What Is A Radiant Cut Diamond?

When buying a diamond engagement ring, one of the first and most important decisions is choosing the right diamond shape. While personal preference plays a huge role, some shapes stand out for their beauty and popularity. Among them is the radiant cut diamond—an eye-catching choice that combines the best of two worlds. So, what is a radiant cut diamond, and why might it be the perfect option for you?

What Are Radiant Cut Diamonds?

Designed by Henry Grossbard in 1977, the radiant cut diamond is a rectangular or square-shaped diamond that blends the elegance of the emerald cut with the brilliance of the round brilliant cut. Known for its incredible sparkle and fire, the radiant cut features a deep pavilion, a rectangular or square-shaped crown, and 70 expertly cut facets that enhance light performance.

While its shape is similar to the emerald cut, the radiant cut’s additional facets give it greater brilliance and scintillation—making it a standout choice for engagement rings. For those who love antique styles, the radiant cut’s brilliance contrasts beautifully with the vintage charm of cuts like the Old Mine Cut diamond.

The Popularity of Radiant Cut Diamonds

Though not as common as round brilliant or princess cuts, radiant cut diamonds have earned a loyal following thanks to their distinctive beauty and frequent appearances on celebrity engagement rings. Their versatility allows them to shine in solitaire, halo, and three-stone settings, making them an ideal choice for both classic and contemporary designs.

Notable celebrity radiant cut diamond rings include:

• Drew Barrymore: A 4-carat colorless radiant cut diamond with a French-set band (2012).
• Megan Fox: A 3.6-carat radiant cut diamond set in a platinum halo band.
• Jennifer Lopez: A unique 6.1-carat pink radiant cut diamond accented by trapezoid diamonds.
• Khloe Kardashian: A 12.5-carat radiant cut diamond from Lamar Odom (2009).

Choosing the Right Radiant Cut Diamond

Radiant cut diamonds are available across the full range of colors, from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). For the most brilliant look, many clients choose colorless or near-colorless stones. Clarity grades range from IF (flawless) to I3 (included), with VS2 and SI1 being popular for their balance of beauty and value.

Buy a Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

The 1916 Company offers a curated selection of radiant cut diamond engagement rings in a variety of styles, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone designs. We can also custom design a ring to match your exact vision. Our diamond specialists provide personalized guidance at our boutique locations or through private consultations.

Whether you are drawn to the contemporary sparkle of a radiant cut or the romantic charm of an Old Mine Cut diamond, our team can help you find the perfect engagement ring. Contact us today to begin your search and explore our radiant cut diamond collection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radiant Cut Diamonds

• What is a radiant cut diamond?
  A radiant cut diamond is a square or rectangular diamond shape that combines the brilliance of a round cut with the clean lines of an emerald cut.
• Are radiant cut diamonds popular?
  Yes. They are a favorite among celebrities and are valued for their exceptional sparkle and versatile style.
• Do radiant cut diamonds hide inclusions well?
  Yes. Thanks to their many facets, radiant cuts can disguise inclusions better than step-cut shapes like emerald cuts.
• What settings work best for radiant cut diamonds?
  Popular settings include solitaire, halo, and three-stone designs, which highlight the stone’s shape and brilliance.
• Where can I buy a radiant cut diamond engagement ring?
  You can browse and purchase radiant cut diamond rings from The 1916 Company online or at our boutiques.