With so many diamond cuts out there, you should explore all your options as you shop for the perfect engagement ring setting. Today, we’re diving into the radiant cut diamond, a unique choice that’s captured the hearts of many. 

Read on to learn more about the radiant cut’s history, craftsmanship, and allure, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your dream ring.

The History of the Radiant Diamond Cut

The radiant cut diamond is a newbie in terms of diamond cuts. It was first crafted in the 1970s by a talented diamond cutter named Henry Grossbard. He designed this cut to combine a round brilliant cut’s brilliance with an emerald cut angular shape. 

The result was a square or rectangular diamond with trimmed corners and multiple facets that radiate a sparkly brilliance. In decades since, the radiant cut diamond has experienced periods of both high demand and relative obscurity, as trends in diamond cuts shift. In recent years, radiant diamonds have resurged in popularity, embraced by individuals seeking a more modern diamond shape.

Crafting Radiant Cut Diamonds

To craft a radiant cut diamond, skilled diamond cutters start by carefully analyzing a rough diamond. They consider… 

• The diamond’s shape
• The diamond’s size
• The diamond’s internal characteristics 

They then determine the optimal way to maximize its brilliance and diamond’s beauty. As the diamond cutter cuts and shapes the rough stone, they transform it into a rectangular outline with trimmed corners, meticulously faceting the diamond. The diamond is cut and polished with numerous facets, to enhance its ability to reflect light. 

The radiant cut typically has a step-cut pavilion and a brilliant-cut crown, ensuring exceptional light performance and sparkle.

The Beauty of Radiant Cut Diamonds

Radiant diamonds have unique characteristics that jewelry wearers love. Their brilliant faceting pattern allows for an exceptional play of light, which you don’t always see in square diamonds. Other square cuts like the emerald or princess are “step cut,” and this gives them a fiery, flashy look, but not the typical sparkle people expect in a diamond. The radiant cut, however, combines the step cut with the “brilliant cut,” which diamond cutters most often use for round diamonds. 

With a radiant cut diamond, you get the best of both worlds: a square or rectangular shape, but a sparkle pattern similar to what you’d find in a round cut.

Suggested Read:

Are emerald cut diamonds best for my engagement ring? | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
Is a Square Cut Diamond Right for My Engagement Ring?

Is a Radiant Cut Diamond a Good Choice?

Absolutely! Radiant cut diamonds offer the ultimate blend of brilliance and modern elegance. Few other diamond shapes offer the best of both worlds like the radiant cut. Thanks to their angled shape, they provide a unique and modern design perfect for an engagement ring that captivates both the wearer and admirers alike!

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Looking for inspiration? Check out some our favorite radiant cut rings:

A classic look with a hidden halo for extra sparkle

Pick your perfect version at Rare Carat

Add some extra elegance with this yellow gold band and all-over diamond look

 Pick it up at Dana Rebecca Designs

We love the marquise side stone and radiant center combination here

See for yourself at Grown Brilliance

How Many Facets are in a Radiant Cut Diamond?

This diamond shape typically features 70 facets, which includes a step-cut pavilion and a brilliant-cut crown. However, the exact number of facets can vary depending on the individual stone’s characteristics and the preferences of the diamond cutter. Nevertheless, the facet arrangement ensures exceptional light reflection and maximum sparkle.

Are Radiant Cut Diamonds More Expensive?

When it comes to diamond pricing, various factors influence the cost, including: 

• Carat weight
• Color
• Clarity
• Cut quality 

Radiant cut diamonds are not inherently more expensive than other cuts. They can even be slightly more affordable than round brilliant or princess cut diamonds, due to their ability to retain more rough diamond weight during the cutting process. They’re also not nearly as in demand as the round brilliant cut, making finding great deals easier.

Celebrities with Radiant Cut Diamond Rings

Radiant cut engagement rings have graced the fingers of numerous celebrities, adding to their allure. 

One of the most iconic examples is Jennifer Aniston’s engagement ring, which features a radiant cut diamond estimated at around 8 carats. Other notable celebrities, such as Hilary Duff and Drew Barrymore, have also chosen radiant cut diamonds for their engagement rings.

Which Engagement Ring Settings Look Best with a Radiant Cut?

Radiant cut diamonds dazzle in a variety of different ring settings. One popular choice is the classic solitaire setting, which uses the diamond as the singular focal point. 

For those who want more of a vintage look, a halo setting wherein smaller accent stones surround the radiant cut diamond is a timeless choice. A three-stone setting with two complementary side stones adds balance and symmetry to square radiant cut diamonds. 

Adding pavé diamonds around the band is a great way to glam up the look as well. 

Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal taste. Working with a reputable jeweler in person is the best way to find a setting you love and the best diamond for your budget.

Do I Need Engagement Ring Insurance?

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a deeply personal decision. Choosing whether to insure that engagement ring, however, should always be a yes. You need specialized jewelry insurance to protect fine jewelry from loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance. 

BriteCo’s affordable policy covers up to 125% of your ring’s appraised value, and it’s fast and easy to get started. 

Get an instant free quote for an affordable monthly or annual payment. After you upload the required documentation, you’ll get coverage in minutes.  

Insurance for engagement rings is a must, and there’s finally an affordable and easy way to get comprehensive jewelry insurance.

Also Check:

The Allure of the Baguette Diamond Cut

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