The radiant-cut diamond is a relative newcomer compared to other engagement setting styles. In 1981, master diamond cutter Henry Grossbard perfected a new diamond cut combining the many facets of a round brilliant-cut stone with the square or rectangular shape of the emerald cut.
The radiant-cut diamond features an impressive 70 facets, making it more brilliant than any other angular diamond cut stone. If you want an intensely brilliant stone to build your wedding set around, a radiant-cut diamond might be right for you!
The 4 C’s of Radiant-Cut Diamonds
An engagement ring may be one of the most expensive pieces of fine jewelry you will purchase in your lifetime. Here are the top features to consider when selecting a radiant-cut stone engagement ring—commonly known as the “4 Cs” of diamonds.
Cut
The quality of the cut is vital to a radiant-cut diamond’s beauty. Diamond cuts are classified as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. The better the cut, the more light is reflected and the brighter and more brilliant it appears. With so many facets, superior radiant-cut diamonds have a “crushed ice” offering breathtaking brilliance and fire from every viewing angle.
Color
Color rankings range from D to Z, with D representing the best diamond color: colorless. Even when color differences are present in a radiant-cut stone, that “crushed ice” effect can also obscure its color. So, you can choose a diamond with a less expensive color rating and instead spend more to increase its size—without sacrificing its overall appearance.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the number of blemishes, or inclusions, within a diamond. Like beauty marks, an inclusion or two can give your stone character. However, too many blemishes will detract from your radiant-cut diamond’s visual appeal. With 70 facets, inclusions are difficult to detect in radiant-cut diamonds unless they are located under the top table facet, which is most visible when viewed from above.
Carat
Carat (ct) is the weight of a diamond, and like other cuts, radiant-cut stones are priced in part by weight. However, when compared to a round brilliant-cut diamond of the same size, a radiant-cut diamond will often seem larger. That is because these stones have a shallower bottom and a larger surface area on the top. So, your radiant-cut diamond will appear more prominent, whichever carat you select. We are proud to provide exceptional quality and service to help guide our customers when choosing the perfect size and cut diamond engagement rings in Bergen County.
Designing Your Radiant-Cut Diamond Ring
Once you’ve found the perfect radiant-cut diamond, it’s time to build your ring! When it comes to curating your dream wedding set, the sky is the limit at F. Silverman Jewelers. We work with you to choose the ideal metal for your lifestyle, budget, and personal style, offering platinum, white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold.
When it comes to prong settings, the four-prong and unique double-claw prongs secure your stone without detracting from its beauty. We can accent your band with smaller gems or add unexpected shimmer with a hidden halo band that is only visible from certain angles.
If your radiant-cut engagement ring is part of a bridal set, you can browse our in-house collection or design a prong setting that pairs perfectly with your wedding band and other women’s rings for that striking stack.
Radiant-Cut Engagement Rings: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the advantages of a radiant-cut engagement ring?
Radiant-cut engagement rings offer several benefits, including their incredible brilliance and versatility. Due to their many facets, radiant diamonds can hide inclusions better than other cuts, meaning you can opt for a slightly lower clarity grade without sacrificing visual appeal. Their shape also makes them appear larger than round-cut diamonds of the same carat weight, giving you more visual impact for your investment. Additionally, radiant cuts are durable due to their trimmed corners, making them ideal for those with active lifestyles.
2. Does a radiant-cut diamond look bigger than other cuts?
Yes, radiant-cut diamonds often appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight. This is because the radiant cut has a large table surface (the flat top of the diamond), making it look more prominent. Its rectangular or square shape also tends to elongate the finger, adding to its appeal for those who want a bold, statement-making engagement ring.
3. How does a radiant cut compare to a cushion cut?
While both cuts are known for their brilliance, the radiant cut is more angular with a square or rectangular shape, whereas the cushion cut has rounded corners, giving it a softer, pillow-like appearance. Radiant cuts tend to offer a more modern look with sharper edges, while cushion cuts evoke a vintage, romantic feel. Both are beautiful, but your choice will depend on whether you prefer the more structured appearance of a radiant or the softer curves of a cushion cut.
4. Is a radiant-cut diamond a good choice for an engagement ring?
Absolutely! The radiant-cut diamond is a fantastic choice for an engagement ring due to its exceptional brilliance, durability, and versatility. Its sparkle is unmatched, and its square or rectangular shape can accommodate various settings and designs. Whether you’re seeking a modern or classic aesthetic, a radiant-cut engagement ring offers a unique blend of elegance and striking shine.
5. What metals pair well with radiant-cut engagement rings?
Radiant-cut diamonds complement a wide range of metals, including platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Platinum and white gold enhance the diamond’s brilliance by reflecting its sparkle, while yellow and rose gold provide a warm contrast that can make the diamond stand out even more. Your choice of metal will ultimately depend on your personal style and how you want to frame your radiant-cut stone.
Explore Radiant-Cut Engagement Rings In Bergen County
We can’t wait for you to explore our collection of women’s wedding bands from the world’s top fine jewelry designers. Call the store, contact us online, or visit F. Silverman Jewelers showroom in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey to add some sparkle to your life.