Radiant Cut Diamond: The Complete Guide

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by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

Suzanne Sachs

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