Why Choose a Radiant Cut Diamond for Your Engagement Ring
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5 min
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When choosing an engagement ring, the shape of the diamond is more than just a stylistic preference. It speaks to personality, durability, and overall brilliance. With so many diamond cuts available, understanding what sets each apart is crucial if you’re investing in a piece that symbolises love, commitment, and forever.
If you’re shopping for the perfect engagement ring, are curious about diamond shapes, or simply want a stone that strikes the ideal balance between sparkle and strength, radiant-cut diamonds and radiant engagement rings deserve your attention.
In this diamond cut guide, we’ll explore what radiant-cut diamonds are, why they’re an outstanding choice, how to select the best one, and how they compare to other popular cuts.
What is a Radiant Cut Diamond?
A radiant-cut diamond is a brilliant cut diamond that combines the best features of the emerald cut diamonds and the round brilliant cut diamonds.
Also known as the square modified brilliant cut, the radiant cut is a rectangular or square-shaped diamond with trimmed corners that add durability and soften the visual edges. That is, it’s a dazzling hybrid that boasts:
The clean, sleek lines of a step-cut shape (like emerald or Asscher cuts)
The high level of sparkle and brilliance typically found in round brilliant cuts
But what truly sets the radiant cut diamond apart is its complex faceting pattern (usually 70 facets), which maximises sparkle and fire. Unlike step cuts (like emerald or Asscher), the radiant cut uses brilliant-cut facets on both the crown and pavilion. This gives it exceptional fire and brilliance, making it one of the most sparkly of all fancy-shaped diamonds.
The cut was first developed in 1977 by diamond master Henry Grossbard, and remains a favourite for those who want a modern shape with maximum brilliance and durability.
Why Should I Choose a Radiant Cut Diamond?
Radiant-cut diamonds are experiencing a surge in popularity across London, particularly among couples seeking something elegant, modern, and full of personality. But beyond trends, there are several compelling reasons why radiant-cut diamonds make an outstanding choice for engagement rings. These include:
1. Maximum Sparkle and Brilliance
Radiant-cut diamonds are renowned for their intense sparkle. Designed with 70 finely arranged facets, this cut is engineered to maximise the return of both brilliance (white light) and fire (coloured light). The result is a vivid, lively stone that catches the eye from every angle, nearly rivalling the famed round brilliant in sparkle, but with a more contemporary edge. This makes radiant-cut diamonds perfect for those who want a show-stopping ring with a modern silhouette that doesn't sacrifice brilliance.
2. Exceptional Durability for Daily Wear
Unlike other square or rectangular diamonds (such as princess or emerald cut diamonds), radiant cuts have softened, cropped corners. These bevelled edges significantly reduce the risk of chipping or breakage, making them a much more practical option for everyday wear. If you lead an active lifestyle or simply want a diamond engagement ring that can stand up to years of daily use, the radiant cut diamond rings offer peace of mind without compromising on elegance.
3. Larger Appearance
One of the radiant cut’s biggest strengths is its versatility. Whether you prefer something sleek and minimal or ornate and vintage-inspired, radiant-cut diamonds adapt beautifully to a wide range of ring settings. You can opt for solitaire settings that highlight the shape and brilliance of the diamond with minimal distraction, or choose halo designs that enhance size and sparkle, offering a romantic, luxurious feel. And if you want something symbolic, you may opt for a three-stone setting, or even vintage-inspired settings. No matter your personal aesthetic, radiant cuts offer the flexibility to create a truly bespoke engagement ring that reflects your individual style.
4. Flattering on Every Hand Shape
The radiant cut is known for its versatility in appearance. Rectangular radiant cuts elongate the look of the fingers, offering a graceful, slimming effect that many find incredibly flattering. Square radiant cuts, on the other hand, create a bold and balanced aesthetic with strong symmetry, perfect for those who prefer a statement look. Whether your hands are petite, long, or somewhere in between, radiant-cut diamonds offer a universally flattering profile that complements all finger shapes and ring styles.
5. Impressive Value for Money
If you're seeking a diamond that offers maximum visual impact without exceeding your budget, the radiant cut delivers exceptional value. One key reason is the way it's cut. Radiant diamonds retain more of the original rough stone than round brilliants, which means less material is wasted during the cutting process. As a result, radiant cuts typically cost less per carat, giving you more diamond for your money. For couples looking to balance brilliance, size, and budget, radiant cuts are a strategic and stylish choice.
See our collection of stunning Engagement Rings
How to Choose the Best Radiant Cut Diamond
Choosing a radiant-cut diamond involves balancing the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat) with personal style and budget. Learn more about the 4Cs of diamonds
Cut: Cut is the most important factor in a radiant diamond’s sparkle. Look for excellent or very good cut grades, with balanced depth (around 61–67%) and table percentages (around 61–69%) to maximise brilliance. A well-cut radiant will reflect light beautifully and enhance the stone’s lively fire.
Clarity: The brilliant facets of a radiant cut help mask inclusions better than step cuts. This means you can often opt for a VS2 (or even a lower clarity grade like SI1) and still get a clean-looking stone.
Colour: Radiant cuts can show more colour than round brilliants. We recommend D–F for a crisp, icy look. G–H for excellent value with near-colourless appearance. For yellow gold settings, even a lower colour grade like J may still appear white.
Carat Weight: Due to their shallower depth, radiant diamonds often appear larger than other shapes at the same carat weight. A 1.0ct radiant can look more like a 1.10ct round brilliant.
Always choose a diamond with GIA or IGI certification to guarantee its authenticity and quality. Discover more in our diamond certification guide and gain a clear understanding of the process.
Final Thoughts
Radiant-cut diamonds bring together the best of all worlds: the brilliance of round cuts, the sophistication of emerald cuts, and the durability to withstand a lifetime of love and adventure. For anyone seeking a diamond that’s both strikingly beautiful and smartly practical, radiant cuts are a shining choice.
At Regal Hatton Garden Jewellers, we specialise in helping you find the perfect radiant-cut diamond engagement ring, whether through our curated collection or bespoke design service. Visit our Hatton Garden showroom or book a private consultation today to begin your journey toward the perfect “yes.”
