Radiant Cut Diamond Buying Guide
Shape
The radiant cut is a union of emerald, princess and round brilliant. While possessing a square or rectangular form, it stays almost as brilliant as the round diamond. The distinctive feature of this cut is its cropped corners and 70 facets, which only a few other shapes have.
The width to length ratio differs depending on if the diamond is square or rectangular. The preferred ratio for square radiant is in the range of 1 to 1.35, while good-looking rectangular cuts might have a ratio of 2.
Cut
Radiant is a ‘brilliant cut’, which means it exhibits a lot of brilliance and sparkle. Although cut of fancy shaped diamonds is rarely graded by gemological institutes, it is very crucial to inspect the symmetry and quality of corners of the gemstone.
Radiant Cut Diamond Table
| EXCELLENT | VERY GOOD | GOOD | FAIR | POOR | |
| TABLE % | 61 - 69 | 57 - 60 or 70 - 72 | 54 - 56 or 73 - 74 | 51 - 53 or 75 - 79 | < 51 or > 79 |
| DEPTH % | 61 - 67 | 59 - 60.9 or 67.1 - 70 | 57 - 58.9 or 70.1 - 74 | 54 - 56.9 or 74.1 - 79 | < 54 or > 79 |
| GIRDLE | Very Thin to Slightly Thick | Very Thin to Slightly Thick | Very Thin to Thick | Very Thin to Very Thick | Extremely Thin to Extremely Thick |
| CULET | None | Very Small | Small | Medium | > Medium |
The radiant cut diamond is a stunning and versatile choice that combines the brilliance of the round cut with the elegant shape of the emerald cut. The proportions and ratios of a radiant cut diamond play a significant role in determining its overall appearance, fire, and scintillation.
The table percentage, which refers to the width of the diamond's top facet compared to its total width, is a key factor in the radiant cut's proportions. The ideal table percentage for a radiant cut diamond falls between 61% and 67%, ensuring optimal light reflection and a balanced appearance.
The depth percentage, which is the height of the diamond from the culet to the table divided by its width, is another crucial aspect of the radiant cut's proportions. The ideal depth percentage range for a radiant cut diamond is between 61% and 67%, allowing for a balanced distribution of light and a pleasing overall appearance.
Clarity
Due to the brilliant look, the impurities in a radiant cut are hidden much better than in more translucent shapes, such as emerald cut. Moreover, the inclusions can be hardly noticed in smaller gemstones. Therefore lower clarity can be considered when opting for a smaller diamond, as long as it still looks ‘eye-clean’.
Color
Radinats hide the light inside and display their own tints while refracting the light. This is why the color might appear more intense, making it a more crucial factor than for some other cuts. It is better to choose a higher color (not lower than G) for the gemstone to still appear white. The size of the stone also matters, since the larger the carat weight, the more noticeable the tints are and the higher the color grade should be for a diamond to not look yellow.