In today’s blog and the next few posts  in our series we are going to compare similar diamond cuts and try to help establish the major differences between the two; both in loose diamonds and set within our custom engagement ring designs.  For this post we are going to zone in on emerald cuts and elongated radiant cuts in particular.  Click here to check out the full length YouTube video and read along with our post below to gain some more insight.

Radiant and Emeralds:

Both of these shapes have a similar outline with flat edges, cut corners and similar length/width ratios.  This is the reason why many engagement ring shoppers will be caught between these two shapes- because they lie very similar on the hand and will give you the same general feel once set into a custom engagement ring.  The major difference that sets these two diamond shapes apart is the faceting pattern and in effect how they sparkle.

1. Emerald Cut Diamonds

   Emerald cut diamonds are from the step cut family meaning all the facets run parallel to each other creating a hall of mirrors effect.  While this will produce less fire, it will give you larger flashes of brilliance and perhaps a more understated/elegant look.  As with any other fancy shape diamond, there is NO cut grade on the GIA report so you would need some sort of visual to go with before making a decision and use the certificate as a guide (depth, table, ratio, polish, symmetry).  This is where we come into play- at Lauren B we provide HD videos of all diamonds sold which is why we do not have a database of loose diamonds on our website.  Instead we tailor each selection per client.  In terms of overall shape, if you like the longer slender emerald cuts opt for something in the 1.45:1 or higher range and if you like a wider look try to keep it around 1.3:1. In this video you can see a comparison of different emerald shapes. The ratio makes a big difference in the overall look of the diamond. For the other quality factors, there are certain guidelines you should follow and much of it relates back to how this diamond is cut.  Because it has a very open table in the center, black or even white inclusions for that matter, can be seen very easily so we recommend staying with at least VS2 in clarity  (and in many cases even higher than that). If you drop to SI1 there is a chance to see the imperfections but very very rarely you may be able to find one that is clean to the eye.  On the flip side, because there is not a concentration of facets like a brilliant cut, any traces of color on these diamond cuts is much less noticeable.  For this reason, you can go towards the lower end of the near colorless range (I-J) and still have a very difficult time picking up any hues of warmth in the diamond. Take a look at this video showing a J color emerald cut diamonds.  Notice that the I-J color diamonds still appear white face up and give you an amazing value allowing you to put more money to other parts of the diamond and ring. Keeping all of the above points in mind above will ensure you end up with a gorgeous emerald cut diamond.
   

2. Radiant Cut Diamonds: 

Radiant cuts are from the brilliant cut family (alongside round, oval, cushion…) which accounts for it having that amazing sparkle that rival a round diamond.  We find radiant cut as a nice option for people who are in between the pillowy shape of a cushion cut and the very edge appearance of a princess cut.  As with emerald cuts, there is NO cut grade on the GIA reports so these are a must see either in person or via HD video before making any sort of confident purchasing decision.  For the length to width ratio you normally want to keep it within 1.2:1 up to 1.35:1 as a normal rule of thumb for an elongated shape. Square radiants do exist as well and these will have a lower ratio. Take a look at this video comparing square shape radiants side by side.   Regarding the quality aspects, they are quite different from an emerald cut in that they tend to show color more easily, and conversely hide inclusions better.  This is again due to how they are cut, and with its concentrated brilliant faceting pattern it leads to a higher concentration of color. For radiant cuts, we would recommend anywhere up to I (and J in some instances) and for clarity you can go as low as SI2.  Once again these are on a case by case basis as GIA grading is done within a range so there are some SI2’s and SI1’s that you need to avoid at all costs.  There are however hidden treasures out there that if you work closely with a diamond expert they can present you with one that would give the appearance of a VS clarity grade stone. Take a look at this video comparing radiant cut diamonds side by side. Can you tell the quality differences?

3. Emerald Cut vs Radiant Cut Loose Comparison:

By looking at these two diamond cuts side by side you can really see the similarities and differences in motion; the outlines are nearly identical however the sparkle is completely different.  The emerald has a more demure and subtle sparkle whereas the radiant is brighter and more glittery. In terms of face up spread they are very similar. Deciding between emerald and radiant really comes down to a matter of preference and perhaps seeing them in some of our different custom engagement ring designs will help you make your decision!  Here is another video comparing these two diamond shapes of emerald and radiant cut side by side in high definition quality detail

4. Ring Comparisons:

Now onto the fun part: the rings! Let’s start with the simpler designs and go up from there. 

Solitaire:

For someone after a very streamlined look and wanting to keep the focus on their center-stone a solitaire ring is the way to go.  If you are in love with the cut of diamond you chose and really want it to be the focal point check these out.  As you can see the emerald cut has an understated sparkle and pairing that with a solitaire really keeps the look grounded.  On the other hand, the sparkle of the radiant cut is sort of toned down by the simpler ring design. One of our favorites is the RS-230  featuring a thin rounded comfort fit band and delicate basket detailing.

Micropave:

The next step up from a solitaire ring would be one of our delicate micro-pave styles.  For the radiant cut, you are layering in another level of sparkle to an already dazzling center-stone.  On the other hand, the emerald cut still maintains a very subtle, elegant appeal but with just an added touch of sparkle from both the band and the underside of the ring.  Both styles feature our signature pave wrap underneath for that profile detail we have come to be know for.

Three Stone:

Moving right along, would be one of our coveted three-stone designs with additional pave work on the band. While we are not going to go into traditional three-stone rings today, these are our modern take on these styles.  For the emerald cut we matched it up with STEP CUT trapezoid side diamonds as shown to the left and for the radiant cut we paired it with BRILLIANT CUT trapezoid side diamonds as shown to the right.  Matching the center-stone with the proper side stones is important and you would not want to mix these up!  Another added plus is both of these three stone rings sit perfectly flush with an eternity band- not an easy feat and something that can be a deal breaker for many interested in a three stone ring

Onto the halo styles:

While these designs look similar in nature, the center-stone is what is going to make the difference in the look.  The radiant cut is going to blend in with the surrounding halo and give the effect of one larger center-stone- all stones are brilliant cut. This radiant cut halo engagement ring is a perfect example of that. Contrary to that, the emerald cut is going to form a distinct contrast between itself and the surrounding pave halo (see image to the right).  We really love the play on contrast here and the halo helps add some fire  to the ring that would otherwise be absent for an emerald cut diamond. 

All in all, radiant cut and emerald cut diamonds are amazing choices for someone wanting an edgy, clean, and modern, appearance for their ring. Check out our video gallery for emerald and radiant cut diamond videos along with videos of emerald and radiant cut engagement rings as well. Please contact us via email or call in anytime if you would like to set up an appointment in store or need some advice on which shape is best for you!