Emerald Cut vs. Radiant Cut Diamonds | Everything You Need to Know

For a long time, emerald cut diamonds were the only well-known kind of rectangular diamond. While the shape of the emerald cut diamond made it a popular choice.

What if there were diamonds that looked like an emerald but sparkled like a round diamond? There you have it, a radiant-cut diamond that is rectangular. When selecting the centre stone for an engagement ring, emerald diamonds have long been considered among the most attractive options.

While the rectangular diamonds of the princess cut are timeless and beautiful, square diamonds of the radiant cut are gradually gaining appeal.

We'll compare and contrast these two classic diamond shapes to help you decide which is the better choice. Emeralds and radiants are so visually similar that they are often confused. However, both are standard rectangles because of their clean lines and sharp corners.

In this article, we will discuss the variations in their faceting, the similarities in their length to breadth ratios, and the best options for putting them in engagement rings.

The cut is the first noticeable distinction between an emerald cut diamond and a radiant cut diamond. Emeralds and radiants are opposites of one another in terms of their forms. On the other hand, the radiant diamond has a brilliant cut and shines in a manner comparable to that of a round diamond.

Emerald-cut diamonds have a step cut, which is how they get their glitter. An emerald-cut diamond engagement ring is ideal for understated glimmer, parallel lines, and a timeless appearance. Brilliant diamond engagement rings with an angled brilliant cut that generates infinite sparkle and dazzle are suitable for those needing such a piece.

Round diamonds are famous because of their classic look and dazzling brilliance. Emeralds and radiants are often cut into rectangular forms, although square cuts are also available.

The ratio of length to width is something these shapes have in common and is one of their most essential similarities. Both emerald cut and radiant cut diamonds can have a length-to-width ratio of 1.00 or higher.

Therefore, diamonds may be either square or rectangular and cut into emerald or dazzling forms. The most desirable proportion for an emerald is 1.40 times its width, whereas the most desirable balance for a brilliant diamond is 1.25 times its length.

Rare and valuable, radiants with a ratio of 1.40 to 1.50 are challenging. Choosing a radiant balance between 1.40 and 1.50 will look like an emerald cut diamond. The length-to-width ratio allows you to design a ring with the precise form and radiance you want. Choose the format that works best with your hand and fingers.

Carat Weight	4.01
Shape	Radiant
Cut	Excellent
Color	E
Clarity	VS1
Depth	61.4%
Table	67%
Polish	Excellent
Symmetry	Excellent
Girdle	Slightly Thick
Culet	None
Fluorescence	None
Measurements	11.70 x 7.96 x 4.89mm
L/W Ratio	1.47
Certified by	IGI
Certificate	517227679

The price of emerald and radiant cut diamonds fluctuates widely depending on supply and demand. Therefore, you may have to spend extra on an emerald or brilliant cut diamond to get the ideal ratio for your needs.

When shopping for both round and square diamonds, it's crucial to consider: These diamonds will seem chunkier with a lower length-to-width ratio, making them a good choice for those with broader fingers since they will cover more of the finger's surface area.

The longer and narrower your fingers are, the more a high length-to-width ratio will flatter your hands. It will make your writing seem more significant since it will fill out each finger and cover every joint from tip to joint. So, the exact sizes of the stones themselves are crucial.

Most engagement ring settings look beautiful with any of these forms. Still, at Luxury Brand Jewellery, we have a few that work well with these silhouettes. First, we'll look at some of the emerald-cut diamonds' most incredible engagement ring settings.

What is a Radiant Cut Diamond?

The radiant diamond has the same cubical shape as the emerald diamond. It just has ten more facets in it. There are, however, notable distinctions between the two that consumers may use to make an informed decision.

Henry Grossbard, a famous diamantaire during World War II, came up with the radiant cut in 1977. This gorgeous square geometry of the gemstone combines the enormous outlines of the round and emerald cut. As a result, it emits white and rainbow-coloured bursts of light.

The radiant cut, according to its name, contains the potential to blaze and sparkle for an infinite amount of time. The square cut's complicated proportions and sparkling angles give it dazzling brilliance.

The stone's unparalleled brilliance results from its 70 facets, attracting light into the gem's core and reflecting it again. People generally agree that radiant cut is the only alternative to dazzling cut that can compete with sparkle and shine.

Radiant cut diamonds look more significant than other diamond cuts of the same carat weight because they are long. In addition, the slant edges of a brilliant-cut diamond make it more resistant to wear and tear over time.

A Three-Stone Trapezoid-Set Emerald Engagement Ring

Beautiful as they are on their own, emerald-cut solitaire engagement rings are even more eye-catching when framed by trapezoid-shaped diamonds on each side—the engagement ring worn by Demi Lovato.

Emerald-cut centre stone is available in carat weights from 1 to 10.
0.75 carats total weight in trapezoid-shaped diamonds.
The band's gold content options include 14K, 18K, 19K, and Platinum 950.
Three-Stone Setting with Tapered Baguette and Emerald

This emerald-cut engagement ring is a timeless classic inspired by one of the most famous jewellery pieces in the world—Grace Kelly's. In 2019 Alex Rodriguez also proposed to Jennifer Lopez with this kind of ring. The tapering baguette diamonds play up the look of the larger centre stone, making this a popular choice.

