Radiant cut diamonds are young, debuting in 1977. They’ve since been admired for their concentrated brightness. In rare instances, jewels are recut into radiants to improve their brilliance or other qualities. Their light return makes them a good choice for those who love sparkling diamond rings.

Radiant Diamonds - Bright Mixed Cuts

When viewed from above, radiant cuts are rectangular with cropped corners. Though their outline resembles an emerald cut, radiant diamonds are mixed. They combine the carat preserving qualities of step cuts with the light of brilliants. Their upper halves are step cut, while their lower portions provide brightness.

The brilliance of radiant cuts has many advantages. While some cuts look best with high clarity, radiant’s sparkle can hide clarity characteristics. The cut also has the ability to improve the color of diamonds. Stones may lighten, or even upgrade to fancy colors as radiant cuts.

As radiant cuts’ appeal is its brightness, it looks best in settings which encourage light return. Prong mount engagement rings use slim pieces of metal to secure the jewel, allowing additional light to travel through. The straight sides of radiant cuts lend themselves well to many types of side stones. Brilliant cut side stones will make diamond engagement rings even brighter, as would halos.

The sides of a radiant cut diamond should be parallel to one another. Its ideal corners are even, rather than veering to one side or another. The bottom most facet, known as the culet, looks best centered beneath the jewel, ensuring even brilliance. Try to look at photographs of the jewels you’re considering to decide which one you like most.