Shop for a Radiant Cut Diamond

A radiant cut diamond is a type of diamond shape that known and loved for its distinctive rectangular (but sometimes square) shape and brilliant faceting patterns. Combining the elegance of emerald cuts with the brilliance of rounds, radiant cut diamonds prove that you can truly have it all.

Like an emerald cut diamond, radiant cut diamonds have straight sides and cropped corners, making them (technically), an octagon. But unlike the emerald cut, which features 57 step cut facets cut parallel to each other to create the dazzling flash emerald cuts are adored for, radiant cuts feature a whopping 70 horizontal and vertical facets. These facets are cut in a way that allows the diamond to reflect light in all directions, which means that radiant cut diamonds are incredibly brilliant. The result is a stone that sparkles like crazy and looks great from every angle.

Very quickly, let's talk about what a radiant cut diamond is not. We get into it above a bit but a radiant cut diamond does not an emerald diamond make, you know, because of the difference in faceting style and pattern. And while it may seem natural to consider a square radiant cut the same thing as a princess cut you would also be wrong. Here the difference lies in the radiant's cropped corners and the princess cut's sharp and pointed corners.

'Ok,' we can hear you saying, 'so a radiant cut diamond isn't an emerald cut because of its faceting and it's not a princess cut because of it's corner. But how is a radiant cut diamond different than a cushion cut?' Great question! Radiants and cushions can get confused a good portion of the time thanks to their similarities in shape and mixed-faceting patterns. The difference lies within their lines. Cushions employ soft sides and curved corners while radiants are all about the crisp clean line. What's more, cushion cut dimonds a more coloful rainbow flash while radiants are all about the hot, bright, white light.

But hey, we love the radiant cut not for what it isn't but what it is- a stunning, fiery diamond that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a stunning engagement ring, chic pair of stud earrings, or an unparalleled pendent necklace, you can't go wrong with choosing a radiant cut.

Love the look of a radiant but concerned about cost? You're in luck, because radiant cut diamonds are one of the more affordable diamond shapes available thanks to their economical shape and current market demand. Radiants are like finding a designer handbag on sale-both fabulous and wallet friendly!

But what specific things contribute to their affordability? First and foremost, Because of their unique rectangular or square shape, radiant cut diamonds retain more of the rough diamond during the cutting process, resulting in less waste. This means that less of Mother Earth's magical creation ends up in the jeweler's dustbin. And less waste, my fabulous friend, means more affordable prices. It's a win-win situation that allows you to rock a radiant cut diamond without breaking the bank.

Additionally, there really isn't as large of a demand for radiant cut diamonds as there is other shapes. In fact, only 2% of diamonds sold today are radiant cut. We guess you could say that the radiant cut is a bit of a hidden gem (pun most definitely intended).

But don't think for one second that the lower price tag means compromising on style or sparkle. Oh no, sweetie. Radiant cut diamonds still deliver plenty of dazzle and brilliance. With their beautifully beveled corners and countless facets, they catch the light just like a disco ball on a Saturday night.

Now, of course, the cost of any diamond can vary depending on factors like cut quality, color grade, clarity, and carat weight. A larger or higher-quality radiant cut diamond may still carry a higher price tag, but when comparing apples to apples, darling, a radiant cut diamond often offers great value for your hard-earned cash. But, when you shop smart and know which of the 4Cs to prioritize, you can easily find your perfect radiant cut diamond that is as sparkly as it is affordable.

Radiant cut diamonds are a bit of a conundrum when it comes to size. When compared directly with round brilliant diamonds, they are usually only about 4% smaller. But here's where things get interesting, my trendsetting friend. Thanks to the visual trickery of their diagonal measurement, radiant cut diamonds can actually appear larger than that same round brilliant. It's like a visual magic trick that will leave you saying, "Abracadabra, where did all that extra size come from?"

Essentially, the radiant cut diamond's shape plays a clever game with our perception of size. You see, the radiant cut features trimmed corners and a rectangular or square shape. This elongated silhouette creates an illusion of greater size, as it covers more surface area compared to a round diamond with the same carat weight. So while the face-up size of a radiant cut may be smaller than a round brilliant, it can still appear to be larger.

And hey, we get it-when it comes to diamonds, size can matter. That's why it's important to understand the distinction between carat weight and the visual size of your diamond, because, no-these two measurements won't always be the same.

