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Radiant Cut Diamonds

The radiant cut certainly lives up to its name, the return of light and fire of this cut is second only to the round brilliant cut. A radiant cut diamond makes the perfect choice for those who wish to combine the fire of the round brilliant cut with the geometric elegance of the emerald cut. The radiant diamond is square or rectangular shape with cut corners. A radiant cut diamond looks stunning set into a diamond engagement ring, whether as a solitaire, in a halo setting, or a three stone ring. Radiant cut diamonds also work brilliantly in diamond stud earrings and tennis bracelets.

Radiant Cut Diamond

The radiant cut is called the ‘square or rectangular modified brilliant cut’ by laboratories such as the GIA, HRD or IGI. The radiant cut boasts 70 facets, with 25 on the crown, 8 on the girdle and 37 on the pavilion. The radiant cut was the forerunner to the princess cut. Before the invention of the radiant, all geometric diamonds were seen as duller and less lively than round shapes.

Henry Grossbard designed the first radiant cut in 1977. This cut was the culmination of thirty years research trying to combine the beauty of two highly popular diamond cuts. The creation of a ‘brilliantised step cut’ was a hybrid cutting style that employed the elegance of an emerald cut with the fire of a round brilliant cut. The cut became highly popular in the 1980s and has proven an excellent choice for diamonds ever since.

The cut corners of the radiant cut, borrowed from the emerald and Asscher cuts, not only give a stylish Deco appearance, they also give the diamond a substantial durability, and so perfect for a diamond that will be worn everyday, or by someone with an active lifestyle.

When choosing a radiant cut, bear in mind the length to width ratios. The radiant cut should have a length to width ratio between 1 and 1.05 for a square and 1.2 to 1.3 for a rectangular shape. By choosing a radiant cut between these ratios, you can avoid the distracting and unsightly ‘bow tie’ optical effect.

A radiant cut is so brilliant it can disguise inclusions in the intense return of light reflected through the facets. Where an emerald cut’s large open table acts as a window into the stone, the brilliance and fire of the radiant cut can disguise inclusions within the stone.

With this being said, radiant cuts can also optimize colour when viewed face up. Many fancy colour diamonds are cut as radiant, to enhance their natural colour and show it off to its best potential. Therefore, if you are after a colourless appearance, opt for a stone a couple of colour grades above your preference.

Contact our team of diamond jewellery specialists for more advice on diamond cuts. Buy radiant cut diamond engagement rings and jewellery online with 0% interest free finance and free UK delivery. Call us on 01335 453 453 or email us at sales@britishdiamondcompany.com.