Radiant-Cut Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

What if you could combine the old-world elegance of a historic ring cut like emerald, which dates back to the 16th century, and rework the technique to make it even more brilliant? Turns out you can, and it goes by the name of the radiant cut. This diamond shape has only been around for about 40 years but rivals its vintage predecessors, and it has been the center stone for several celebrity engagement rings, including Jennifer Aniston and Khloe Kardashian.

“When selecting a radiant-cut diamond it’s important to be mindful of a well-centered cullet, parallel sides, and corners that are cut identical in size,” says gemologist Lauren Addison. If all those things are in order, the diamond's brilliance will shine through.

Pros and Cons of a Radiant-Cut Engagement Ring

The radiant cut has a natural brilliance and does not need additional details to shine. Although bold, it maintains a sleek, clean figure due to its emerald-cut roots. And since this shape has defined corners, there is less chance of the stone chipping and scratching throughout normal wear. 

There are a few cons to the stone, however. Radiant-cut diamonds have a lot of depth to them and carry most of their weight underneath the stone. This can lessen the brilliance of the diamond, so if you want extra shine, you will have to increase the size. The deepness of these stones also means that the setting of the ring needs to withstand the diamond's weight, which also adds to an increase in pricing.

What to Look for in a Radiant-Cut Ring

• What makes a radiant-cut diamond high quality? Once you settle on a square or rectangular shape, you’ll want to ensure the ratio is optimal. “For a traditional rectangular-shaped radiant, the ideal ratio is 1.25, although anywhere from 1.20-1.30 will fall within the target parameters. For a square-shaped radiant-cut, a ratio between 1.00-1.03 is best.”
• What settings work best for radiant cut diamonds? If shine is your goal, you probably should go with an open-prong setting as it will allow for superior light interaction. “If you’re looking for a bit more embellishment, consider adding a diamond halo or setting your radiant with fancy-shaped side stones, such as trillions,” says Addison.
• How wearable is it? This cut is very versatile and makes for a diamond that's great for everyday wear. If you opt for a larger radiant cut diamond, consider a setting, such as six-prong or bezel, for maximum protection.

How to Care for Your Radiant-Cut Diamond Ring

Addison emphasizes the importance of caring for your diamond as you would any other piece of fine jewelry and that all begins with cleaning your ring regularly. To break down the inevitable buildup of dirt and oils, I suggest soaking your ring in a simple solution of warm water and liquid soap every few weeks,” she says. “Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse, and pat dry. Avoid abrasive chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, as they’ll do more harm than good.

It's also important to know when to take it off, like a day at the beach, working out at the gym, or during tasks like gardening or cleaning. You should also regularly check the prongs and settings to make sure they haven’t loosened or chipped. A good rule of thumb: If you shake it and hear the diamond clinking against the setting, head to your jeweler.

Finally, consider insuring your ring. “Whether you add your engagement ring to your existing homeowners or renters insurance or secure a personal jewelry insurance policy, you’ll want to know that your ring is covered in the case of loss, theft, damage, or even disappearance.”

Convinced that the radiant cut is the right diamond silhouette for your engagement ring? Ahead, scroll through 11 stunning and unique options to keep an eye on.