Radiant vs Emerald Cut: 4 Tips & Tricks to Choose

Are you looking for a nice long rectangular stone, you may be trying to decide between a Radiant vs Emerald Cut! These two diamond shapes have some similarities, but also have some big differences. Read more below about how to tell them apart and choose which one is perfect for you!

What is a Radiant Cut?

A Radiant Cut is rectangular shaped diamond with clipped corners and all-over sparkle. This diamond cut is like a glitter bomb! The reason Radiant cut diamonds are so sparkly is because they have more facets than other diamond shapes. This makes them one of the most brilliant out there.

Emerald cut diamonds are rectangular shaped stones with clipped corners and mirror-like shimmer. These stones are often said to have an “understated elegance.” People who love emerald cut diamonds are often enchanted by their “hall of mirrors” effect! This gives a soft sheen and stately appeal.

1. Why do people compare Radiant vs Emerald cuts?

People compare radiant and emerald cut diamonds because they both are long, rectangular stones. They both also have clipped corners! So, their shape outline is the same. The difference is in their faceting! So, it comes down to what kind of sparkle you want this nice rectangular shape to have.

2. What is different between Radiant and Emerald cuts?

The big difference between Radiant cut diamonds and Emerald cut diamonds is how they sparkle. Radiant cuts are “brilliant” diamonds, whereas Emerald cuts are “step cut.” Brilliant diamonds, like Radiants, have triangular and kite shaped facets which create extra sparkle. Step cut stones, like emeralds, have rectangular facets which create a mirror-like sheen (not true sparkle). So, ensuring you know if you want intense sparkle or understated sheen is very important!

3. Which is better, Radiant vs Emerald cut?

It depends. Some people prefer the glittery sparkle of a Radiant. Others prefer the understated glamour of the Emerald cut! People who want lots of sparkle should choose a Radiant. Radiants also tend to be less expensive than Emerald cuts. This is because Radiant sparkle allows for more wiggle room in terms of color and clarity rating. On the other hand, couples looking for a statement piece, or one with a more vintage appeal, will prefer an Emerald cut.

4. What sparkles more Radiant or Emerald cut?

Generally speaking, Radiant cuts sparkle more than Emerald cuts. This is due to their triangular and kite shaped facets, which result in more reflection and light return. It is also of note that Emerald cut stones are not intended to “sparkle” – they are meant to have more of a glimmer. So, if sparkle is the goal, you definitely want a Radiant cut. You just want to make sure that whichever stone you choose, that it is well cut. This is because cut quality is what is responsible for light return and beauty!

Choosing the best Radiant cut comes down to selecting sparkle type and paying attention to reflections. First, choose between traditional vs “crushed ice” faceting. Traditional faceting will have a smaller amount of big flashes of light, whereas crushed ice faceting will have a larger amount of small flashes of light!

Once you decide which style of sparkle you like, then look for even contrast and brilliance. Contrast is dark areas of reflection within a stone, whereas brilliance is an area of light reflection. Make sure you have even, well spaced areas of both. Uneven contrast or lack of contrast results in “dead” looking stones without much play of light. Read more about the nuances of choosing the best Radiant cut here.

Choosing the best Emerald cut diamond is all about looking for a dark, straight, hall of mirrors. A “hall of mirrors” effect occurs when the vertical facets of your emerald cut alternate between dark and light. To look for hall of mirror effect, follow each layer of “steps” out from the center of your stone. Make sure the steps are straight, mirror images of one another. Also ensure the steps change back and forth between light and dark! If so, then you have an excellent hall of mirrors which will create that famous emerald cut shimmer. Learn more about choosing the best emerald cut here.

If you want a super sparkly stone, choose an ideally cut Radiant diamond. If you want old world glamour and understated elegance, choose an ideally cut Emerald diamond. You can’t go wrong with either of these graceful shapes! Want to know more? Feel free to contact us below and we can help you select the elongated rectangular diamond of your dreams!