside, resulting in a large number of tiny “fake” facets. They are tiny yet distinct in certain situations, with plenty of contrast to create a captivating sparkling appearance. 

However, these reflections might become mushy, less clear, and less appealing in other situations. 

The crushed ice effect is particularly noticeable in the middle of a radiant cut. Some people describe it as peering down a well or into a hall of mirrors. The eye sinks into what appears to be an unending bottom towards the culet.

The Certification

The GIA has lab reports on most certified radiant cut diamonds on the market today. The report includes the diamond’s carat weight, size, color, purity, brilliance, shine and symmetry grades, and fundamental proportions, as well as its identification and grade. 

It may also include additional remarks that are significant. On the other hand, A GIA report does not offer a total cut grade. This vital piece of information can only be obtained by consultation with an expert, evaluation of enhanced light performance photos, the study of HD video, in-person viewing, or all of the above.

Learn More: Diamond Grading Lab: Which Diamond Certification Is Best?

Radiant Cut Diamond Vs. Round Cut Diamond 

The optics of a round brilliant cut are pretty distinguishable, even though the radiant cut has a mixed cut that may provide good brightness. Even if the radiant is exceedingly square, it will keep its unique appearance and will seldom be confused with a round cut. 

Certain setting styles, on the other hand, can mask the distinctions. However, to some extent, this contradicts the purpose of selecting a distinctive form like the radiant.

A well-cut round brilliant can optimize brilliance, fire, and scintillation to the degree that no other diamond cut can. 

A precision-cut round brilliant will surpass practically all other diamond shapes due to the inherent symmetry of the design and the fact that it provides a mix of big and small virtual facets.

However, this trait may not be the most critical factor for every customer. Some buyers may like the angular design and more muted glitter of a radiant.

Radiant Cut Diamond Vs. Princess-Cut Diamond

The princess cut is the most similar form to the radiant cut and one that most consumers who are seeking radiants will consider. Aside from the fact that both have rectilinear edges, the aesthetic qualities of the two vary greatly.

For starters, the Princess cut has no clipped edges. The corners are sharper and frequently fitted into V-tip prongs. From an outline standpoint, a radiant with tiny clipped corners might resemble a princess, but the essence of the optics is different.

The princess cut’s spectacular faceting style provides it a unique sort of light performance. The radiant’s mixed cut produces a crushed ice pattern of minimal erratic reflections and a glittering look, while the princess cut has uniform reflections that are a little more dazzling. 

A square radiant might resemble a princess, though, especially if the corners are narrow.

A Radiant Cut Diamond Sometimes Appears Bigger

In some situations, the extended curve of a radiant cut may look more prominent than the round shape of equivalent carat weight. However, this might be an optical illusion. 

If a radiant, or any other form, is cut too deeply, it will hide carat weight and appear smaller than a well-cut diamond of the same weight. If a radiant cut diamond has any light performance deficiencies, particularly around the periphery, it will look smaller than one with more excellent brightness.

Instead of the more usual octahedral rough stones used to produce rounds and princess cuts, cutters frequently employ alternative rough to cut elaborate forms. They will also use their imagination to extract the most valuable polished diamond from the rough without favoring light performance. 

So, in response to the issue of whether a radiant cut appears more prominent, the answer is – it depends. 

That’s another reason why it’s a good idea to work with a provider who specializes in cut quality and light performance. That’s the quickest way to ensure that you locate a radiant that meets all of your requirements.

Related Read: What Diamond Shape Looks The Biggest?

The Price Of Radiant Cut Diamonds

In theory, a radiant cut will be less costly than an equal size and grade round brilliant. All the “unusual form” stones are valued cheaper than round diamonds according to trade norms. 

So, if you purchase a radiant cut instead of a round cut, you can save money. However, other factors influence the price of fancy-cut diamonds. A low-priced radiant gem may contain flaws that are not immediately obvious to the ordinary diamond buyer. 

Because the GIA does not provide a cut quality rating to elaborate forms, cutters are not punished for compromising light performance or dispersal. A low-cost radiant may be hiding mass, emitting too much light, or both.

The best advice is to compare pricing, which is simple to accomplish online. Then, choose a competent seller to provide you with expert guidance. Choosing a reputable seller who can give in-depth diagnostics and recommendations is your best bet for receiving a fair price on a quality diamond.

Learn More: Price List: How Much Is A 0.1 To 40 Carat Diamond Worth?

Final Word

Lastly, if you want a diamond that erupts with brilliance and shines from across the room, you should choose a radiant cut diamond. Radiant cut diamond is unique, and the best thing is that you can buy it at a reasonable price.

Before you purchase a radiant cut diamond, make sure you check it carefully for cut quality, clarity, and color, as well as overall beauty and appeal. What’s more, you should always ask a professional to help you and ensure that you’ll get a fair price on a great diamond.