Radiant Diamond
Discover the radiant cut lab-grown diamond, a shape that combines the elegance of emerald with the brilliance of a round. Aurela Diamonds' expert guide for Vancouver buyers.
The radiant cut diamond is a striking hybrid that pairs the clean, geometric outline of an emerald or Asscher cut with the dazzling brilliance of a round or cushion. Its trimmed corners and brilliant-style faceting produce exceptional sparkle while maintaining the bold, architectural silhouette of a step cut. For buyers who love the look of an emerald cut but do not want to sacrifice fire and scintillation, the radiant is the perfect compromise.
Radiant cuts are available in both square and rectangular proportions, each offering a different personality. Square radiants are contemporary and bold, making a strong geometric statement on the hand, while elongated radiants share the finger-flattering qualities of ovals and emeralds. Both versions deliver the same intense brilliance, as the radiant's complex facet arrangement, typically 70 facets, is specifically designed to maximise light return from every angle.
At Aurela Diamonds, our IGI-certified lab-grown radiants offer the rare combination of structural elegance and fiery brilliance at prices that make upgrading in carat weight or quality entirely achievable. We help our Vancouver clients navigate the ratio and proportion choices that make each radiant unique, ensuring the stone matches both their aesthetic vision and practical needs.
History of the Radiant Cut
The radiant cut was invented in 1977 by Henry Grossbard, a master diamond cutter who spent over a decade developing a shape that would combine the step cut's elegant outline with the light performance of a brilliant cut. Grossbard's innovation was the trimmed-corner rectangular shape paired with brilliant-style triangular and kite-shaped facets on both the crown and pavilion, a configuration that was genuinely new to the diamond industry and required a utility patent to protect.
The radiant filled a gap that no other shape had addressed. Before its invention, buyers had to choose between the sparkle of brilliant cuts and the architectural sophistication of step cuts. Grossbard's design proved that the two were not mutually exclusive. Over the following decades, the radiant gained a loyal following among buyers who wanted something distinctive but still wanted the reassurance of intense sparkle, and it has influenced the design of modern cushion modified brilliants along the way.
Radiant Diamond Characteristics
Pros & Cons
+Advantages
- Combines the clean geometric outline of a step cut with the intense sparkle of a brilliant cut
- Trimmed corners add durability and reduce the risk of chipping compared to sharp-cornered shapes
- Hides inclusions and body colour very well due to its complex facet pattern
- Available in square and rectangular proportions, offering flexibility in look and finger coverage
- Generally more affordable per carat than round brilliants
-Considerations
- No standardised cut grade on most certificates, making quality comparison more dependent on visual inspection
- Can appear darker or "crushed ice" in some cuts, requiring careful stone selection
- Less universally recognised than round, oval, or cushion, so resale audience may be narrower
- Deeper stones can face up smaller than expected for their carat weight
Best For
Recommended Ring Settings
Solitaire
A solitaire setting highlights the radiant's unique combination of geometric lines and brilliant sparkle, letting the shape speak for itself.
View Guide →Halo
A halo amplifies the radiant's already impressive sparkle and makes the stone appear significantly larger, which is especially effective for radiants under 1.5 carats.
View Guide →Pave
A pave band adds continuous sparkle that complements the radiant's brilliance without competing with its distinctive outline.
View Guide →Buying Tips for Radiant Diamonds
Determine whether you prefer a square or rectangular radiant first, as the proportions dramatically change the ring's personality. Try both on your hand if possible.
Prioritise visual inspection over certificate data. The radiant's complex faceting means two stones with identical grades can look very different.
Lab-grown radiants in the G-I colour range offer excellent value, as the brilliant faceting masks subtle warmth effectively.
Look for a depth percentage below 67% to ensure the stone faces up proportional to its carat weight.
If choosing a rectangular radiant, a length-to-width ratio of 1.20 to 1.35 typically provides the most balanced appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Other Diamond Shapes
Compare different shapes to find the perfect match for your style.
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