The radiant cut is a diamond shape that combines the sparkle of a brilliant cut with the elegance of a square or rectangular shape. It is characterised by its distinct design, where the corners are cut off, creating a rounded appearance. This cut is crafted to maximise the brilliance (sparkle) and fire (colour dispersion) of the diamond, offering a unique and stylish look that is both modern and classic.
Key Features of the Radiant Cut
Shape:
The radiant cut can be either square or rectangular, but it features cut-off corners that distinguish it from other square or rectangular diamond cuts, such as the princess cut.
The shape provides a soft, rounded appearance while maintaining the bold geometric lines of a square or rectangle.
Facet Pattern:
Like the brilliant cut, the radiant cut typically features 58 facets. This facet arrangement helps the diamond reflect light efficiently, maximising its sparkle and brilliance.
Crisscrossing facets are arranged in a manner that enhances the diamond’s light return, creating a lively and vibrant look.
Cornered but Soft:
The cut corners of the radiant cut diamond reduce the sharpness seen in cuts like the princess cut. This helps prevent damage to the corners and makes the diamond more durable. The rounded edges give the diamond a softer look while still maintaining a square or rectangular silhouette.
Brilliance and Fire:
The radiant cut was specifically designed to maximise brilliance and fire, ensuring the diamond reflects light from all angles. This makes it particularly attractive for those seeking a diamond with high sparkle but a slightly different shape from the round brilliant cut.
Proportions and Symmetry in the Radiant Cut
Ideal Proportions: The ideal proportions for a radiant cut diamond depend on its shape. For a square radiant cut, an ideal length-to-width ratio is approximately 1:1, while for a rectangular radiant cut, the ideal ratio tends to fall between 1.25:1 and 1.5:1.
Symmetry: Like other cuts, symmetry plays an essential role in the beauty of a radiant cut diamond. Well-symmetrically cut radiant diamonds reflect light uniformly, creating a vibrant, well-balanced sparkle.
Advantages of the Radiant Cut
High Brilliance – Radiant cuts are designed for maximum sparkle, with 58 facets that reflect light from every angle, creating a lively and dazzling effect.
Versatile Appearance – The radiant cut combines the elegance of the princess cut and the round brilliant cut, making it a versatile choice for various jewellery styles, from engagement rings to earrings and necklaces.
Durability – The cut-off corners reduce the risk of chipping compared to the sharp corners of a princess cut, making radiant cuts a more practical option for everyday wear.
Unique Shape – The radiant cut offers a distinctive look that stands out from other popular cuts like round or princess cuts. Its ability to combine the best of both shapes makes it a preferred choice for those seeking something different.
Value for Money – The radiant cut typically retains more of the rough diamond compared to round brilliant diamonds, making it a cost-effective option for larger stones.
Setting Options for Radiant Cut Diamonds
Prong Setting:
A four-prong or eight-prong setting is commonly used to secure radiant cut diamonds, allowing maximum light exposure and highlighting the stone’s brilliance.
The prongs can be placed along the corners of the diamond to emphasise its shape.
Bezel Setting:
A bezel setting can encircle the edges of the diamond with metal, offering extra protection to the corners while providing a sleek, modern look.
Halo Setting:
A halo setting, where smaller diamonds encircle the centre radiant cut diamond, is a popular choice. It enhances the diamond’s size and sparkle while adding extra brilliance.
Tension Setting:
The tension setting is a bold, modern way to showcase a radiant cut diamond. The diamond appears to be floating between two metal bands, offering a minimalist yet striking design.
Radiant Cut vs. Other Cuts
Cut Type Shape Brilliance Best Feature
Radiant Cut Square/Rectangular Very High Unique blend of square/round elegance
Princess Cut Square Very High Sharp edges, square shape
Emerald Cut Rectangular Moderate Elegant, step-cut style
Round Brilliant Circular Very High Maximum brilliance and fire
Cushion Cut Square/Rounded Corners High Soft, vintage appearance
The radiant cut is a stunning and versatile diamond shape that balances brilliance and fire with the elegance of a square or rectangular shape. Its unique cut corners not only enhance its visual appeal but also improve the diamond’s durability. With high brilliance, a striking shape, and the ability to suit a variety of settings, the radiant cut is an excellent choice for those seeking a beautiful yet distinctive diamond that stands out in any piece of jewellery.