Radiant Cut Solitaire Ring
Distinguished by its excellent light performance, a solitaire’s sparkle and fire is a close rival to every other diamond setting. Hence, these solitaire rings present a great choice for engagement rings and other jewelry usages. But, how significant can the cut and shape be when it comes to solitaires sparkle? How do radiant-cut solitaire rings measure up to other solitaire cuts and even other settings? Keep reading to find out.
Keeping it Fair and Simple
Every solitaire cut out there comes with its own pros and cons. For us, the radiant-cut gives a contemporary sense of refinement. They are a lovely sight on rings.
However, considering their level of popularity, the radiant-cut solitaire is by far the most sought-after option. This ring cut is excellent in a range of jewelry applications and looks perfect for engagement rings.
Nonetheless, the word ‘best’ is personal and depends on what you’re looking for and your preference.
Overall, we’d recommend opting for any solitaire cut that suits your personal style. Also, if you aren’t sure about what you want, consider radiant-cut solitaire rings. The modern style of this cut makes it work for everyone. Plus, its level of brilliance and versatility is impressive.
Introducing the Solitaire
It is hard to think of anything more timeless and elegant than the solitaire ring. A simple style, but that doesn’t take away from its glamor and beauty. It is for these reasons that they are such a popular choice for engagement rings.
The solitaire ring looks great with anything and has a classic elegance and sophistication that is hard to beat. Not to mention, it is comfortable and is perfect for those who lead active lifestyles, as well as those who simply like timeless elegance and style.
Solitaires come in many shapes and sizes. Traditionally, you’ll see diamond solitaire rings in a round or brilliant cut. This is to enhance the amount of sparkle and shine the stone has. Solitaire can be large or small. It just depends on your preferences and your budget.
Meanwhile, they don’t have to be round or brilliant cut. You can have a diamond solitaire ring in pretty much any shape you can imagine. Here, we feature a radiant-cut diamond. This gives the ring a different look and feels than the traditional radiant version. But, it still has the timeless elegance and classic style that we have come to expect from a solitaire ring.
The Radiant-cut Diamonds: Two Shapes in One
Radiant-cut diamonds mix the silhouette of the emerald cut with the brilliance and sparkle of the round diamond. These radiant-cut diamond rings come in both square and rectangular designs. Also, they are usually cut with 70 facets.
Meanwhile, the corners of radiant-cut diamonds come beveled. Hence, they come out as more lasting diamonds. They are less likely to chip. Similarly, a radiant cut is a crossbred shape. Mostly, we have them as squares or rectangles with narrowly pruned edges.
The majority of radiant-cut diamonds feature between 53 and 70 facets. These facets seriously add to their eye-popping glitter. That additional spark makes this octagonal diamond distinguished for engagement and wedding rings.
History Of Radiant-Cut Diamonds in Engagement Rings
Let us take a trip back to the late 1970s. Then, a genius diamond cutter, Henry Grossbard, made a shape that will be called the radiant cut. For Henry, he hoped to incorporate the classic nature of a square silhouette with the grandness of a round. This explains why this elegantly-cut diamond remains the center stone for many celebrity engagement rings. This list features stars like Khloe Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston.
Later in his life, Henry Grossbard’s family escaped from a Nazi camp in occupied France to the US. In the United States, he proceeded to develop and master his diamond skills and craft over three full decades.
Questions to Ask Before Buying Radiant-Cut Engagement Rings
Here is a quick tip from gemologist Lauren Addison in an interview with Brides: “When selecting a radiant-cut diamond, it’s important to be mindful of a well-centered cullet, parallel sides, and corners that are cut identical in size.”
When shopping for radiant-cut engagement rings, ensure you check for the following details. Along with the details provided, we also provide you with expert recommendations. This is so that you can make an informed choice.
Is it High-Quality?
The first detail you want to know is what exactly makes radiant-cut engagement rings high quality? First, you begin by making that choice for these radiant-cut rings. After this, you’ll love to confirm that the ratio is at its best.
According to Lauren Addison, “For a traditional rectangular shaped radiant, the ideal ratio is 1.25 although anywhere from 1.20-1.30 will fall within the target parameters. For a square-shaped radiant-cut, a ratio between 1.00-1.03 is best.”
What Other Settings Work?
The next detail is what other settings will work for radiant-cut rings aside the solitaire? If you want that shine, you should opt for an open-prong setting. This will give room for exceptional light interaction.
“If you’re looking for a bit more embellishment, consider adding a diamond halo or setting your radiant with fancy-shaped side stones such as trillions.” That’s another expert advice from Lauren Addison.
Furthermore, radiant-cut diamonds lend themselves to a wide variety of ring styles. They come out simply yet gorgeously as a solitaire like the ring we feature. Again, they come out well also when used in a three-stone ring. When you also see radiant-cut diamonds in wedding bands, the view is breathtaking.
Finally, it’s advisable not to use a bezel setting with this cut. Consider the fact that the metal around it can douse the great blaze. More so, it can hinder light reflection. Hence, there comes the need for at least four prongs.
These prongs position themselves at the clipped edges of the diamond. That way, they can firmly hold the gemstone in place.
How wearable is it?
