Radiant Cut Diamond vs Emerald Cut Diamond
Diamond Shape Guide: Radiant vs Emerald Cut
History
Despite it's modern appeal, the emerald cut originated in the 1500s, making it one of the oldest diamond shapes. Stone cutters devised this style of cutting when seeking an effective way to cut emerald gemstones without cracking or chipping them. This stunning shape gained popularity again in the 1920's during the Art Deco movement because of it's clean lines and impressive symmetry.
With a similar outline to the emerald cut, the radiant cut is a more recent addition to the world of gemstones. Developed in 1977, this cut has more facets to maximize brilliance and beauty.
Radiant vs. Emerald
The number of facets is what differentiates an emerald and radiant cut. Emerald cut diamonds can be referred to as step cuts because of the long lines that look like steps in the stones. However, radiant cut diamonds are considered a brilliant cut because of the way they are faceted.
Emerald
Radiant
Qualities to look for
Emerald cuts have a stunning glassy look, however, inclusions on the table are more noticeable in this cut. We recommend a VS1 or better clarity when choosing an emerald cut. A VS2 or SI1 can still look beautiful if the type and location of inclusions are not distracting.
The facets of the radiant cut allows inclusions to be less noticeable. An eye clean SI1 or a VS2 or better clarity are recommended when selecting a radiant cut diamond. A higher color will also highlight the beautiful sparkle that the radiant cut produces. We recommend a color between D and H for both emerald and radiant cuts.
How to wear
The rectangular shape of emerald and radiant cut diamonds can visually elongate the look of the finger making it appear longer and more slender. Both emerald cut and radiant cut diamonds look stunning in a variety of styles and settings.
Solitaire settings show off the center stone’s beauty.
Solitaires
Abel
14K Yellow Gold
Abigail
14K Yellow Gold
Rae
14K Yellow Gold
Rory
14K Yellow Gold
Halo settings make the center diamond appear larger because of the extra sparkle produced by the diamonds surrounding it.
with halos
Mable
14K Yellow Gold
Margo
14K Yellow Gold
Jane
14K Yellow Gold
Avens
14K Yellow Gold
Three stone designs compliment radiant and emerald cut diamond center stones giving even more brilliance to the overall piece.
three-stone
Iverson
14K Yellow Gold
Rockwell
14K Yellow Gold
Lauren
14K Yellow Gold
Ives
14K Yellow Gold
Small diamonds can be used as accents to the radiant or emerald cut center. This showcases the center stone and adds sparkle!
accent stones
Quinn
14K Yellow Gold
Hope
14K Yellow Gold
Grace
14K Yellow Gold
Nashville
14K Yellow Gold
Several gemstones are stunning in emerald and radiant cuts! If you prefer a colorful stone to express your style - and love rectangular stones - consider getting a sapphire, emerald, ruby, onyx, or other gemstone in an emerald cut!
gemstones
Bands
Here are some of our favorite bands to pair with our engagement rings. For more information about pairing your ring with a wedding band, please click here.
bands
Rowan
14K Yellow Gold
Ethel
14K Yellow Gold
Classic Gap
14K Yellow Gold
Tommy
14K Yellow Gold
Celebrities with emerald engagement rings
Beyonce
Angelina Jolie
Paris Hilton
Jennifer Lawrence
