Clash of Cuts: Radiant vs. Emerald Cut Diamonds for Your Engagement Ring

Like deciding on your favorite movie, only way more sentimental, choosing a diamond for your engagement ring is deeply personal. But it isn't all about what you love, it's also about understanding why you love it, and what makes that particular diamond shape special. So today, we're talking about the differences between two rectangular-shaped diamond choices: radiant vs. emerald cut. Each has its own unique charm, and understanding their differences will help you choose the perfect sparkler for your forever ring.

Which rectangular diamond shape will you choose, Emerald or Radiant cut?

The Shape Up

Each of these two shapes has a rectangular outline with cropped corners, but that's about where the similarities end. Radiant cut diamonds are the life of the party, with the sparkle of a round brilliant cut diamond, boasting a whopping 70 facets! Emerald cut diamonds have step-cut facets on both the crown and pavilion, which are long, rectangular shape facets that create a "hall of mirrors" effect that is quite mesmerizing but more big, bold flash than intense sparkle. These two different faceted diamond styles offer unique looks for engagement rings, depending on your personality and preferences.

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The Sparkle Factor

There's no real match between these two diamond shapes when it comes to sparkle. But let's talk about what the real differences are. Radiant cut diamonds have numerous kite-shaped facets radiating outward, strategically placed to maximize the diamond’s brilliance and fire, creating a sparkle that can be seen from across the room. If you love a diamond that dazzles with every movement, the radiant cut is your go-to. On the other hand, the broad flashes of light and sophistication of an emerald cut are perfect for anyone who appreciates a more refined look. Emerald cut diamonds are also the perfect diamond for an Art Deco era-inspired engagement ring setting, which emphasizes the clean lines and geometry of the shape. They're all straight edges and understated elegance.

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Perfect Proportions

When selecting any shape diamond, understanding proportions is crucial for finding the most beautiful, brilliant stone possible. For radiant cut diamonds, the depth percentage should ideally fall between 61% and 67%, ensuring the diamond is neither too deep nor too shallow, which can affect its dazzling sparkle. The table percentage, which refers to the flat top surface facet of the diamond, should range from 61% to 69%. This balance allows for optimal light reflection and dispersion, enhancing the diamond’s sparkle.

Emerald cut diamonds should have a depth percentage between 60% and 70%, striking a balance that maintains the diamond’s brilliance. The table percentage should also be within the 61% to 69% range, optimizing light performance and clarity. In addition to these specific proportions, both diamond shapes should exhibit excellent symmetry and high-quality polish to maximize their brilliance and overall beauty.

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Length to Width Ratios

While we're talking about rectangular diamonds here, radiant diamonds can also be found in a square shape, which would have a length-to-width ratio of 1.00 to 1.05. Rectangular radiant cuts can range between 1.15 and 1.35. You can find higher ratios, with more elongated shapes, but they are more rare. The length-to-width ratio is particularly important for emerald cuts, with a range of 1.30 to 1.50 offering the best balance between a more square and an elongated appearance.

A square emerald cut is actually just an Asscher cut diamond, so you'd want to look for that to get a similar look in a square outline. Ultimately, the ideal ratio is the one you love, as some folks prefer a shorter, squattier shape while others like a very skinny, elongated look. More elongation looks great on a wearer's fingers when set north-south (the traditional way), as it can help elongate the finger. But it can also be fantastic when set in an east-west setting horizontally on your finger, as it gives you a big look with a lot of spread.

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The 4Cs Showdown

Now that we've talked all about diamond cut (the most important of the 4Cs because it determines a diamond's overall brilliance), what about the other Cs? When it comes to color, the brilliant cut facets of radiant diamonds can help mask body color, so you can opt for a slightly lower color grade without compromising on the diamond's overall white appearance. Those same facets can also hide inclusions well, so you can go with a lower clarity grade and look for a diamond that is eye clean. Emerald cut diamonds, on the other hand, tend to show color and inclusions more due to their large, open parallel step cut facets, so if you want a very clear, white diamond you'll have to aim for higher color and clarity.

As far as carat weight, which is a measure of a diamond's physical weight, not its size, radiant cuts tend to look slightly smaller than other shapes of the same carat weight due to their deep cut. Emerald cut stones often appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight due to their elongated shape. Keep this in mind when selecting your stone.

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The Pricing Breakdown

When it comes to shopping for your engagement ring, several factors should go into your budget, including the setting style you like and the shape of your diamond. Radiant cut diamonds are generally less expensive than round brilliant cuts but more expensive than emerald cuts. Their complex cut requires skilled craftsmanship, which is reflected in their price. Emerald-cut diamonds are typically more affordable than radiant cuts. Their simpler cutting process requires less labor, which can help reduce the overall cost.

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What to Watch Out For

When shopping for emerald cut and radiant cut diamonds for your engagement ring, there are, of course, a few things to watch out for. You'll want to ensure a radiant cut diamond has symmetrical facets and a well-proportioned cut. Avoid radiant cut diamonds with a large table percentage, as this can affect the intense sparkle of these unique diamonds. You'll also want to pay close attention to the symmetry and proportions of the emerald cut. Avoid stones with poor symmetry, as this can negatively impact the overall appearance. Also, be cautious of inclusions, as they are more visible in this cut.

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Making Your Decision

In the battle between radiant vs. emerald cut diamonds, it ultimately comes down to what you love. Your center diamond should reflect your personality and love story. One of the oldest diamond shapes, an emerald cut diamond center stone says natural beauty, with dramatic flashes and more fire. A radiant cut engagement ring though, is a modern marvel, boasting a hybrid cut with more brilliance and extra sparkle.

When choosing between radiant vs. emerald cut diamonds, consider what aspects are most important to you. Do you crave a diamond that sparkles with every flick of your hand? The radiant cut might be your perfect match. Do you appreciate timeless elegance and a sophisticated, understated look? The emerald cut diamond could be your ideal choice.

Explore our full collection of unique diamond engagement rings to find the one that's just right for you. Or reach out to get the custom ring process started with our team of experts.