Radiant Cut Diamond: The Complete Guide (2024)

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Radiant Cut Diamond: The Complete Guide

by Suzanne Sachs      5 min read

This blog delves into the world of radiant cut diamonds and explores various options for radiant cut engagement rings. We highlight different choices, provide tips on what to look for, and offer guidance on finding the perfect vintage radiant cut ring that combines quality, style, and affordability.

THE BASICS--

The radiant cut diamond can be a truly stunning and unique option for a meaningful engagement ring, one that highlights your personality and showcases your individual flair. But how much do you know about the radiant cut, its meaning and symbolism, and is it the right choice to express your style and the romance of your relationship?

NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

  • About The Radiant Cut Diamond
  • Radiant Cut Meaning and Symbolism
  • Shape Symbolism
  • Age Symbolism
  • Personality Symbolism
  • Celebrity Symbolism
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Choosing a Radiant Cut Diamond Ring

About The Radiant Cut Diamond

The radiant cut is a hybrid diamond shape, a clever fusion of the step cut of the emerald shape and the brilliant cut of round diamonds. This combination improves the sparkle and brilliance of the stone while preserving the focus on outstanding depth, drawing the eye into the diamond.

Developed by Henry Grossbard in 1977 in New York, the radiant cut is a relative newcomer among diamond shapes and engagement ring design. The cut features 70 facets and has either a squarish or rectangular shape, depending on the exact proportions (which are largely a matter of personal preference). The sides are straight and crisp, and the corners are slightly beveled to strengthen the
stone and protect its integrity.

The large number of facets in this diamond cut create a “crushed ice” or kaleidoscope effect, one that brings extra shimmer to the stone. This helps conceal small inclusions and enhances the color of the stone, while visually enlarging its carat weight. This makes radiant cut diamonds a fantastic value, perfect for any budget-conscious couple.

This diamond cut was particularly popular in the 1980s, when its newness made it all the more striking. Today, many vintage engagement rings incorporate radiant cut stones, and it is possible to reset radiant cuts in even older antique ring designs.

radiant-cut-diamond

Radiant Cut Meaning and Symbolism

Despite its youth, the radiant cut is rich with symbolism, giving great meaning to a couple’s engagement ring.

Shape Symbolism

The rectangular shape of the stone, like with the emerald cut, represents stability and solidity, strong traits perfect for a couple building their life together. The firm, geometric shape is also associated with honesty and dependability, characteristics everyone desires in a spouse. 

radiant-cut-diamond

Age Symbolism

Because of the cut’s recent entry into the world of diamond shapes, it can be a great choice for a youthful bride-to-be. A radiant cut can also be associated with its invention year – 1977 – or its height of popularity in the 1980s.

 

Radiant Cut Diamond Ring

Personality Symbolism

The straight lines of the cut and its combination of two other shapes associates it with innovative personalities, as well as creativity, openness, trendiness, and flirtatiousness. This is the ideal diamond shape for a bubbly and outgoing personality.

fancy-yellow-diamond

Celebrity Symbolism

The radiant cut has graced some of the most popular fingers in Hollywood, including Hillary Duff, Drew Barrymore, Megan Fox, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, and Khloe Kardashian. Any bride who chooses a radiant cut joins this elite group of leading ladies.

1.20 ct Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a radiant cut diamond?

A radiant cut diamond is a square or rectangular-shaped diamond with cut corners. It combines the elegance of the emerald cut with the brilliance of the round brilliant cut.

What are the key features of a radiant cut diamond?

The key features of a radiant cut diamond include its square or rectangular shape with beveled corners, and its 70 facets designed to maximize brilliance and fire. 

What are the advantages of a radiant cut diamond?

Radiant cut diamonds offer several advantages, including their versatility in different jewelry settings and their exceptional brilliance. 

Our Top Picks For Radiant Cut Diamond Rings

When selecting a radiant cut diamond ring, choose the design that best reflect your personal style and flair. Here's a look at our top picks:

 • Vintage Three Stone 1.36 Ct Radiant Cut Diamond Ring
This classic vintage ring showcases a dazzling 1.36 carat GIA radiant cut diamond of I color and SI1 clarity, flanked by 2 bullet cut diamond accents weighing .45 carat. Beautifully crafted in platinum.
Radiant Cut Engagement Ring
 
 • Vintage 1.17 Ct GIA Fancy Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Ring
This stunning vintage ring showcases a natural GIA certified 1.17 carat fancy yellow radiant cut diamond, flanked by two trillion cut diamond accents. Beautifully handcrafted in platinum and 18K yellow gold.
fancy-yellow-diamond-ring
 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My experience with Vintage Diamond Ring was so excellent I really had to think about it for a while. First their selection of jewelry is profound. The quality is superior.”

— Claude P verified buyer (Vintage Ring Review)


Each radiant cut engagement ring was meticulously crafted during its time, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and conflict-free origins—perfect for customers who appreciate the beauty of vintage jewelry.

Choosing a Radiant Cut Diamond Ring

The radiant cut diamond cut looks fantastic as a simple solitaire engagement ring, or it can be a showstopper in many types of ring settings and designs, including halos, multi-stone bands, three-stone rings, or minimalist designs with accent baguettes. While a true radiant cut won’t be found in antique engagement rings because the cut is too modern, it is also possible to reset a radiant cut diamond into any type of vintage-inspired or antique engagement ring. The geometric lines are particularly stunning in both Art Deco engagement rings as well as mid-century modern designs. 

No matter what type of engagement ring you are interested in, a radiant cut can be a unique and lovely choice for a creative, enthusiastic couple and the relationship they share..

Antique Engagement Rings For Everyone:

No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored gemstones have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations. If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring that tells the world that you’re passionately in love, an Art Deco ring is a stunning choice. Find your dream ring today!

Find The Perfect Antique Engagement Ring:

Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Radiant Cut Diamond Rings today!

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
 

Press Love:

Thrive Global

Art Deco Emerald Ring

Contact Suzanne

If you love vintage or eco-friendly jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of eco-friendly vintage engagement rings.


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