Both Radiant cut and Emerald cut diamonds have a similar rectangular shape with diagonal or cut corners, and their elongated shape makes the wearer's fingers appear longer and more slender. These shared features contribute to their widespread popularity.

However, when Radiant vs Emerald Cut, you might find it difficult to clarify in terms of cutting, facets, etc. To help you out, Darry Ring will introduce what they are and highlight their five distinctions in detail. Furthermore, related designs around its "Buy for One Person in a Lifetime" concept will be presented to help you better grasp the differences between Radiant and Emerald cuts and which one is better. Check them out!

What is the Emerald Cut?

Emerald cut dates back to the 1500s and was originally designed to cut emeralds without causing them to crack. Interestingly, it wasn't called the "Emerald cut" in the first place but was referred to as the "multi-faceted table cut". Until the 1920s, the term "Emerald cut" started to be used as the official name.

Emerald cut is famous for its large table, the flat top of the diamond. As one of the oldest diamond shapes, Emerald cut diamonds are often associated with the Art Deco era, which valued clean lines and symmetry. Therefore, it is a popular choice for those seeking a vintage and understated elegance.

What is the Radiant Cut?

Different from Emerald cut, Radiant cut is a more modern diamond cut style. Invented by Henry Grossbard in 1977, this hybrid cut is one of the most faceted diamond styles, designed to maximize the natural beauty of the diamond and create a crushed ice-like effect.

Radiant cut is also known for its deep pavilion, which amplifies the diamond's brilliance by reflecting light from multiple angles, producing captivating flashes of light and color. Beyond that, it can be set in various styles, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone settings. This makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry, as it can be customized to individual preferences and styles.

5 Main Differences Between Radiant and Emerald Cut

The varying origins and purposes when comparing Radiant vs Emerald cut define their differences. The 5 most notable distinctions between radiant and emerald cuts lie in their cutting process, facets and sparkle, clarity and color, size and weight, and length-to-width ratio.

Cut Technique

When Radiant cut vs Emerald cut comparison on a horizontal plane, as shown in the image, you'll notice that that Emerald cut has corners that are kind of cut off and long, straight facets that make it look like a hall of mirrors. Radiant cut, on the other hand, is really sparkly, perfectly harmonizing the design of brilliant-cut facets with a rectangular or square shape.

Facets and Sparkle

Combining the shape of Emerald cut with the brilliance of Round cut, Radiant cut boasts 70 triangular or kite-shaped facets radiating from the center. Such craftsmanship cutting creates a square or rectangular shape with lots of sparkling facets on both the top and bottom of the diamond, maximizing the gem’s inherent fire and brilliance.

By contrast, the Emerald cut is all about the diamond's clarity and giving it a more classic look, featuring only 57 step-cut linear facets. Its more glass-like, conservative appearance enhances the diamond's purity, which is why so many Hollywood stars like Grace Kelly love this diamond shape.

Clarity and Color

The step-cut arrangement of the Emerald cut makes internal flaws more visible compared to the Radiant cut, but the facets of the Emerald cut can help mask yellow hues. The large table of the Emerald cut diamond highlights inclusions, so when choosing an Emerald cut engagement ring, you can invest in a lower color grade (H or I) with a VS2 or higher clarity.

For a Radiant cut engagement ring, you can find with SI1 or SI2 clarity and upgrade to a higher color grade since the facet style of the Radiant cut is more forgiving of internal flaws, using strong brilliance to mask inclusions.

For more clarity and color information, learn more from 4Cs of Diamonds.

Size and Weight

The fourth difference between the Radiant cut and Emerald cut lies in their size and weight. Both Emerald cut and Radiant cut diamonds also appear larger compared to round brilliant-cut diamonds of the same carat weight, with the Emerald cut having a larger top surface area. This is an optical illusion, especially for Radiant cut because that's how Henry Grossbard wanted it to look.

Length-to-width Ratio:

The final difference in the Radiant vs Emerald cut debate is the length-to-width ratio. Radiant diamonds typically range from 1.05 to 1.50, while emerald cut gemstone fall between 1.30 and 1.50. And even within those ranges, the perfect shape for each cut is different. The ideal length-to-width ratio for Emerald cut diamonds is 1.40, but for Radiant diamond, the ratio is 1.25. Therefore, Emerald cut diamonds will appear more rectangular compared to Radiant diamonds.

radiant vs emerald cut: light to width ratio

Emerald vs Radiant Cut, Which is Better for You

There are clear differences between the Radiant and Emerald cuts though, the choice between the two is not strictly defined. Darry Ring suggests a case-by-case approach. If you seek a diamond with a classic look and vintage style, the perfect choice would be an Emerald cut diamond.

Alternatively, if you prefer a modern style and in search of endless sparkle and dazzling effects, then a Radiant cut diamond would be your best bet. But You should know that Emerald cut diamonds aren't always as clear as Radiant cut diamonds. That's because radiant cuts are usually cut deeper. And because of that, they might cost more.

No matter your preference when comparing Emerald vs Radiant cut, Darry Ring can help you find the perfect choice. Guided by the philosophy of "Buy for One Person in a Lifetime", this high-end jewelry brand offers a range of stylish Emerald and Radiant cut engagement and wedding rings to express your deepest love. Choose from white gold, rose gold, platinum, and yellow gold settings for these elegant diamond cuts, each a lasting symbol of commitment. Every ring is accompanied by a certificate from NGTC, GIA, or IGI, ensuring quality and authenticity.

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Solitaire Pavé Engagement Ring

$ 850

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Cluster Engagement Ring

$ 640

DR Lab Grown Emerald East-West Evergreen Promise Ring

$ 640

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Solitaire Engagement Ring

$ 560

DR FOREVER Emerald-cut Solitaire Under Bazeled Engagement Ring

$ 900

DR FOREVER Radiant-cut Side-stone Engagement Ring

$ 830

FAQs About Emerald vs Radiant Cut

What are the pros and cons of emerald and radiant cut?

One great thing in the Radiant vs Emerald cut comparsion is that they make your fingers look longer and slimmer. There are also other pros and cons that are as follows:

Emerald Cut Pros:
1. Strong visual impact with the large table of the diamond;
2. High transparency allows for better display of the diamond's inner beauty;
3. The classic shape is suitable for vintage-style pairings.

Emerald Cut Cons:
1. Inclusions or flaws may be more visible;
2. The shallow cut results in less brilliant fire.

Radiant Cut Pros:
1. Fewer inclusions due to deeper cuts;
2. Strong light refraction and sparkling brilliance;
3. Suitable for a wide range of pairings because of its modern style.

Radiant Cut Cons:
1. More complex cutting process and higher price;
2. Smaller visual size than an emerald cut of the same carat weight.

Are radiant diamonds more expensive than emerald diamonds?

Not really. When Radiant vs Emerald cut at the same carat weight, radiant diamonds are generally more expensive than emerald ones due to their deeper cuts and more complex craftsmanship. However, if factors such as carat weight, color, clarity, and overall quality are not consistent, the price will vary and depend on the reality of the diamond.