A radiant cut diamond is a square or rectangular-shaped diamond with cut corners and many small surfaces that reflect light. It was created in the 1970s to combine the look of different diamond cuts. People like it because it shines brightly, hides small flaws, and can look bigger than other diamonds of the same size. It’s also strong and works well in many types of jewelry settings.
What Is a Radiant Cut Diamond?
A radiant cut diamond is a square or rectangular-shaped diamond with trimmed corners and brilliant-cut facets, which means it’s designed to reflect a lot of light, giving it serious sparkle. Think of it as a mix between the elegance of an emerald cut and the brilliance of a round cut.
It was invented in the 1970s by Henry Grossbard, and it was the first shape to bring the brilliant cut to a square or rectangular diamond.
Why Do People Choose Radiant Cut?
People are choosing radiant cut diamonds more often because they reflect a lot of light, which makes them shine brightly. The shape has a modern look but still feels classic, so it doesn’t go out of style. Its design also helps hide small flaws inside the diamond, which might be more noticeable in other cuts. Since radiant cuts have a wide surface, they can look a bit bigger than other diamonds of the same weight.
Radiant Cut vs Emerald Cut
A lot of people compare these two because they have a similar shape. But the difference is in the sparkle.
Radiant cuts
Radiant cuts, on the other hand, have more angles and offer more sparkle.

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Emerald cuts
Emerald cuts have long, straight lines (called step cuts) that give a more subtle shimmer. Radiant cuts, in contrast, are more brilliant due to their many angled facets.

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Best Settings for Radiant Cut Diamonds
Radiant cut diamonds look beautiful in many different ring settings. One common choice is the solitaire setting, which highlights the diamond’s shape and sparkle by keeping the design simple. Another popular option is the halo setting, where smaller diamonds surround the center stone, adding extra shine and making the main diamond look bigger. The three-stone setting is also well-loved, often used for meaningful pieces like anniversary rings, with two side stones that balance and enhance the radiant cut in the center. Thanks to their shape, radiant cut diamonds can fit easily into both traditional and modern styles.
Are Radiant Cut Diamonds Expensive?
Radiant cuts are generally more affordable than round brilliant diamonds of the same carat weight. They also give you a little more size for your money, which is a big bonus if you’re shopping with a budget in mind.
Things to Consider When Buying
When buying a radiant cut diamond, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you choose a good one. The way the diamond is cut, especially the depth and the size of the table, can affect how much it sparkles, so it’s worth paying attention to those details. It’s also important to look at the shape of the stone to see if it’s symmetrical, meaning both sides should look even and balanced. Another thing to watch for is something called the bow-tie effect, which appears as a dark shape across the center of some radiant cuts. A well-cut diamond will reduce this effect and reflect light more evenly.
Radiant cuts come in both square and rectangular versions. Choose the shape that fits your style or hand shape. For a beautiful engagement ring featuring a radiant cut diamond, visit capucinne.com or create a custom design.