A radiant cut diamond engagement ring features a diamond that is shaped into a rectangular or square form with cut corners and brilliant-style facets. The radiant cut combines the best of both worlds, merging the rectangular shape of an emerald cut with the sparkle and fire of a round brilliant cut. This makes it one of the most sparkly rectangular-shaped diamonds available, offering exceptional brilliance that rivals round diamonds.

The cut features 70 facets, which create a dazzling display of light and give the diamond a unique depth and brightness. Its signature trimmed corners not only make it stand out visually but also add a touch of durability, as they help protect the stone from chipping. Radiant cut diamonds look stunning in various settings, from classic solitaires to intricate halos, and their versatile shape makes them a great choice for those seeking a diamond that offers both sparkle and a distinct shape.

Choosing a radiant cut diamond for an engagement ring offers several advantages, especially if you’re seeking maximum sparkle. One of the key reasons to choose a radiant cut is its brilliance. Thanks to its brilliant-cut facets, this diamond shape reflects light in a way that creates a fiery, vibrant sparkle, making it a great option if you want a stone that catches the light beautifully.

The radiant cut’s versatility is another strong selling point. Its rectangular or square shape with beveled corners can look modern and sophisticated, but it also fits seamlessly into vintage-inspired designs. This means that whether you prefer a classic solitaire, a halo setting, or a three-stone design, a radiant cut diamond can adapt to your desired style.

Additionally, radiant cut diamonds tend to hide inclusions and imperfections well, so you can often choose a diamond with a lower clarity grade without compromising the stone’s overall appearance. The cut’s elongated shape can also make a diamond appear larger than it is, providing a bigger visual presence for the same carat weight compared to round diamonds. For those who want a bold yet elegant diamond with plenty of sparkle, a radiant cut is a fantastic choice.

The radiant cut diamond is known for its exceptional sparkle, often ranking among the most brilliant of all diamond shapes. It shares a faceting pattern with round brilliant cuts, which means it is designed to maximize light reflection. This results in a diamond with intense brilliance and fire, similar to the round and princess cuts. Unlike other rectangular shapes, such as the emerald cut, which uses step-cut facets for a more subtle, reflective shine, the radiant cut’s facets create a lively, vibrant look.

Compared to other elongated shapes like oval or cushion cuts, the radiant cut offers a balance of brilliance with a more structured shape. It is a great option for those who appreciate the rectangular or square silhouette but don’t want to sacrifice the sparkling quality of a round cut.

Additionally, the radiant cut’s trimmed corners and deep facet structure help reduce the appearance of imperfections and inclusions, which can enhance the overall sparkle. If you love the look of a rectangular diamond but want the brilliance typically associated with round cuts, the radiant cut is an excellent middle ground.

Radiant cut diamonds are incredibly versatile, which means they look beautiful in a wide variety of settings. A classic choice is the solitaire setting, where the radiant diamond is showcased on a simple band, allowing its brilliance to take centre stage. This minimalist approach highlights the diamond’s shape and cut, offering a timeless, elegant appearance.

For those who want to add extra sparkle, a halo setting is a great option. In a halo setting, the radiant cut diamond is surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds, enhancing the centre stone’s brilliance and making it appear larger. The halo can also soften the sharp edges of a rectangular radiant cut, creating a more rounded visual effect.

Three-stone settings are another popular choice for radiant cut diamonds, often paired with tapered baguettes or round side stones. This style creates a balanced, classic look while adding additional sparkle and dimension to the ring. A pavé band, where small diamonds are set along the band, can also complement the radiant cut beautifully, adding extra shimmer without taking away from the centre stone’s presence.

When selecting a setting for a radiant cut diamond, it’s important to ensure that the prongs protect the trimmed corners of the diamond, as these areas can be more vulnerable to damage. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern design or a more ornate, vintage-inspired style, the radiant cut’s adaptability makes it easy to find a setting that matches your vision.

Yes, radiant cut diamonds are generally more affordable than round diamonds of the same carat weight. This is primarily because the radiant cut retains more of the original rough diamond during the cutting process, resulting in less waste compared to the round cut. Round diamonds require more of the rough stone to be removed to achieve their perfect circular shape, making them more costly to produce.

Additionally, round diamonds are in higher demand, which tends to drive up their prices. Radiant cut diamonds, while highly sought after for their unique blend of shape and sparkle, do not carry the same premium. This makes them a great choice for those who want a brilliantly sparkling diamond with a larger appearance without the higher price tag associated with round diamonds.

The radiant cut’s elongated shape can also make a diamond appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight, providing a greater visual impact. This makes it a popular option for those looking to maximise both the size and sparkle of their engagement ring while staying within a budget.

When buying a radiant cut diamond, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you get a stone that looks stunning. First, focus on the cut quality. The way a radiant diamond is cut significantly affects its sparkle, so look for a well-proportioned stone with a good depth and table percentage. While the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) does not provide an official cut grade for radiant cuts, you can work with a jeweller to identify a stone with optimal brilliance.

Next, consider the diamond’s clarity. Although radiant cut diamonds are great at hiding inclusions due to their faceting style, choosing a clarity grade of VS2 or higher is a good idea to ensure the diamond looks clean to the naked eye. The radiant cut’s large, open table can make inclusions more visible if the clarity grade is too low.

Colour is another key consideration for radiant cuts. Because they are brilliant cuts, radiant diamonds can hide slight colour tints better than step-cut diamonds like emerald cuts. Opting for a diamond in the G to H colour range can provide a great balance between quality and cost, appearing nearly colourless while offering good value.

Lastly, think about the length-to-width ratio. A ratio between 1.30 and 1.50 is typically preferred for a rectangular radiant cut, while a ratio close to 1.0 creates a more square appearance. The ratio you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall look you want for your ring. By paying attention to these details, you can select a radiant cut diamond that perfectly matches your style and needs.