The radiant cut was created by Henry Grossbard in 1977 as the first rectangular or square diamond shape to feature a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern. It combines the elegant outline of an emerald cut with the dazzling sparkle of a round brilliant — the best of both worlds.
Brilliance in a Geometric Package
With 70 facets, the radiant cut delivers exceptional light performance that rivals the round brilliant. Unlike the emerald cut's broad flashes, the radiant produces the rapid-fire sparkle and scintillation that most people associate with diamonds. Yet its trimmed corners and rectangular or square outline give it a more contemporary, architectural look than a round.
Ideal Proportions
| Parameter | Square | Rectangular |
|---|
| Length-to-Width Ratio | 1.00 – 1.05 | 1.15 – 1.35 |
| Table % | 61% – 69% | 61% – 69% |
| Depth % | 61% – 67% | 61% – 67% |
Excellent for Color
Radiant cuts are particularly popular for fancy colored diamonds (yellow, pink, etc.) because their brilliant faceting intensifies body color. If you are considering a fancy colored diamond, the radiant cut will maximize the saturation and vibrancy of the color.
Versatile Settings
The trimmed corners of the radiant cut make it more durable than a princess cut (no sharp corners to chip) while maintaining a similar geometric outline. Radiant cuts look beautiful in solitaire, halo, and three-stone settings.