A diamond's carat weight is a measurement of the diamond's mass, aka its weight. Meanwhile, a diamond's visual size is the size of the diamond as it appears to the naked eye. So while a one carat diamond may be larger than a 0.90 carat diamond, it doesn't mean that the one carat diamond will always look bigger. In fact, there are many factors that can affect how your diamond appears to you and others around you.

The best way to ensure that you're getting the most sparkle for your buck is to look at the diamond in person, and compare it side-by-side with other diamonds of similar size and quality. This will give you a better idea of how your diamond will look when it's set into a ring or other piece of jewelry. Have a radiant cut diamond in mind that you're just dying to see in person? Reach out! Our diamond concierge can help source radiant diamonds that dazzle in sizes that are juuuuust right.

A radiant cut diamond will definitely bring more sparkle to the party than an emerald cut diamond. But, here's the catch: while a radiant cut diamond will outshine an emerald cut diamond in the sparkle department, it usually plays second fiddle to the dazzling superstar known as the round brilliant cut diamond.

Let's discuss.

When we talk about sparkle, it's important to mention cut—the characteristic that determines how much fire and brilliance your diamond will have. Not to go all Anchorman on you but it's "kind of a big deal".

Essentially, the cut of a diamond is what gives it its sparkle. And, when it comes to sparkle, the round brilliant cut diamond is king. This is because round brilliants were literally created to sparkle the most. Their cut is based on a mathematical formula, devised by Marcel Tolkowsky, to achieve the maximum amount of brilliance possible. So it makes sense that neither similarly graded radiants nor emerald cut diamonds could outshine a round brilliant...it's just not mathematically possible.

But when it comes down to comparing the sparkle factor of radiant cut diamonds and emerald cut diamonds, there's a clear winner. Radiant cut diamonds have more sparkle than emerald cuts, and here's why: The radiant cut is a modified brilliant cut, which means that it has facets on the top and bottom of the stone. This allows light to enter from all angles and reflect out through the top of the diamond, creating lots of lush and vibrant sparkle.

Sometimes, the facets of a radiant cut diamond will be cut more irregularly and smaller than normal. The result is a crushed ice radiant cut. Imagine unmeltable crushed ice sitting out in the sun, with all of its unique irregularities, the ice reflects back the rays of the sun in a dazzling and dizzying whirl of sparkle.

And whether you compare a brilliant radiant cut or a crushed ice radiant cut, they'll both be more sparkly than the emerald cut. But honestly, that can be a good thing! Unlike radiant cuts that are prized for their -well, radiance, emerald cut diamonds are celebrated for their understated flash and glamorous hall-of-mirrors-like glimmers. And while they may not have the sparkle of a radiant cut, they have a unique beauty all their own.

Now, just like any other diamond shape, the cost of a 2 carat radiant cut diamond can vary quite a bit. We're talking anywhere between $1,200 and $78,000. I know, I know, that's a pretty wide range. It's enough to make you scratch your head and wonder if diamonds are secretly playing a game of hide and seek with your wallet. But fret not, because when it comes to diamond pricing, there's both rhyme and reason.

First things first, let's talk about the origin of these radiant cut diamonds. Natural diamonds, forged through millions of years under the earth's majestic pressure, will always come with a premium price tag. You see, rarity comes at a cost.

On the other hand, we have lab created diamonds - the sleek new kids on the block. These beauties are born in a lab in just a matter of weeks. And let me tell you a secret: they are chemically and physically identical to their natural counterparts. It's like having a clone that sparkles. So, don't be fooled by the lower price tag, my dear. Lab created diamonds are here to dazzle and save your budget!

Now, let's talk about the 4Cs, the four magical categories that determine a diamond's value. Carat weight, cut grade, color grade, and clarity grade are the fab four we need to focus on. Imagine this: you set your eyes on a breathtaking 2 carat radiant cut masterpiece that checks all the boxes in the 4C department. A diamond like this will be more valuable, and let's be honest, it will cost you a pretty penny. But here's the secret sauce, my friend: you don't need perfection in every category. It's all about finding that perfect balance that suits your style and budget. So, do your research, understand your preferences, and you'll find the radiant cut diamond that steals the show!

Other factors also come into play when it comes to the cost of radiant cut diamonds. Market demand, diamond fluorescence, and sneaky pricing strategies used by retailers can all influence the final price tag. But fear not, for Frank Darling is here to save the day! We specialize in working with your budget to find a radiant cut diamond that will make your heart skip a beat without breaking the bank.