The radiant cut, like the princess cut, uses facets to bring out the diamond’s sparkle and winds up with brilliance similar to a round cut diamond. The extra facets are planes set under and around the diamond. However, the overall shape is more similar to the emerald cut or Asscher cut—meaning square or rectangular—so it is important to take note of the diamond’s length and width so you will know how it will actually appear. The actual ratio of the diamond’s length and width can also help you decide whether to use four or six prongs in the setting.
The element that differentiates the radiant cut from the princes cut is the trimmed corners. The trimming helps protect the diamond from accidental chipping of the corners.
History of Radiant Cut Diamonds
Henry Grossbard, a holocaust survivor, learned jewel cutting from a cousin after Grossbard’s family immigrated to New York. He developed the radiant cut after 30 years as a master diamond cutter. In the 1970s, emerald cuts were out of style, presumably since they did not offer the sparkle of round brilliant diamonds. However, Grossbard liked the emerald cut shape, so he determined to create a design that brought sparkle to a square or rectangular diamond. In 1977, he unveiled such a diamond, with his radiant cut.
Celebrities Wearing Radiant Cut Diamond Rings
Celebrities who have worn radiant cut diamond rings include Jennifer Lopez with her pink 6-carat, engagement from Ben Affleck.
Trivia for Radiant Cut Diamonds
- The GIA refers to radiant cut diamonds—and some others—as “cut corner rectangular modified brilliant” and “cut corner square modified brilliant.”