Diamond education
Radiant cut engagement rings
Emerald cut lines, brilliant sparkle.
By the CTJ Jewellery team, led by founder Greg Ward · Updated September 2026 · Editorial policy
Key facts
- Rectangular or square with trimmed corners
- Brilliant faceting for strong sparkle
- Hides inclusions better than step cuts
- Trimmed corners resist chipping
- A popular cut for yellow diamonds
- Natural or lab-grown
How is a radiant different from an emerald or princess cut?
An emerald cut has long step facets and a hall-of-mirrors look. A princess cut is square with sharp corners. A radiant has the trimmed corners of an emerald cut with brilliant facets, so it sparkles more than an emerald and is less prone to chipping than a princess.
Which ratio should I choose?
| Ratio | Look |
|---|---|
| 1.00 to 1.05 | Square |
| 1.10 to 1.20 | Slightly rectangular |
| 1.20 to 1.35 | Classic rectangle |
| 1.35 and above | Long and slim |
Which clarity and colour suit a radiant?
Brilliant faceting hides small inclusions, so an eye-clean SI1 can look as clean as a VS2 face-up. Radiants hold colour in their corners, so choose G to H for a white look. For a yellow diamond, the cut deepens the colour.
Best settings for a radiant
- Four claws on the corners
- East-west for a modern look
- Hidden halo for sparkle from the side
- Tapered baguette side stones
- Three stone