Is your bae a major fan of rectangular-cut diamonds and other gemstones? If so, choosing between the most popular shapes- elongated cushion vs. radiant cut -can send you into a tailspin.
Which one- Sparkles more? Has the more radical shimmer?Offers more bling for your buck?
To help you decide which one should go on her engagement ring, we’re doing a no-holds-barred comparison here. Get ready for the rectangular rock face-off!
Ready? Set? GO!
Why Are Elongated Cushion and Radiant Cuts ‘Da Bomb’?
Let’s start on a peaceful note. What do these two total rad rock cuts have in common?
First off, they’re really unique and distinctive. One look and you KNOW you’re not seeing a traditional round-cut diamond. And that can be a good thing! While rectangular cuts have fewer facets than round ones, the facets they do have are larger. That’s their superpower- they glimmer like fire and ice!
The Liv with a 2 carat Radiant cut Diamond in White Gold
Due to their facet size and shape, elongated cushion and radiant cut diamonds look bigger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. This means plenty of finger coverage- plus a glamorous size. Totally winning combination, especially when you go for a three-stone setting like The Liv, which combines brilliant baguette diamonds with a smooth polished band that looks unbeatable when stacked.
We also love the fact that you can set elongated cushions and radiant cuts in a variety of different styles, from vintage-inspired to modern and contemporary. Whether she adores tradition, is all about Art Deco like The Jasmine, or loves everything modern, these cuts won’t disappoint.
Now that we’ve got you hyped, which one should you pick?
The Jasmine with a 2 carat Radiant cut Diamond in Rose Gold
And in This Corner- Elongated Cushion Engagement Rings!
Ahhh, cushions! How can a single cut be so classic yet contemporary at the same time?
This one’s been around for centuries, so it’s more than a fad. Prospective brides are seriously in love with its sleek rectangular shape and rounded corners, which are all softness and romance. The design has been described as a classic combination of a round and princess cut, and we have to agree.
Elongated cushion cuts are typically brilliant, which means they give off a lot of sparkle, making them ideal for engagement rings. Sofia Vergara has an elongated cushion-cut sparkler that we wouldn’t say no to.
The Maia with a 2.5 carat Elongated Cushion cut Diamond in Yellow Gold
If you know your bae will say YES to an elongated cushion cut engagement ring (and yes to you, of course!), why not rock her world with The Maia? This classic yet luxurious setting puts the center stone flush with a glittering hidden halo while the slender band adds size and dimension.
On the other hand, if she can’t get enough diamonds, surprise her with The Lindsey, whose pave-set diamond accents add drama and dimension to the center stone. When that stone is a chunkier one like an elongated cushion cut diamond or gemstone, she’ll look -and feel- like royalty.
The Lindsey with a 3 carat Elongated Cushion cut Diamond in Yellow Gold
Now Introducing Radiant Cut Engagement Rings!
With the radiant cut, you’ve got the best of a lot of worlds! The svelte shape combines the elegance of the emerald cut with the shimmery brilliance of the round cut.
Don’t believe us? Radiant cut stones have 70 facets, so they can shine and sparkle like nobody’s business. Seeing is believing, so check out Drew Barrymore's engagement ring, which features a radiant cut diamond set on a slender diamond-studded band.
The Pave Alex with a 3 carat Radiant cut Diamond in Yellow Gold
Brides-to-be are loving radiant cut engagement rings because their long lines and sharp edges make them oh-so-modern. If your bae is all about the bling, pop the question with The Pave Alex, a solitaire hidden halo with an exquisite pave band. When that halo embraces a radiant cut diamond or gemstone, she’ll love it -and you- forever.
Radiant cut stones also look fantastic with The Low Profile Kamellie, whose pave diamond band and hidden halo showcase the center stone and flash fire from every angle. The delicate design makes the stone look bigger, and when that stone has a radiant cut, everyone will think she married a millionaire!
The Low Profile Kamellie with a 3 carat Radiant cut Moissanite in White Gold
So How Do They Compare?
Both elongated cushion cut and radiant cut diamonds can showcase clarity well due to their larger facets. However, elongated cushion cuts can sometimes show more visible inclusions in the corners than radiant cuts.
Yes, we know. Trying to narrow your choice to one is tough enough, but when it’s a toss-up between the elongated cushion cut and radiant cut? Both shapes have a brilliance and fire that can be admired from any angle, so talk about Mission Impossible!
But we have to try because, well, there ARE some differences that could tip the scales in favor of one or the other.
The Adelle with a 3 carat Elongated Cushion cut Diamond in Rose Gold
Okay, let’s start with the cut. Elongated cushion cuts have soft curves and rounded corners that proclaim vintage romance. Those brides on the cover page of period romance novels? We’d bet that their sparklers are cushion cut and very likely elongated! Radiant cuts, on the other hand, have sharp geometric edges that are strictly modern and, right now, the creme de la creme.
So who wins this one? It’s a tie, because it really comes down to personal preference.
The Pave Alex with a 2.5 carat Radiant cut Moissanite and The Pave Alex with a 3 carat Elongated Cushion in White Gold
Now let’s talk about bling because on an engagement ring, that matters! Here’s a secret- any type of cushion cut stone (elongated included) comes in two varieties: traditional and modified brilliant.
The traditional one has a pattern that evokes that classic round brilliant cut, which means mega-sparkle.
Modified brilliants, on the other hand, have an added row of facets that give it a cool and breathtaking ‘crushed ice’ look. It’s basically a one-way ticket to sparkle city!
So how do radiant cuts fare in the glimmer game? These stones have shard-like facets that throw sparkle everywhere. Unlike elongated cushion cuts, whose 58 facets have a gentler flash, the 70-facet radiants have a shattered look that’s super-intense and REALLY impressive, so we’ve gotta give this one to Team R.
The Penelope with a 2 carat Radiant cut Diamond and The Penelope band in White Gold
This one’s another tie, as both radiant and elongated cushion cut both offer excellent value for money. A diamond's price is influenced by several factors, including the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) and shape, and when all things are equal, there isn’t a huge price difference between the two. This one’s a tie!
The Kamellie with a 1.5 carat Elongated Cushion cut Diamond in Yellow Gold, The Pave Nelly with a 3 carat Radiant cut Diamond in White Gold and The Liv with a 2 carat Princess cut Diamond in White Gold
So Who Won?
While radiant cuts come out slightly ahead due to their unbeatable sparkle, this isn’t really a case of one being ‘better’ than the other. Each shape has its own boldness and brilliance and looks killer in a variety of settings, so in the end, it’s really all down to you- and her, of course!
Whether she prefers the vintage and classic appeal of an elongated cushion cut or the sharp and modern look of a radiant cut, both offer a timeless beauty that will be cherished for a lifetime. And that’s what matters, right?
