Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a radiant cut diamond? +
A radiant cut is a 'hybrid' diamond shape. It features a rectangular or square silhouette with trimmed corners (like an emerald cut) but is faceted with a brilliant-cut pattern (like a round diamond), resulting in a 'crushed ice' look with intense sparkle.
How does a radiant cut compare to an emerald cut? +
While they share the same rectangular shape and clipped corners, the internal faceting is different. An emerald cut has long, stair-like 'step cuts' for a hall-of-mirrors effect, whereas a radiant cut has many small triangular facets that create maximum light reflection and sparkle.
Are radiant cut diamonds good for hiding inclusions? +
Yes. Because of the 'crushed ice' faceting pattern, radiant cuts are excellent at hiding small internal flaws (inclusions). This often allows you to go slightly lower in clarity (like SI1 or SI2) without the imperfections being visible to the naked eye.
Do radiant cuts show more color than other shapes? +
Radiant cuts tend to hold onto color more than round diamonds. If you want a perfectly white-looking stone, it is usually recommended to stay in the F-G color range. However, this same trait makes them the most popular cut for Fancy Colored diamonds, like yellow or pink.
Are radiant cut diamonds durable for everyday wear? +
They are exceptionally durable. Unlike princess cuts, which have sharp, pointed corners prone to chipping, the radiant cut has beveled (trimmed) corners. This makes the stone much less likely to snag or break if accidentally knocked against a hard surface.
What is the best length-to-width ratio for a radiant cut? +
For a classic rectangular look, a ratio of 1.25 to 1.35 is most popular. If you prefer a square-shaped radiant, look for a ratio between 1.00 and 1.05.
Will a radiant cut diamond look bigger than a round diamond of the same weight? +
Radiant cuts are often cut deeper to achieve their signature sparkle, which means they can sometimes appear slightly smaller from the top than a round or oval of the same carat weight. However, their diagonal measurement often gives them a large, striking presence on the hand.