Radiant-cut diamonds usually have an outline that resembles emerald-cut diamonds, but displays a higher degree of brilliance. They help to make the fingers look longer. Besides, they also cost much lesser than the round cut diamond rings, which makes them a preferred option for engagement ring baguette side stones. Below is a discussion on these diamonds, their comparison to other prominent shaped diamonds, and their pros and cons, so that you can make the right decision while buying a stone.
The Specialty of Radiant-Cut Diamonds
Radiant-cut diamonds are among the sparkliest diamonds available. This is one of the most modern shapes in the market, having been invented only in 1977. However, it retains a classic look. With the square-shaped or elongated look, it always stands out in a crowd. It is essential to match the properties of Radiant cut diamonds to the other shapes before you can arrive at a decision to buy something.
Round vs. Radiant
In comparison to round shaped diamonds, radiant diamonds have a lesser face-up size, with about 4% reduction. However, the diagonal measurement of the radiant cut makes the observer believe that they are bigger than the round brilliant diamonds of similar carat weight. It is true that a round engagement ring with baguettes is the best when it comes to providing the maximum return of sparkle and light. A radiant cut diamond is still one of the most dazzling cuts which can make for a sparkling stone.
Princess vs. Radiant
Princess-cut diamonds have a facet pattern that is different from the radiant-cut, and there is a noticeable difference between the two shapes. Princess cut stone is more square-shaped, while radiant cut ones have beveled corners. This allows radiant diamonds to keep off being chipped and snagged. Note that the typical radiant-cut diamonds have elongated profiles, and princess-cut diamonds have square shapes. However, there are elongated type princess-cut diamonds and square-shaped radiant-cut diamonds to be found as well.
Cushion vs. Radiant
Cushion-cut diamonds are characterized by their gentle curvature in contrast to the straight sides of radiant-cut diamonds. In a three-stone ring setting, choosing radiant diamonds as the outlines to the cushion diamond would be a great way to make your diamond look more adorable.
Cushion cut diamonds, meanwhile, display better dispersion of light and flashes, and are better than radiant cut diamonds in this regard. If you prefer this type of sparkle, you could choose a cushion cut stone and come out on top. Moreover, cushion cut diamonds are also known for the effect of colored fire which they produce when exposed to light.
The Cut Quality of Radiant-Cut Diamonds
In case of a radiant-cut diamond, one would have to assess the quality of the cut by themselves. A big part of the diamond’s beauty comes from its cut. However, fancy cuts like the radiant are not valued by the GIA. You would have to decide the quality using your own judgment. Sparkle is definitely one of the important parameters, but there are also a few more things you need to look for in diamonds in order to find the best radiant diamond.
Shape Appeal
Radiants acquire their attractive looks mainly from their shape. Look for evenly truncated corners, and stay away from excessively truncated corners to avoid looking off shape.
Length-To-Width Ratio
Radiant-cut diamonds are made with different kinds of length-to-width ratios (L/W). You can choose according to your taste, but the recommended ratio is between 1.15 and 1.35. Note that it is preferable to choose a ratio below 1.05 when it comes to square radiants.
Bowtie Effect
Similar to marquise, pears, and oval cut diamonds, radiant-cut diamonds too have a bowtie region. This is a dark band that appears across the diamond. Unevenly cut diamonds would have bowties, but precisely cut diamonds will have good sparkle across the stone. Make sure you look into the diamonds closely before you buy one.
Depth and Table
Selecting from a limited total depth percentage and table range would guide you towards the best radiant-cut diamonds available. This may not remove all your problems, but will certainly help in narrowing down the results of your search. It is advisable to keep the limits within a table of 61-69% and a depth of 61-67% for best results.
Clarity Grade for Radiant-Cut Diamonds
For the most economical purchase, you have to find the best available cut at the lowest clarity grade, in such a way that it does not affect the appearance of the stone. Because radiant-cut diamonds have intense light return or brilliance, the inclusions of a low clarity grade diamond are difficult to pinpoint. If you want crystal clear diamonds, look for clarity grades like SI1 and SI2. If you are on a tighter budget, you can choose I1 diamonds.
Radiant cut diamonds are a great choice for diamonds with an impressive level of brilliance. You can choose these diamonds after considering the important parameters which were discussed above.
