Radiant Cut Diamonds | Guide, Proportions, L/W Ratio

The chart below serves as a general guideline when evaluating the cut of a radiant diamond. The length-to-width ratio of 1.00-1.04 for square shapes and 1.20-1.31 for rectangular shapes is considered classic, though personal preference could override it.

The radiant cut might be best if you appreciate emerald cuts' classic appeal and round diamonds' radiance. It perfectly combines a round diamond's brilliance and an emerald diamond's elegance. Moreover, if a blend of a cushion and a princess cut is desired, explore its cropped corner square alternative, the radiant cut. The smooth transition between the cushion and princess cut gives it a beautiful appearance, especially when set with either round or square corners.

Tools like this 40X Magnified Video technology can be very helpful in assessing how a change in proportions and length-to-width ratios affects the appearance of a radiant cut diamond. Buyers can better assess each stone using the outlined proportions below and experimenting with the diamond search filters.

Like evaluating the color in other diamond shapes, the color in a radiant cut diamond is critical. The higher the color grade, the better. In our experience, many buyers prefer warmer colors over colorless options due to the price difference. The warmer colors refer to the near-colorless range of G to I color diamonds in the color spectrum, while the colorless ones refer to D to F color diamonds. The price premium would be much lower if you want to get a lower color grade radiant cut diamond at a lower price.

For more detailed information on the color of radiant cut diamonds, use the table below:

Picking clarity is a subjective decision when selecting a radiant cut diamond. Opt for one that aligns with your personal standards. Our customers hold diverse criteria for clarity and color: some prefer flawless diamonds, while others find slight inclusions acceptable if they aren't readily apparent. Based on our extensive experience, any clarity grade above SI1 (according to GIA standards) will be considered excellent.

In addition to the renowned 4Cs, buyers should be familiar with the subsequent key facets of a radiant cut diamond grading report or certificate, as illuminated in the image below.

Watch the HD Video of this Diamond.

Measurements: This holds significant importance as it furnishes the buyer with information concerning the surface size of the diamond, thereby indicating the apparent size of the diamond in millimeters. Furthermore, it provides the length-to-width ratio by dividing the length by the width (in this instance, yielding a ratio of 7.69/65.81=1.32).

Fluorescence: Regard this as the 5th C. Given the diamond's F color grade, avoiding fluorescence is the optimal choice. However, medium blue fluorescence should not raise as much concern as strong blue fluorescence.

Comments: This section will showcase clarity factors and show whether the diamond has undergone clarity enhancement, utilizing methods like laser drilling or color enhancement. Additionally, remain attentive to comments such as "clarity grade based on clouds," a concerning indicator within clarity grades of VS2 and below. The laser inscription of the report number on the girdle is positioned above the comments section (an optional service for enhanced verification).

Proportions: This chart is crucial in evaluating the diamond's cut. Specifically, focus on the table percentage (60% in the given example—excellent), depth percentage (69.2%—very good), girdle (slightly thick—very good), and culet (none—excellent).

Clarity Characteristics: This section will delineate the types of inclusions and their respective locations. It proves invaluable for buyers seeking to avoid diamonds with conspicuous inclusions at the center. Furthermore, these details facilitate correlating the report with the diamond, as these inclusions serve as the diamond's distinctive birthmarks.

Suggested carat weight, cut, color, and clarity of radiant cut diamonds for people with budget constraints

Excellent Choice

• Weight of 1.2 Carat+
• Very Good to Excellent Polish and Symmetry
• G or above in color
• Clarity of SI1 or higher
• No Fluorescence
• Length to Width Ratios: 1.0-1.04 for a square or 1.20-1.35 for a rectangular shape

Very Good Choice

• Weight of  0.95 Carats+
• Good to Excellent Polish and Symmetry
• H or above in Color
• Clarity of SI1 or higher
• None, Faint or Medium Blue Fluorescence
• Length to Width Ratios: 1.0-1.04 for a square or 1.20-1.35 for a rectangular shape

Good Choice

• Weight 0.80 Carats
• Good to Very Good Polish and Symmetry
• I or higher in Color
• Clarity of SI1 or Higher
• None, Faint or Medium Blue Fluorescence
• Length to Width Ratios: 1.0-1.04 for a square or 1.20-1.35 for a rectangular shape.

Which one is better, between the square and rectangular radiant cut diamonds?

It entirely depends on your budget; we have seen both options in the market. While the elongated ones look more prominent, the square radiant cuts have a beautiful and elegant look to them as well.

What is the best alternative to radiant cut diamonds?

Radiant cut diamonds are alternatives to emerald cut diamonds, which have a step cut and fewer facets. If you want large and deep facets, emerald cut diamonds will be ideal. However, if you desire sparkle and radiance, a radiant cut should be the choice.

Why are radiant cut diamonds cheaper than round-cut diamonds?

They are not necessarily cheaper than round diamonds. Round diamonds have a large surface area; therefore, a one-carat round diamond requires a bigger rough diamond than a radiant cut. For example, the average surface size of a 1 carat round diamond is about 6.4mm, while it would be in the 5.5mm range for a square radiant cut. So, while they have a similar carat weight, the cutter had to sacrifice a bigger rough diamond to get a 1 carat round diamond than he or she had to for a radiant cut. As a result, the price reflects this difference.