Radiant Cut Diamond Guide

The diamond lives up to its name ‘radiant’ by offering great radiance or brilliance. The radiant cut has more fire compared to all other shapes, except the round-brilliant cut. The cut consists of 70 facets in its pavilion and crown making it the most faceted fancy diamond shape. It is the perfect bridge between an emerald cut and the round cut with square-like corners. This cut is an excellent option for anyone who likes the length of the emerald cut, and the brilliance of the round diamond. They are substantially more durable against damage and breakage, making it an excellent choice for those with an active lifestyle. Plus, radiant cuts retain most of the original rough diamond during the cutting process, thus making it more budget friendly.

1.??????Diamond Cut

The radiant cut has an identical overall shape of that of an emerald cut but with corners that are clipped straight. While the emerald cut has a facet arrangement in horizontal steps, the radiant is a mixture of both vertical and horizontal facets which gives it a very different look than that of an emerald cut.

The major drawback of this highly desired cut is that GIA doesn’t not provide cut clarity grades for it. Any information regarding the cut grade is by the jeweller themselves. So, it is important to Have a keen eye on your diamond and inspect it thoroughly before you buy it. Make sure the corners are not asymmetric, nor too wide or narrow. The perfect radiant cut will have symmetric proportions at the cropped corners.

In longer cuts, such as the rectangular radiant cuts there is a possibility of the bow-tie effect. This is when there is a presence of a dark region resembling a bow and tie in the center of the diamond. Ensure your diamond has brilliance throughout with no shadowed regions.

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2.??????Diamond shape and Ideal Proportions

Regarding the diamond shape, there are different preferences. While some people buy the perfect square, some like a more rectangular shape. Here we have mentioned the ideal cut proportions for both preferences.

• Length-width ratio: 1.00-1.03 (square)
• Length-width ratio: 1.20-1.30 (rectangle)
• Table %: 61 - 69
• Depth %: 61 - 67
• Girdle: Very Thin to Slightly Thick
• Culet: None

Read about the anatomy of a diamond here.

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3.??????Color and Clarity grade

Radiant cut diamonds generally have lesser brilliance compared to round diamonds and hence, tend to reveal their body color more readily. For smaller diamonds ranges G – H will appear white, but for larger sizes, a color grade of F or greater can give a strong white appearance.?With a gold or a rose gold band, a lower color grade will work better complementing the band color and creating a vintage look.?

Radiant cuts demand better cut and color grade; however, you can cut some cost, with a lower clarity grade without affecting the overall quality of the stone. The diamond offers great brilliance, so it is easy to get away with inclusions even in SI1 and SI2 grades. With larger diamonds, one needs to be a little more cautious with clarity but a minimum of VS2 will be blemish-free in most cases irrespective of diamond carat size. The main goal is to ensure the diamond is eye-clean and that the blemishes are hidden in the facets and brilliance of the diamond.

4.??????Setting style

The Radiant cut specially when in a rectangular shape, does not fit in every setting. Here are a few top picks for engagement ring setting with the cushion-cut diamond.?ring design.?

• Solitaire setting: One can never go wrong with a solitaire. Radiant cuts make a bold impression, and it creates a lasting statement when standing alone.
• Pave setting: Radiant cuts are most popular in the pave setting. It allows the elongated diamond to stand out amidst the thin pave band
• Halo setting: The diamond encrusted ring setting enhances the visual size of the center stone and offers great sparkle.
• Three-stone setting: This vintage look is also prevalent with radiant cuts specially in the fancy colored niche.

It is highly advised to get an expert involved who can inspect the diamond with different tools and techniques!

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