What is a Radiant Cut Diamond

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In answering the question of what is meant by radiant cut, the simple answer is that it is radiant! And that is not a simplification. This cut truly is a gemstone shape that brings out the natural light reflective qualities of the carbon-based stone.

However, it is more than that. As there are a few things to understand when it comes to this interesting and relatively new diamond shape that has made its way into the diamond world. Which is what we shall do on this Education page. So if you have no understanding of what the Radiant cut is, or wish to increase your understanding of it, you are in the right place.

What is a Radiant Cut?

This is a somewhat interesting question. In that radiant cut, whilst technically a diamond shape: most of the various diamond shapes that are used in the gemstone world are known. The most notable are the famous round, cushion, and princess cuts. However, these diamond shapes all are built on the core of the brilliant ‘cut’: which actually refers to the kind of faceting the gemstone is subjected to.

With radiant cuts, we have an interesting case, where the diamond cut in question is actually a shape: in that it features an outward shape that is distinct from the rest and hence qualifies categorically as a diamond shape. However, the radiant cut, like other, what is understood as fancy diamond cuts, features a number of modifications that it is sometimes worth being considered as a distinct cut, vis a vie its faceting structure.

Before we proceed on this point, a quick overview of the core features of the radiant cut. The radiant cut is considered a modification of the traditional round cut, and the emerald cut. Which is an interesting combination considering that the round cut is the most classic diamond shape, which features the brilliant cut (or faceting) and is the most brilliant of all cuts, with that of the emerald. The latter is among the fancy cuts, among those which contain the pear cut.

The Development of the Radiant Cut Diamond

The radiant cut is a relatively new addition to the world of diamond shapes (hence the term fancy), that came to market in the late 70s developed by a man named Henry Grossbard, who was based out of New York, and a native of Austria.

The radiant cut features a distinct but familiar rectangular shape that may be somewhat similar to a princess cut, but upon closer inspection is closer to the emerald shape. With individual facets numbing 70 it is among the highest in the diamond world and known for its great brilliance.

Fancy diamond cuts like the radiant unique look were viewed positively by an ever-expanding diamond and diamond jewellery market; one that was looking for new diamond cuts and shapes. The entry of radiant was something of a phenomenon during its time, with it rising in popularity to becoming one of the, if not the most popular diamond cut during the years following its entry.

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What Sets the Radiant Cut Apart from the Rest

This is where it gets interesting. You see with radiant cuts there is some confusion when it comes to their categorisation. Starting with the terminology itself.

The first point to consider, one that we have made in our other Education pages, is there is a key difference between the terms cut and shape. The cut of the stone deals with the particular faceting the type the gemstone is subjected to. In the world of diamonds, the most dominant is the brilliant cut. Its origins go back to the early decades of the 20th century, developed by the pioneering Marcel Tolkowsky, and consists of 58 facets or 57 facets, in the absence of a culet (the pointed end of the stone). Diamond faceting is a key feature of cut stones that contributes to its sparkle, with other major diamond cuts essentially building from the round cut, which adopts the 58-facet structure.

With diamond shapes on the other hand we are dealing the outward shape of the stone: one that is most noticeable upon first viewing. Thus we have popular shapes like princesses, cushions and round. However, these shapes should not be confused with the specific diamond cut or faceting of the diamond.

With radiant cuts, we have an interesting case in that the diamond shape, whilst maintaining a brilliant cut faceting structure, at the edges features faceting that is more akin to the emerald cut (shape). The emerald cut, as some readers may know adopts a step cut faceting as opposed to the brilliant ones. So the radiant is

Price of Radiant Cut Diamonds

A key consideration when it comes to purchasing diamonds and diamond jewellery is of course the price. When it comes to using radiant cut diamonds is their greater affordability in relation to the more popular round cut. Being anywhere from 15 – 30 per cent or higher, in terms of cost savings when controlling for other factors that make up the 4Cs. So with radiant cut diamonds, you have an interesting gemstone cut that stands apart from the rest, in addition to its great light reflective qualities.

However, when it comes to each individual gemstone, as in the main or side stones that you may pick for your engagement ring, the price will vary depending on the core factors of diamond quality: the 4Cs. That measure the gemstone’s carat, clarity, cut and colour. Now there are a number of posts that seek to outline the specifics on what kind of colour, and clarity levels you need to opt for when going for a radiant cut diamond in relation to its price, which seek to break down the specific length to width ratios, and the particular clarity grade and colour type for the diamond of your choice.

Which is all good and fine. However, our philosophy when it comes to educating customers and those interested in diamond jewellery is that when it comes to picking a top-quality diamond, it is best to know the basics. Once you have these points in place, when it comes to actually making a purchase it is about picking the right jewellery company for your diamond. That sells certified diamonds.

Once you have done so, then you can work out the specifics, in terms of the many variables that affect the price of the radiant diamond or any gemstone for that matter.

Advantages of Opting for a Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Among the fancy cut (shapes) diamonds the radiant is known to have among the highest level of brilliance. Brilliance is a key value factor in diamond jewellery, along with scintillation and fire. Radiant cut diamonds, which feature a fundamental faceting structure to round cut, showcase similar levels of these factors. Though not to the same extent, yet considerable.

However, diamond buyers, need to pay some attention to the precision of the diamond’s facets. Given the high number, if the cutter gets the alignments of the facets wrong, especially on the edges, it will show.

When it comes to picking a diamond shape for your engagement ring, for customers who are torn between the traditional round and emerald shapes but wish to have the best of both worlds, the radiant cut is a solid option. Not simply as a middle-of-the-road choice, but as a diamond shape and cut that combines elements of both in terms of shape and faceting.

Another point worth considering is that fancy cuts like the emerald tend to feature the undesirable bow-tie effect. This is that dark patch-like area that affects the overall quality of the stone. With radiant cut diamonds, this feature whilst sometimes present is greatly limited and is a broadly safe bet.