Radiant vs Emerald Cut: Here’s The Difference

Radiant vs Emerald Cut: Here’s The Difference

When you’re looking for the perfect diamond, it can come down to the most minute detail that helps you make a final decision. That is especially true for diamond cuts that share similarities, like cushion and princess, pear and marquise, or in this case, radiant and emerald. 

While you might need to do a double take to see the difference in these diamonds, once you get a good look at them, you start to understand what sets them apart from one another. In this blog, we uncover how the diamond duo, radiant and emerald cuts, are different. 

The Difference Between Radiant and Emerald Cut Diamonds Is In The Details

If they both have a rectangular shape with clipped corners, how are they different? It’s simple: The difference between radiant and emerald cut diamonds is in the facets. Facets are the detailed cuts within the flat surface of a diamond designed to reflect light and give off the sparkle we’ve all come to love.

Two common faceting styles make this possible: “brilliant” and “step-cut.” The distinction between the two is where you’ll discover the unique qualities of a radiant vs emerald cut diamond. 

What Is A Brilliant Cut Diamond?

The brilliant cut maximizes sparkle, or what the diamond industry has coined “brilliance.” That’s made possible by the number of triangular facets that perfectly balance the reflection and refraction of light. 

What is A Step Cut Diamond? 

Step cut diamonds feature more parallel cut facets that resemble a staircase. This style is ideal when you’re looking to show off the clarity of a diamond. 

These small details are where you start to see the uniqueness of radiant and emerald cut diamonds. Based on those definers, radiant diamonds have a brilliant cut, while emerald diamond uses a step cut faceting style. One highlights sparkle, while the other showcases the clarity of the diamond cut. 

What Are The Positives and Negatives? 

You might have taken away a few pros and cons of each in the last section. But if not, here are some things to consider when choosing either. 

The Pros and Cons of Radiant Cut Diamonds 

Pros:

  • Optimal sparkle due to the brilliant cut

  • Faceting style makes it imperfections less apparent

  • Less likely to chip because of cut corners

Cons:

  • Diamond clarity and color isn’t showcased

  • Prone to the “bow-tie” effect which is a dark imperfection that affects beauty and sparkle

The Pros and Cons of Emerald Cut Diamonds

Pros:

  • Step-cut showcases the clarity and color of the diamond

  • More of a vintage look

Cons:

  • Less sparkle compared to the radiant cut

  • May require more cleaning to remove smudges and marks

So, Which is better, radiant, or emerald cut? 

Do you want a diamond that sparkles more or are you looking for the best clarity? However you answer those questions will lead you to whether you want a radiant or emerald cut diamond. Outside of that, things like your lifestyle and budget are important to factor into which diamond to choose.

How To Choose a Radiant Cut Diamond

When shopping for a unique cut diamond, there is no certified cut grade. This may require you to dig a little deeper when evaluating the quality of a radiant cut diamond. That looks like depth percentage (61-67% to maximize size appearance), table percentage (61-69% to maximize light), and proportioned facets that aren’t too large or misaligned. Other things to look out for are:

  • Brilliance: keep an eye out for the “bow-tie” or dark areas

  • Clarity: Aim for a VS2 or SI1 grade

  • Color: H or better will give you the best color for this cut

  • Setting: Prongs and bezel setting add an extra layer of protection for this cut

How To Choose an Emerald Cut Diamond

The step-cut of this diamond style creates a different kind of sparkle, so when shopping for an emerald cut diamond, you want to pay close attention to light performance. Even light reflection will give you a nice sparkle that perfectly complements the high-level of clarity you get from this cut. Also consider:

  • Clarity: Aim for VS1 or higher for the cleanest look

  • Color: H or better is recommended for a colorless look

  • Setting: Vintage styles, bezel, and even east west settings complement this cut

No matter which diamond you choose, who you choose to shop with can make or break your experience. The right jeweler will alleviate the stressors that come with buying diamonds, and that usually includes educating you on what makes each of your choices unique.

One way we do that is through our try-on kits that give you the freedom and flexibility to explore different diamond cuts from the comfort of your home. Testing out different cuts is how you start to notice the little details that make diamonds like the radiant and emerald cut so different. Whether you choose a radiant or emerald cut, with the advice in this blog and a seasoned jeweler, you can confidently walk away with a diamond choice you trust.

You can start (and end) your search with Plum by exploring our radiant and emerald cut collections, ordering the try-on kit, or reaching out to our team for further information about these stunning diamond cuts.

Shop Our Feed