Diamond engagement rings are more than just dazzling accessories—they symbolize love, commitment, and personal style. Among the many diamond shapes available, radiant cut engagement rings have steadily gained popularity for their mesmerizing sparkle and versatility. Whether you’re drawn to their unique brilliance or their durability, radiant cut diamonds offer elegance with a cool factor.
What Is a Radiant Cut Engagement Ring?
A radiant cut engagement ring features a diamond center stone with a unique, rectangular or square shape, distinguished by its brilliant-cut facets. The Radiant Cut was created in 1977 by Henry Grossbard, a master diamond cutter who wanted to combine the best features of the round brilliant cut (maximum sparkle) and the emerald cut (elegant shape with step facets). The result was a square or rectangular-shaped diamond with 70 facets that enhances brilliance while maintaining the structured look of an emerald cut.
Unlike step-cut diamonds such as emerald or Asscher cuts, which display a “hall of mirrors” effect, radiant cut diamonds maximize light reflection with their 70 facets, resulting in unparalleled brilliance, hence their name. The cut also enhances color and clarity while providing a flattering, elongated appearance for those who choose a rectangular radiant cut.
What to Look for in a Radiant Cut Engagement Ring
When shopping for a radiant cut engagement ring, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you select the best diamond for your budget and style:
Cut Quality: Unlike round diamonds, radiant cuts do not have an official cut grade by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). However, selecting a well-proportioned diamond with excellent symmetry and polish will enhance its overall brilliance. Look for a depth percentage between 61-67% and a table percentage between 61-69% for optimal light reflection. Since radiant cut diamonds rely on precise faceting for brilliance, polish and symmetry grades of Very Good or Excellent are recommended.
Shape and Length-to-Width Ratio: Radiant cut diamonds can be square or rectangular. The length-to-width ratio determines the shape, with a 1.00-1.05 ratio producing a square radiant and a 1.20-1.40 ratio creating a more elongated rectangular look. Some may even prefer a 1.15 ratio for a slight rectangular effect. Consider which shape best complements your style and hand shape.
Clarity: The radiant cut’s faceting pattern helps conceal inclusions better than step-cut diamonds, making it an excellent choice for those who want a high-clarity look without the premium price tag. While VS2 clarity or higher is a safe bet for an eye-clean diamond, well-graded SI1 diamonds can also appear flawless to the naked eye, offering greater value.
Color Grade: The radiant cut tends to show color slightly more than round brilliants due to its faceting structure, particularly near the corners. For a white, icy look, choose a diamond with a G color grade or higher. If you prefer a warmer tone or plan to set your diamond in yellow or rose gold, diamonds in the H-J range can offer great value while still maintaining a beautiful appearance.
Popular Radiant Cut Engagement Ring Settings
Whether you’re drawn to the minimalism of a solitaire or the glitz of a halo engagement ring, we break down some sought-after setting styles for radiant cut diamonds below.
Solitaire Setting: A timeless choice that showcases the beauty of the radiant cut diamond, the solitaire engagement ring setting features a single stone on a sleek band secured with prongs. This classic style maximizes light exposure, enhancing the diamond’s brilliance and fire.
Halo Setting: The halo setting encircles the radiant-cut diamond with a ring of smaller diamonds, enhancing its sparkle and creating the illusion of a larger center stone. This glamorous design enhances brilliance and works well with both square and rectangular radiant cuts. For a modern iteration of this setting consider a hidden halo, where small diamonds encircle the center stone from underneath, adding subtle sparkle and enhancing its brilliance without overpowering the design.
Three-Stone Setting: Featuring a radiant cut center stone flanked by two side stones, a three stone engagement ring setting symbolizes the past, present, and future of a relationship. The side stones can be tapered baguettes, round brilliants, or even other fancy-shaped diamonds.
Bezel Setting: A modern and protective choice, the bezel setting encases the radiant cut diamond in a metal rim, securing it firmly while offering a sleek, contemporary look. This setting is ideal for those with active lifestyles, as it protects the diamond from chips and damage.
Pavé Setting: In a pavé setting, tiny diamonds are set closely together along the band, creating a continuous sparkle effect that complements the brilliance of the radiant cut center stone.
Vintage-Inspired Setting: Featuring intricate details like filigree, milgrain, and engraved designs, vintage-inspired settings add a touch of old-world charm to a radiant cut diamond.
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Why Radiant Cut Engagement Rings Are a Popular Choice
Radiant cut diamond engagement rings have gained a loyal following among brides-to-be, and for good reason. Here’s why they continue to be a top choice for modern couples:
Brilliance: With their intricate faceting, radiant cut diamonds reflect an extraordinary amount of light, making them one of the most dazzling choices available. If you love sparkle, the radiant cut is hard to beat.
Versatile Aesthetic: Whether you prefer a vintage-inspired ring or a sleek, contemporary setting, radiant cut diamonds adapt well to various styles. Their ability to complement different settings makes them a favorite among jewelry designers and brides alike.
Durability: The trimmed corners of the radiant cut add to its structural integrity, making it less prone to chipping compared to sharp-edged cuts like princess diamonds. This makes it a practical choice for those with active lifestyles.
Affordable Brilliance: Compared to round brilliant diamonds, radiant cut diamonds often cost less per carat while offering similar levels of sparkle. This makes them an excellent option for couples seeking a larger-looking diamond within their budget.
Celebrity-Approved: Radiant cut engagement rings may be a newer addition to the diamond world—introduced just 40 years ago—but they’ve already earned a spot among the most coveted styles. Their eye-catching sparkle and modern elegance have made them a go-to choice for celebrities, including Katherine Heigl. Given their clean lines and striking sparkle, it’s no surprise that radiant cut engagement rings continue to rise in popularity.
Radiant cut engagement rings offer the best of both worlds—the sleek, elongated silhouette of an emerald cut paired with the dazzling brilliance of a round diamond. Available in both square and rectangular shapes, this versatile cut features 70 expertly placed facets designed to maximize sparkle from every angle. Plus, with their beveled corners, radiant cut diamonds are not only stunning but also extra durable, making them a perfect choice for everyday wear.