Due to the number of facets radiant-cut diamonds feature, they “better conceal inclusions and enhance color. They also disperse more light, which means more sparkle.” Those were words from the expert gemologist herself.
Analyzing Features of Radiant-Cut Rings
Cut Quality
Choosing one of these radiant-cut solitaire rings means you must understand how to assess its cut quality. This is as a large portion of a diamond’s loveliness comes from its cut. Nevertheless, with elegant diamond cuts like radiant-cut diamonds, this is mostly personal.
Besides, there is no cut quality grade for radiant-cut diamonds from the GIA or any other gem lab. Therefore, you’ll have to assess it yourself. In all, it’s on you to pick the diamond that has the best sparkle. Hopefully, it gets easier with the advice and recommendations in this article.
Shape Appeal
Similar to other elegant gem cuts, radiant-cut diamonds get their appeal primarily from their cut style. You have to get the corners right. They must come evenly shortened. Stay away from outlines with excessively truncated edges. This is to avoid them looking off-shape.
Length-to-Width Ratio
Radiant-cut solitaire rings are available in a vast array of length-to-width ratios (L/W). So, it is now a matter of what you prefer. However, most ring lovers want an L/W of 1.15 to 1.35 for extended shapes or under 1.05 for square radiant-cut rings.
Bowtie Effect
This situation is not unique to any ring cut. It is the same with pears, ovals, and marquise-cut diamonds. Radiant-cut diamonds, too, have a bowtie part. It comes as a dark band cutting through the center of the gemstone.
When the diamonds are not cut well, it reveals a dark bowtie. However, when you see a well-cut radiant, it still possesses that unique sparkle around the stone. Ensure you take a close look at this section of the diamond. Be sure that it glitters perfectly.
Note that radiant-cut solitaire rings with a large bowtie portion do not sparkle. That is certainly not worth your cash. Regardless, it would help if you still tried to select a gemstone with a bowtie that isn’t dark.
Depth and Table
Constraining the whole depth percentage and table ranges will bring out the best from your radiant-cut rings. Although, this won’t remove all poor performers. The best it can do is to streamline your search to only the best out there.
If you must get the best quality, restrict your search to diamonds with a depth of 61-67%. Also, go for a table of 61-69%.
Clarity Grade
Do you want to get the best diamonds out there? That means you wish to pay only for the best cut. In that case, go for the least clarity grade without affecting the diamond’s look negatively.
However, there is a problem with the powerful brilliance or light refraction of radiant-cut diamonds. Due to these, inclusions in a low clarity grade are difficult to notice.
Our Recommendations: You can get eye-clean radiant-cut solitaire rings in SI1 and SI2 clarity grades. But, for a tight budget, consider I1 diamonds as well. Although you might not like that, there might be limited options available.
Color Grade
Radiant-cut solitaire rings display more color compared to round brilliants. Nevertheless, an H or I color radiant will look white when placed in an engagement ring. Try J and K color diamonds. They appear stunning also.
Lower color grades always come out excellently for setting the diamond in yellow or rose gold. Remember that the color of the metal reveals itself in the diamond nonetheless. Therefore, the top color grades (D-F) will also give out a minor color in these settings.
Meanwhile, a whiter color grade is still an option. But, you’ll spend more for a difference you may never notice.
Why is a Radiant-Cut Solitaire Ring a Good Buy?
Superior Sparkle and Color
Thanks to its enhanced sparkle, a well-cut radiant diamond comes out displaying an excellent diamond color in a solitaire ring.
Additional Facets
Extra facets come in handy in hiding diamond blemishes and inclusions. That helps to boost the overall clarity of these radiant-cut solitaire rings. When measured rightly, radiant-cut diamonds make the most of the diamond carats. They do this by utilizing more of the stone in noticeable ways. They don’t hide unnecessary weight under the exterior of the stone.
Durability Fit for an Active Daily Life
Thanks to the absence of tricky edges like you find in the princess cut, radiant-cut solitaire rings are highly durable. They are even more convenient for an active day-to-day life.
Maintaining your Radiant-cut Solitaire Rings
According to Lauren Addison, the relevance of caring for your diamond cannot be overstated. Moreover, it all starts with cleaning your diamond ring often. She says, “To break down the inevitable buildup of dirt and oils, I suggest soaking your ring in a simple solution of warm water and liquid soap every few weeks. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse, and pat dry. Avoid abrasive chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners as they’ll do more harm than good.”
Additionally, she recommends that you figure out the right time to take your radiant-cut solitaire rings off. Instances include:
- A day on the beach
- While you work out at the gym
- When engaging in tasks like gardening or cleaning.
Conclusion
The diagonal measurement that appears on a radiant cut can appear tricky sometimes. This happens mostly when you use your naked eye. It will seem bigger than a round brilliant even when they have the same carat weight. In addition, radiant-cut diamonds are more enduring and lasting than other cuts. This is thanks to its beveled edges
Finally, inclusions in low clarity grade radiant-cut solitaire rings are difficult to notice. It is possible to get eye-clean diamonds in SI1 and SI2 clarity grades. Overall, with your knowledge of the outstanding details of this diamond cut, you can get lovely radiant-cut solitaire rings for yourself and your spouse. It is a perfect way to relish your special moments.