Emerald vs. Radiant Cut Diamonds: The Complete Guide

When you’re on the hunt for your perfect ring, the number of options you have can feel overwhelming. From carat size to the choice between white gold vs. yellow gold, there are so many possibilities to choose from. But don’t worry–we’re here to help! One of the biggest decisions to make–and a great place to start–is the shape of the diamond. If you’re into rectangles, geometric silhouettes, or Art Deco-inspired styles, then you’re likely weighing emerald vs. radiant-cut. One of the most common questions about diamond shape is, “What is the difference between emerald and radiant cut?” They both have straight edges and cut corners, so they might seem like they would look similar. But the truth is, emerald and radiant cut diamonds have very different vibes, even though their shapes are identical. Let’s talk about why!

Emerald Cuts

Emerald-cut diamonds and radiant-cut diamonds share the same silhouette: a cut-corner rectangle. This is a popular shape because it carries so much visual interest and is so flattering. Along with ovals, elongated cushions, and marquises, both of these cuts look stunning on just about anyone’s finger. Your biggest decision when deciding between an emerald vs. a radiant-cut diamond is which facet arrangement you prefer. Emerald-cut diamonds feature a step cut, which is a vintage facet arrangement that was first used on emeralds (hence the name!) This special cut is shared with just a few other shapes, including asscher and baguette diamonds. The step cut aligns long vertical facets that reflect light off of each other, which creates a “hall of mirrors” effect. Many people love this distinct look since it is so different from the typical brilliant or modified brilliant cut. Indeed, this is the biggest difference between emerald and radiant cuts.

One more thing to weigh when considering emerald vs. radiant-cut is the fact that identical quality grades will not show up identically across these two categories. Simply put, emerald-cut diamonds tend to show any significant inclusions (or lower color grades, for that matter) more than radiant diamonds do. You don’t have to worry about this at Taylor Custom Rings because all of our diamonds are super high-quality, but it is still good to know! If you decide on an emerald cut, you may want to bump up the quality grades a little more than you would with another diamond.

Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring Settings

Outside the technical differences, the main consideration in the emerald vs. radiant cut decision is the style you’re going for. Emerald-cut diamonds were most common in the Art Deco era, but remain a popular choice today. Our emerald-cut engagement rings range from vintage-inspired to modern, so whether you lean toward intricate details or sophisticated minimalism, you can style your emerald cut exactly how you please. Here are a few of our emerald-cut styles.

Our Twyla ring puts a twist on the emerald-cut solitaire with a modern east-west setting.

Our La Grande Toi et Moi Ring pairs an emerald-cut with a pear-shaped diamond for maximum contrast and a stunning asymmetrical design.

Daphne is a newer emerald-cut design with a half bezel and trapezoid accents that lean into the step-cut magic.

Radiant Cuts

Radiant-cut diamonds, in contrast to emerald cuts, have a modified brilliant facet arrangement, which means they sparkle like crazy! This is the biggest difference between emerald and radiant cut diamonds. Radiants are most similar to a modified brilliant elongated cushion. They have 70 facets that bounce light in every direction, creating the utmost amount of fire and scintillation. Radiant diamonds are the way to go if you want to maximize the sparkle on your finger. For those who love the geometry and distinctiveness of the cut-corner rectangle shape, but don’t want to sacrifice the sparkle of a brilliant cut, in the emerald vs. radiant cut matchup, radiant is the winner!

Radiant-Cut Engagement Ring Settings

A classic and beautifully executed solitaire setting like our Celeste makes the radiant diamond the star of the show!

Settings for Emerald or Radiant Cuts

A few of our most popular designs come in both radiant and emerald versions, so whichever way you land on the emerald vs. radiant cut question, you can enjoy these rings. Go ahead and compare!

Isla is a vintage-inspired halo design that features delicate milgrain details and an irresistible scalloped band.

The Difference is in the Sparkle

When it comes down to it, the difference between emerald and radiant cut diamonds is their facet arrangement and the related type of sparkle. A radiant cut is a modified brilliant cut that maximizes the natural sparkle of the diamond using triangular and kite-shaped facets. Emerald cuts, on the other hand, have step-cut, rectangular facets, which create an enchanting “hall-of-mirrors” effect. This makes the diamond appear more shimmery and linear, with more subtle sparkle than a radiant. When deciding between emerald vs. radiant-cut, the primary question is whether you prefer the maximum sparkle of the radiant, or the Art Deco vibes of the emerald cut. Either way, you will have a stunning and distinctive shape on your finger!

If you’d like more information or assistance choosing your perfect diamond or ring, just reach out to our friendly team, and we’ll be happy to discuss the difference between emerald and radiant cut diamonds or help you customize your favorite design!