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Radiant Cut Diamonds 101

What is a Radiant Cut?

A Brief History:

In the 1970s, jeweler Henry Grossbard was on a mission to combine the beauty of an emerald cut with a round brilliant. After working for 30-years as a diamond cutter, Grossbard had the idea to feature the elongated elegance of an emerald cut with all the sparkle factor of a round brilliant cut diamond. It was through his years of experience and work that the radiant cut was born. The radiant diamond is known for its rectangular, emerald-like shape, but they can also come in a more square-like shape resembling a cushion cut.

How do Cushion Cut Diamonds differ from Square Cut Radiants?

A cushion cut diamond carries a significant amount of its weight in the middle. A radiant cut diamond had structure similar to a princess cut, which means that a radiant will also face up larger than a traditional square cushion cut diamond. A Radiant is called a "cut cornered square modified brilliant" and a princess is a "square modified brilliant." A diamond has two classification when it comes to kind of cut, a brilliant verses a step cut. This tells us if it has shine vs sparkle.

How do Radiant Cut Diamonds differ from an Emerald Cut Diamond?

Emerald is a step-cut. Step-cuts are designed to make a diamond shine like clear-cut glass, meaning they are usually found in a higher clarity range, since inclusions are more visible. Radiant cuts have a facet structure similar to a round brilliant, so they are designed to sparkle! If you love an Emerald cut diamond, but LOVE the sparkle of a round brilliant, then a Radiant is the perfect compromise. You’ll have all the sparkle with the shape of a classic cut emerald diamond.

What is a step-cut?
Pictured here is our head of merchandizing, Lena’s, engagement ring. Her center diamond is a traditional elongated radiant cut. It is set into an illusion bezel solitaire with claw prongs. Note: Lena’s ring is a custom piece. [Read about custom rings!]
Check out our Diamond 101 Page to Learn More About Diamonds!
Want to know more about diamonds? You can make an appointment with me, Stephanie, or one of the other expert jewelers here at Steven Singer Jewelers, to receive an in-depth and in-person Diamonds 101! This is a great way to start your engagement ring journey!

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