✨ Radiant Shape

The Bold Sparkle of a Brilliant with Sharp Sophistication

💎 Radiant: The Dazzling Hybrid

The radiant cut combines the best of both worlds—the fire and sparkle of a round brilliant with the clean lines and silhouette of an emerald cut. With trimmed corners and a dazzling facet pattern, it’s a top choice for those who want maximum sparkle with a strong, contemporary edge.

Whether you love glamour, structure, or a splash of bold personality, the radiant cut delivers brilliance and confidence in equal measure.

💡 It’s not just radiant by name—this cut lives up to it in every way.

🕰️ History of the Radiant Cut

The radiant cut is a relatively modern addition to the diamond world. It was invented in 1977 by Henry Grossbard, a master diamond cutter who wanted to create a stone that combined the brilliance of a round with the shape of an emerald.

🧾 Timeline Highlights:

• 1977: The first radiant cut diamond is introduced
• 1980s–1990s: Grows in popularity for those seeking sparkle in square/rectangular form
• Today: A sought-after shape in halo, solitaire and three-stone rings

📚 The radiant cut is often called the “first hybrid cut”—and it set the stage for a new generation of modern diamond shapes.

🎯 Why Choose a Radiant Cut Diamond?

• 🌟 Exceptional sparkle – over 70 facets = intense fire and brilliance
• 🧊 Modern outline – crisp rectangular or square shape with trimmed corners
• 🤲 Durable design – less prone to chipping thanks to beveled edges
• 💍 Versatile in design – pairs beautifully with halos, solitaires, or vintage settings
• 💷 Efficient face-up – appears large for its carat weight, especially in rectangular form

🌟 Celebrities with Radiant Cut Diamonds

Radiant cuts are favoured by trendsetters and glam-loving icons:

• 💍 Khloé Kardashian – oversized radiant cut in a hidden halo
• 💍 Jennifer Aniston – wore a radiant cut ring with a vintage-style band
• 💍 Drew Barrymore – radiant diamond in a three-stone setting
• 💍 Meghan Markle (before Harry) – previously wore a radiant solitaire from her first marriage

✨ It’s edgy, it’s sparkly, and it’s definitely red-carpet approved.

🔳 Radiant Cut Styles: Square vs Rectangular

Radiant cut diamonds come in two common variations, based on length-to-width ratio:

◻️ Square Radiant Cut

• Ratio: 1.00–1.05
• Look: Balanced, geometric, bold
• Best For: Solitaires, modern halo rings, east-west settings
• Vibe: Contemporary and symmetrical

▭ Rectangular Radiant Cut

• Ratio: 1.15–1.35+
• Look: Elongating, elegant, slightly vintage
• Best For: Three-stone rings, traditional styles
• Vibe: Sleek with a touch of glamour

🔍 Rectangular radiants offer more finger coverage, while square versions feel bold and compact.

💠 Radiant Cut in Ring Designs

🧠 Buying Tips & Quality Considerations

Radiants hide inclusions well and offer top sparkle—but symmetry and depth are key.

✅ What to Look For:

• Cut: No GIA cut grade—ask your jeweller to assess depth %, table %, symmetry, and sparkle
• Clarity: VS2–SI1 usually appears eye-clean
• Colour: G–H works beautifully; go I–J in yellow gold settings
• L/W Ratio:
  • 1.00–1.05 for square
  • 1.20–1.35 for rectangular

⚠️ Avoid overly deep stones—they may look smaller than their carat weight.

📊 Radiant vs Other Diamond Shapes

💬 FAQs – Radiant Cut Diamonds

✅ Pros & Cons of Radiant Cut Diamonds

✅ Pros:

• Exceptional brilliance and fire
• Strong, durable corners (less prone to chipping)
• Versatile design options (square or rectangular)
• Great for modern and vintage styles
• Larger face-up size for the carat

⚠️ Cons:

• No standard GIA cut grade—requires expert inspection
• Some stones may show a “crushed ice” look (personal preference)
• More rarity in the market than round/princess shapes

Mitigation Tip: Request HD images or videos, and compare a few side-by-side to identify the sparkle pattern you prefer.

🏁 Final Thought: All Angles, All Sparkle

The radiant cut diamond is a bold, modern choice for those who love strong shapes and serious sparkle. With its faceted fire, durability, and striking silhouette, it’s perfect for engagement rings that shine from every angle.

Whether square or elongated, solitaire or halo, the radiant cut is unapologetically brilliant—just like the one who wears it.

Martin Commins

More Articles – Education

• 👑 Diamond Shapes – Princess
• 💫 Side-Stone Engagement Rings
• What diamond shape suits my hand?
• 💫 Beyond the 4 Cs – Diamond Polish & Symmetry
• Choosing the right Diamond Shape