If you’re considering a rectangular diamond for your engagement ring, you have two perfect options: the Radiant cut diamond and the Emerald cut diamond. They are similar in that they both have straight edges and cut corners, and are the most popular rectangular shapes that can make your fingers look slender, but they do have distinct differences that set them apart.

In this article, we’ll take you through the main differences between Emerald cut and Radiant cut in terms of diamond cut, facets, sparkle, size, length to width ratio, clarity, and color to help you make a wise choice when choosing the best rectangular diamond for your style.

What is the Emerald Cut?

The Emerald cut is a diamond cut characterized by its rectangular shape and parallel step-cut facets. Emerald cut diamonds have a larger length to width ratio, emphasizing a slender shape. They typically feature 57 step-cut facets arranged in parallel lines, giving it a stepped appearance and a “hall of mirrors” effect. This unique facet style gives the Emerald cut diamond an elegant and bright look, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other high-end jewelry!

The Emerald cut is also known for its large table, the flat top of the diamond. This large table helps showcase the diamond’s clarity and color, allowing the diamond to sparkle with dazzling brilliance, making the Emerald cut an ideal choice for those seeking diamonds of exceptional quality.

As one of the oldest diamond shapes, the Emerald cut diamond is often associated with the Art Deco era, which valued clean lines and symmetry. Therefore, the Emerald cut diamond is also a popular choice for those seeking a vintage and understated elegance.

Our Picks for Emerald Cut Diamond Rings

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Solitaire Pavé Promise Ring

$ 849

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Solitaire Engagement Ring

$ 559

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Side-stone Engagement Ring

$ 885

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Halo Pavé Engagement Ring

$ 1197

DR BELIEVE Emerald-cut Wreath Luxury Engagement Ring

$ 1537

DR FOREVER East-West Emerald-cut Engagement Ring

$ 591

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Cluster Engagement Ring

$ 631

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Vine Engagement Ring

$ 724

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Star Halo Engagement Ring

$ 758

DR FOREVER East-West Emerald-cut Pavé Engagement Ring

$ 871

DR ETERNAL LOVE Emerald-Cut Wedding Ring For Woman

$ 26998

DR ETERNAL LOVE Brillant Emerald-Cut Wedding Ring For Woman

$ 31154

What is the Radiant Cut?

The Radiant cut is a diamond cut that combines the features of the round brilliant cut and the Emerald cut, characterized by its rectangular shape and a pattern of 70 brilliant facets.

As a more modern diamond cut style, the Radiant cut was invented by Henry Grossbard in 1977. He was the first to use a pattern of brilliant facets on both the crown and pavilion of a gemstone, successfully creating one of the most brilliant cuts. This hybrid cut is one of the most faceted diamond styles, designed to maximize the natural beauty of the diamond and create a crushed ice-like effect. The Radiant cut is also known for its deep pavilion, which further enhances the diamond’s brightness by reflecting light from various angles, creating stunning flashes of light and color.

Another advantage of the Radiant cut diamond is its versatility, as it can be set in various styles, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone settings. This makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry, as it can be customized to individual preferences and styles.

Our Picks for Radiant Cut Diamond Rings

DR FOREVER Radiant-cut Side-stone Engagement Ring

$ 822

DR D Emerald-cut Solitaire D-shapped Prongs Engagement Ring

$ 3597

Differences Between Emerald Cut and Radiant Cut

While both the Radiant cut and the Emerald cut diamonds have their own stunning features and appeal, there are some key differences between the two cuts that set them apart.

Cut:

The Emerald cut diamond features step-cut facets, giving off a subtle sparkle, while the Radiant cut diamond utilizes brilliant-cut facets, creating a dazzling sparkle.

Facets:

The Emerald cut, with its 57 step-cut linear facets, has a more glassy, conservative appearance, while the Radiant cut boasts 70 triangular or kite-shaped facets radiating from the center, maximizing the gem’s inherent fire and brilliance.

Sparkle:

The Radiant cut is renowned for its intense sparkle and fire due to its numerous facets and deep pavilion, akin to shattered glass glittering in the sunlight. On the other hand, the Emerald cut is known for its understated and subtle sparkle due to its clean lines, step-cut facets, and large table.

Size:

Both the Emerald cut and the Radiant cut diamonds appear larger compared to round brilliant-cut diamonds of the same carat weight, with the Emerald cut having a larger top surface area.

Length-to-width Ratio:

The ideal length-to-width ratio for an Emerald cut diamond is 1.40, while for a Radiant cut diamond, the ideal ratio is 1.25. Therefore, the Emerald cut diamond will appear more rectangular compared to the Radiant cut diamond.

radiant vs emerald cut: light to width ratio

Clarity and Color:

The step-cut arrangement of the Emerald cut makes internal flaws more visible compared to the Radiant cut, but the facets of the Emerald cut can help mask yellow hues. The large table of the Emerald cut diamond highlights inclusions, so when choosing an Emerald cut engagement ring, you can invest in a lower color grade (H or I) with a VS2 or higher clarity. For a Radiant cut engagement ring, you can find with SI1 or SI2 clarity and upgrade to a higher color grade since the facet style of the Radiant cut is more forgiving of internal flaws, using strong brilliance to mask inclusions.

Related Article: 4Cs of Diamonds

Similarities Between Radiant Cut and Emerald Cut

Both Radiant cut and Emerald cut diamonds share a similar rectangular shape with diagonal or cut corners, giving them a linear octagonal design that makes them more durable and less prone to chipping. The elongated shape of the rectangular Emerald and Radiant cut diamonds creates the illusion of a larger size compared to diamonds of the same carat weight but different shapes.

Moreover, the slender shape of the diamond also makes the wearer’s fingers appear longer and more delicate, which is one of the reasons why Emerald cut and Radiant cut diamonds are so popular. Despite their unique facet styles, both Radiant and Emerald cut diamonds are fancy-shaped diamonds that provide a beautiful way to showcase the natural beauty of the diamond.

Emerald Cut vs Radiant Cut, Which is Better for Me?

For those seeking a diamond that exudes subtle elegance and exceptional quality, and appreciates parallel lines and a clean look, the perfect choice would be an Emerald cut diamond engagement ring. If you’re in search of endless sparkle and dazzling effects, then a Radiant cut diamond engagement ring would be your best bet.

In the end, for those seeking beautiful and unique diamonds, both Radiant and Emerald cut diamonds are stunning choices. While each cut has its unique characteristics and appeal, the perfect diamond ultimately depends on personal preference and style. Whether you prefer the intense brilliance of the Radiant cut or the understated elegance of the Emerald cut, both cuts are sure to leave a lasting impression, creating a piece of jewelry worth cherishing for years to come.

Darry Ring emerald cut engagement ring on finger

Find Your Engagement Ring at Darry Ring!

If you are in search of the perfect Emerald cut or Radiant cut engagement ring, Darry Ring is the best choice for you! At Darry Ring, each person can only purchase a diamond engagement ring once in their lifetime. It reflects our pursuit and reverence for true love and it is the best way to make a lifelong commitment. We offer a variety of trending styles and designs of Emerald cut and Radiant cut engagement rings, such as solitaire Emerald cut engagement rings, Emerald cut halo engagement rings, Radiant cut engagement ring with side stones, and more for you to choose from. You can also express your sincere and touching commitment by selecting affordable white gold, rose gold, platinum, and yellow gold Emerald cut and Radiant cut diamond rings at Darry Ring!