Suitable for setting with diamonds of any size and shape
The total carat weight of these tapered baguettes is around 0.45 carats.
Available in 14k, 18k, or 950 platinum
Diamonds in a French Cut Basket Setting, Set 3/4 Down

The emerald-cut diamond perfectly fits this delicate ring and basket setting covered in sparkling diamonds. Thanks to the French Cut Pave concealed halo and open basket features, the centre stone may shine brightly without competing with the design.

Approximately three-quarters of the 1.5mm ring is covered with pave diamonds.
It can fit with a diamond of any size for setting
The band's gold content options include 14K, 18K, 19K, and Platinum 950.
Ring and wedding ring sets available, model R2982 and R2987.

Next, we'll check over a few different engagement rings made for radiant cut diamonds.

Three-Quarters-Down French-Cut Diamond Basket Setting

This engagement ring design, which has a thin band covered in diamonds, is ideal for showcasing a brilliant-cut stone. Thanks to the French Cut Pave concealed halo and open basket features, the centre stone may shine brightly without competing with the design.

This setting will look great in any colour or form of metal or finger. This ring setting for a radiant-cut diamond looks lovely with both square and elongated stones.

Three-quarters of the way around the 1.5mm ring are paved diamonds.
It can fit diamonds of any size for setting.
The band's gold content options include 14K, 18K, 19K, and Platinum 950.
Ring and wedding ring sets available, model R2982 and R2987.
1.7mm Basket Solitaire Prongs

This thin ring setting is a contemporary spin on the traditional solitaire, and it looks beautiful with the radiant cut diamond at its centre. Each ring is manufactured to order and is guaranteed to be a perfect fit for the brilliant-cut diamond you pick.

Diamonds added to the basket create a concealed halo, a pleasant surprise for the ring's user. This solitaire mount looks stunning with both square and elongated radiant cuts, letting the diamond take centre stage.

1.75 mm wide
The band's gold content options include 14K, 18K, 19K, and Platinum 950.
We provide wedding bands to match, model numbers R3173 and R2987.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is most important when buying an emerald cut diamond?

Which is more significant in an emerald cut diamond, colour or clarity? Since inclusions are visible in emerald cuts, transparency is more crucial than colour, which may be concealed with gold. It is especially important for emeralds, known for their distinctive gloss rather than a flash of brilliance that masks inclusions.

Which cut of diamond sparkles the most?

The brilliant round cut statistically has the most extraordinary shine compared to other diamond shapes. It's the diamond's precision in reflecting light. If you don't like the classic round cut, unusual forms of any kind may still offer you plenty of shine.

Are Radiant cut diamonds worth it?

Although the radiant cut is not nearly as bright as the brilliant round cut, it is not very far behind. There are 70 facets in the pavilion and crown of a radiant cut diamond, giving it an extraordinary amount of brightness and fire. Thus, the brilliant cut is a fantastic option if you're looking for a non-round diamond that sparkles beautifully.

What setting make the diamond look bigger?

In a bezel setting, a metal band goes around the girdle of the diamond. Because of this, the diamond's apparent size in terms of its diameter may increase. In addition to preventing damage from knocks and dents, bezel settings for engagement rings are a theft deterrent—diamonds of standard shapes (round and oval) best suit the bezel setting.

What is a good carat size for an emerald cut?

Emerald cut diamonds are typically rectangular, with a traditional ratio between 1.30 and 1.60. While the standard is about 1.50, you may have a personal taste for a broader or longer diamond.

What ratio emerald cut looks biggest?

Typically, emerald cut diamonds have a length-to-width ratio of 1.30 to 1.50. The "optimal" ratio is 1.4 to 1. Ratios, however, are a matter of taste. More of a square shape calls for a lower ratio, whereas more extended rectangular forms benefit from a more excellent ratio.

What is the cheapest cut of diamonds?

In terms of cost per carat, emerald and Asscher cuts are the most affordable. Because they are step-cut, less rough stone is wasted when these diamonds are cut from them. The rough stone costs the same no matter how it is cut.

What is more critical in diamond colour or clarity?

In the end, the cut of a diamond is more important than its clarity or colour, especially when it comes to its brilliance. So before considering the diamond's colour or clarity, narrow your search to those outstanding or perfect in the cut.

Do four prongs, or six prongs make the diamond look bigger?

Diamonds set in four-prong mountings seem more significant than those specified in six-prong reinforcements because less of the gemstone is covered by metal in the former.

What wedding band makes an engagement ring look bigger?

To make a diamond seem more significant, the ring band around it should be narrower. However, be aware that a band that is too thick can obscure the stone, making it seem smaller than it is. On the other hand, a diamond set in the middle of a thin and slender band will appear larger and give the impression that it is much bigger.

Conclusion

In general, emerald or radiant cut diamonds can complement various settings. By reading up on the subject, determine which kind of cut best suits you.

Potential customers, please read this! Make sure you know exactly what your significant other means if they ask for an emerald-cut diamond. It is becoming more crucial to understand the distinctions between radiant cut diamonds and brilliant round diamonds as they gain popularity.