Shapes - Radiant
Education Center
Education CenterEverything You Need to Know About Radiant Cut Diamonds
1 to 5 ct Radiant Diamonds
Is it any surprise that the disco ball of diamonds was invented in the late 70s? The radiant has all the facets, all the glamor, and all the sparkle. It’s a perfect marriage of the round-brilliant and emerald cuts…
And it’s a shape that’s stunning right out-of-the-box. Did I mention it’s sparkly? (I know I did, but it really is that shiny.)
But - cue dramatic music - the radiant cut does also have some drawbacks. So let's get into the yes's, no's, and say-it-ain't-so's of it all.
What is a Radiant Cut Diamond
Radiant cut diamonds are super brilliant, we're talkin' sparkle city, and that's thanks to their 70 facets.
Radiant cut diamonds are super brilliant, we're talkin' sparkle city, and that's thanks to their 70 facets. There is only one diamond that can surpass the Radiant’s brilliance, and that is the round brilliant.
The Radiant's hybrid shape combines the faceted style of a round brilliant cut and the step cut of emerald-shaped stones. The cut’s beveled corners make the Radiant less likely to chip and break. Perfect for an active lifestyle and working with your hands.
The beveled corners and brilliant faceting gives this cut crazy good fire and - we can’t say it enough - incredible sparkle.
Perfectly Proportional
Radiant cut diamonds are usually rectangular, but there is no perfect length to width ratio. Some radiants are almost completely square, with a length-to-width ratio of 1.05. Others are rectangular, with an LTW ratio in the 1.15-1.30 range.
A Little Off the Top
Solitaire Kamelie, 5 ct Radiant Moissanite
Radiant cuts are one of the best value-for-money shapes you can shop for. The cutting process leaves most of the raw diamond intact. Since there’s very little waste, you get a lot of diamond on the dollar.
Penelope, 2.6 ct Radiant Lab Diamond
This saves a nice chunk of change, which is important… Because radiant diamonds also happen to look smaller per carat. So basically, you pay less for more carats - but you want your radiant to be 10-20% bigger than any other shape.
Bowties and Clean Eyes
A radiant cut’s brilliance will hide inclusions and some tint. What really matters is the cut. A poorly cut radiant will look dull and show its dark side, with two black triangles in the middle ruining its look.
Clearly Radiant
The many facets and crazy brilliance of a radiant-cut diamond mean it can hide a fair amount of inclusions, saving you money.
Pave Natalie, 2.5 ct Radiant Moissanite
Finding an eye-clean diamond with an Sl1 or Sl2 clarity grade is totally possible. Keep a close eye on the cut, however.
The small facets of a radiant cut tend to have a shattered glass look. That's why they hide so many inclusions. If these shard-like facets don't line up down the middle of the pavilion (the kneel line) and cozy up to the corners, you might be left with a diamond that looks… a bit off.
Bogus Bowties
Radiant ratios tend to vary, but if you're looking for a rectangular Radiant rock, watch out for bowties.
Though not as often as pears, ovals, and marquises, longer radiant cuts can sometimes feature an unwanted invite to the black-tie ball. Across the center of a poorly cut diamond, you'll see two dark triangles (otherwise known as a bowtie).
These bowties are a total bummer, but a well-cut radiant will shine bright all the way through. That’s why cut is the one thing you shouldn’t skimp on with this shape.
Cutting Corners
Radiant And Emerald Stones Next To Each Other
Radiant diamonds are often compared to emerald-cut diamonds, so let's clear a few things up.
While radiant cut diamonds have straight sides and chopped corners like an emerald, that's where their similarities end.
Down in the nitty-gritty facet city, radiants are full of tiny sharp facets which give off tons of sparkle and have a total crushed ice vibe.
Emeralds, on the other hand, have smooth glassy lines. Their long linear facets give off flashes of light or a "hall of mirrors" effect instead of the traditional sparkle and brilliance you might expect from a round brilliant diamond.
Conclusion
Radiant diamonds are some of the shiniest diamonds out there, second only to the round brilliant they're based on, and certainly more unique.
The nature of its cut and the flexibility of its shape means you can dodge inclusions and sparkle yourself silly without breaking the bank.
