When it comes to engagement rings that strike the perfect balance between brilliance and sophistication, radiant cut engagement rings are fast becoming a favourite. Loved for their hybrid shape, a mix between the clean lines of an emerald cut and the dazzling sparkle of a round brilliant, radiant cut diamonds are an exceptional choice for modern couples. Whether you’re looking for a 2 carat lab grown diamond or a bespoke design from a jeweller in London, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is a Radiant Cut Engagement Ring?

The radiant cut is a square or rectangular diamond with cropped corners and 70 facets, designed to maximise sparkle while maintaining an elegant silhouette. It combines the brilliance of a round cut with the structured shape of an emerald cut, making it ideal for those who want a statement ring with fire and personality.

One of our favourite modern takes on this design is the East-West Radiant Cut Engagement Ring, which sets the stone horizontally for a sleek, contemporary twist.

A Brief History of the Radiant Cut

The radiant cut was developed in the late 1970s by master diamond cutter Henry Grossbard, who sought to merge the sparkle of brilliant cuts with the crisp lines of step cuts. His innovative approach gave birth to a cut that’s both glamorous and versatile. Today, the radiant cut is especially popular in 2 carat sizes, offering impressive finger coverage and a striking presence.

Are Radiant Cut Engagement Rings Expensive?

Radiant cut diamonds are typically less expensive than round brilliant diamonds of the same carat weight, but they can be pricier than some step cuts like emeralds due to the additional labour involved in faceting. Opting for a lab grown diamond can reduce costs by up to 60 per cent, making it possible to choose a larger 2 carat stone without compromising on quality or sparkle.

What Is the Prettiest Engagement Ring Cut?

Beauty is always subjective, but the radiant cut is frequently praised as one of the prettiest engagement ring cuts thanks to its combination of sparkle and distinctive shape. It’s perfect if you love the brilliance of a round diamond but want something just a little different.

What Does a Radiant Cut Engagement Ring Say About You?

A radiant cut engagement ring suggests a personality that’s confident, modern, and vibrant. It reflects someone who appreciates both classic elegance and a sense of individuality.

What Wedding Band Looks Best with a Radiant Cut?

Radiant cut diamonds pair beautifully with a variety of wedding bands. Sleek platinum or yellow gold bands offer a minimalist look, while pavé-set or diamond eternity bands enhance the sparkle. A slim diamond band tends to complement the clean lines of the radiant cut perfectly. For those wanting something truly personal, a bespoke wedding band can be created to match the proportions and design of your engagement ring.

Is Radiant or Emerald Cut More Sparkly?

Radiant cuts are more sparkly than emerald cuts due to their brilliant facet pattern. While emerald cuts offer a refined, mirrored elegance, radiant cuts deliver maximum fire and brilliance, making them a top choice for those who want light-catching sparkle.

What Nail Shape Is Best for a Radiant Cut Ring?

To highlight the ring on your hand, a soft square or oval nail shape pairs beautifully with the structure of a radiant cut. Almond-shaped nails also elongate the fingers, creating a polished, flattering look.

Which Is Better, Princess Cut or Radiant Cut?

When comparing princess cuts and radiant cuts, both offer beauty and brilliance, but the radiant cut often has more sparkle due to its faceting. Additionally, radiant cuts have cropped corners, making them more durable than the sharp-edged princess cut, which is more prone to chipping.

Do Radiant Cut Diamonds Look Smaller?

Radiant cut diamonds can sometimes appear slightly smaller than other shapes of the same carat weight because they tend to be deeper. However, their elongated silhouette (especially in rectangular form) gives the illusion of greater size on the finger. A 2 carat radiant cut diamond offers both sparkle and substantial presence, making it a popular choice for those who want maximum impact.

Bespoke Radiant Cut Engagement Rings in London

At Faire & Fine, we specialise in bespoke engagement rings that bring your vision to life. Whether you dream of a traditional radiant cut solitiare, or a unique East-West setting, our London-based atelier can design something truly personal. Every ring is crafted using ethically sourced or lab grown diamonds, combining exceptional design with a commitment to sustainability.

Additional FAQs

Are lab grown radiant cut diamonds real?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They offer the same beauty and longevity but without the ethical or environmental concerns.

What metal looks best with a radiant cut diamond?
Radiant cuts look stunning in platinum or white gold for a modern feel, while yellow and rose gold give a warm, vintage-inspired finish.

Do radiant cuts show colour?
Radiant cuts can show a little more colour than round cuts, so it’s often worth choosing a slightly higher colour grade, F or above, for a crisp, white appearance.

Ready to Find Your Radiant Cut Ring?

Whether you’re captivated by the brilliance of a radiant cut, considering a lab grown stone, or looking for a bespoke engagement ring in London, we’d love to help. Explore the Radiant Cut Collection or contact us to begin your bespoke design journey.