Emerald Cut vs Radiant Cut Diamonds

Are you confused about the differences between the classic emerald cut diamond and the radiant cut diamond? Look no further! In this blog post we'll be exploring the unique characteristics of radiant cut and emerald-cut diamonds, the way they are cut and how these two diamond cuts compare to one another. Also, see how they became a sort of revolution in the diamond industry. Keep reading to learn more about the timeless beauty of the elongated shape of the emerald cut and the contemporary sparkle and brilliance of the emerald radiant diamond!

What is a Emerald Cut Diamond Shape?

The  emerald cut diamond is an elegant rectangular shaped gem with cut corners. It features a highly popular geometric step cut faceting pattern and is commonly referred to as a step cut or emerald step cut. Although this cut is thought of as a simplistic shape, the emerald cut has an alluring and understated elegance. It's one of the oldest diamond shapes known in the diamond industry dating back to the table cut of the 1500s.

This particular style of cutting was first used because the emerald shape was easier to cut. The shape also makes it harder to chip (yes, diamonds can chip) while you are wearing it. Emerald cut diamonds tend to have a sleek and modern feel, although they have been around for hundreds of years.

Their popularity rose as they were associated with the Art Deco Era with its symmetrical, clean lines. In that time, the shape gained in prevalence for diamond jewelry, and has remained so until today. The popularity of non-traditional engagement rings have made the emerald step-cut soar in terms of staying a sought after shape and cut.

The rectangular shape has long step-like facets that run parallel to each other. As a result, from the top view of the flat surface and large table of an emerald cut, the stone's beauty and visual appeal are highlighted. In terms of prong placement, its beveled corners provide security and strength. Note that with the step cut facets, imperfections and inclusions become more visible. This is especially true in larger diamonds. That's why high-quality rough diamonds with great clarity and color, are used. Consumers should opt for the highest quality stone allowable when the emerald step is the favored choice.

What are the Pros and Cons of Emerald Cut Diamonds?

The emerald cut is hard to chip when wearing. This makes it a good choice for a stone in a ring you will likely wear all the time. Its clean lines and symmetry are unmistakable and favorable. The linear faceted cut with parallel lines emits a subtle, sparkly diamond elegance. The cut also tends to look larger than most other diamond cuts. This means you get a lot more bling on your finger in an engagement ring.

An emerald diamond cut is less fiery than radiant cut diamonds even with the rectangular diamond shape. On the downside, this style of cut can make it difficult to hide flaws in your gem. The large, flat surface will make inclusions more visible than another cut. This is especially true towards the center of the diamond. It is important to purchase emerald cuts from a dedicated diamond expert and receive a higher clarity stone recommendation. A top-tier emerald cut will typically cost more than a emerald radiant.

What is a Radiant Cut Diamond?

The brilliance and sparkle of an emerald radiant diamond is undeniably the melding of the faceting of a round shaped diamond combined with the geometric shape of the emerald cut. It is sometimes confused with the princess cut square shape. The effects of its color refraction and dispersion are maximized by its many sparkling facets. Sometimes referred to as a starburst faceting pattern, the emerald radiant offers the best of two looks in one stone.

Radiant cut diamonds are usually rectangular in shape. You can also get a radiant in a squarish shape depending on its length to width ratio. This is less common but equally attractive. The radiant also has beveled corners like the emerald step. Both stones offer a desired straight edge setting surface for the placement of the prongs. Radiant cuts have a slightly more forgiving clarity in terms of hiding visible imperfections or inclusions.

This cut was created in 1977 in New York by master gem cutter, Henry Grossbard. This was transformed into a new cut that was not immediately successful. In the 1980s, we saw the popularity of brilliant round cuts, and the radiant emerald cut became a huge success by finally taking center stage. Being an extremely hard cutting style for any jeweler to accomplish, it was an uncommon but highly sought after cutting style at the time. The brilliant cut of the stone has remained popular to this day.

What are the Pros and Cons of Radiant Diamond Cuts?

The general thought is that radiant diamonds include more pros than cons, as they are a great stone for a ring. To help you decide if a radiant is your best choice, let’s look at the positive sides of these gems.

With its brilliant faceting, the radiant diamond has the ability to shine and sparkle like no other cut and has dramatic flashes of light. The true beauty of the brilliance of the stone of a radiant cut diamond will become apparent when held in sunlight. There is just no other diamond cut that can reflect light like the emerald radiant can. The sheer amount of facets tend to hide flaws better than any other cut. This allows for a lower quality of diamond to produce a greater end result.

When viewed from above, radiant cut diamonds appear to have a slight optical illusion. Radiant cut diamonds of equal weight may appear smaller than what they actually are when compared to a round cut of the same carat size. Depending on the dimensions and size, this is an important factor when considering a radiant.

We don’t often worry about a diamond's durability, as it is the hardest natural mineral known to man. Certain cuts have the ability to promote cracks or flaws in the stone as they create high tension or weaker spots. With a radiant, this is not a problem. The manner of cut allows it to stay solid and durable, ensuring less chipping than other diamond shapes.

Differences Between Emerald Cut vs Radiant Cut Diamonds

For those who want a sleek and modern look while still maintaining a touch of classic elegance, the emerald cut diamond is a great choice. It features a rectangular shape with straight corners and a highly popular geometric step faceting pattern. In contrast, although the rectangular radiant has cut corners, it differs from the emerald cut in that it features a brilliant faceting pattern similar to the sparkle of the round brilliant cut diamond.

The radiant cut is a much appreciated cut due to its intense brilliance. Both of the emerald step and radiant cut diamond shapes offer completely different looks, despite having the same common outer shape. Its elongated shape tends to lengthen ones hand and are sure to add a touch of sophistication to any jewelry collection. Basically, whichever cut you choose, it really comes down to a personal choice.

Radiant Cut vs Emerald Cut Engagement Ring

Find the perfect emerald cut and radiant cut diamond engagement ring simulant at Ziamond. Choose our lab grown diamond alternative cubic zirconia. Ziamond offers two options: the emerald step cut and the emerald radiant cut. Each cut is a popular choice that is hand cut and hand polished Russian formula cubic zirconia.

Our emerald cut features 27 linear facets. Our emerald radiant cut offers 104 brilliant, sparkling facets. Both are rectangular in shape and cut to exact diamond specifications for a top-quality mined diamond alternative. You cannot go wrong with a step or radiant cut engagement ring. Get the best diamond alternative available and experience the beauty of our emerald cuts today! For further assistance, please contact us directly at 866-942-6663, option 2 to speak with a knowledgeable representative.