How to Buy a Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring: The Ultimate Buying Guide

What is a radiant cut diamond?  

​Classified as a fancy shape, radiant-cut diamonds are typically rectangular in shape with cropped corners. Some prefer a more square-shaped radiant cut diamond over a rectangular shape. The silhouette of the radiant cut diamond is like the emerald cut or Asscher cut; however, radiant-cut diamonds are a more modern choice and have much more sparkle.  ​

 A radiant cut diamond (left) compared to an emerald cut diamond (right)  

Radiant cut diamonds have 70 facets - much more than other popular diamond shapes (the round-cut only has 57 facets, or 58 if there is a culet). 

modified-brilliant facet style is very similar to the princess-cut diamond. On your radiant cut’s diamond report, it may be referred to as a “Cut Cornered Rectangular Modified Brilliant” instead of a radiant cut. 

The 4 Cs  

Before buying a radiant cut diamond, it is important to understand the 4 Cs. (Don’t panic – it's easy.) The 4 Cs are the standard way to understand the quality of a diamond, which will greatly affect its price. The 4 Cs are Cut, Carat, Clarity, and Color.  

What Cut Grade Should I Choose? 

Cut directly impacts how much a diamond will sparkle. The GIA does not actually assign cut grades to fancy-shaped diamonds, so jewelers often assign their own cut grades to these diamonds. Make sure to choose a radiant-cut diamond with the best cut grade possible – at Ritani, that’s a Very Good cut. You should also check its report to ensure that it has an Excellent grade for both polish & symmetry, which the GIA will grade the stone for. 

What Carat Size Should I Choose?   

The carat size you choose for your diamond ring really depends on personal preference as well as your budget. 1-carat diamonds are the average choice nationwide for engagement rings. To save on your diamond, we recommend buying shy of your desired carat weight. For example, if you are looking to buy a 2-carat radiant cut diamond ring, look for a 1.8-carat or 1.9-carat diamond instead. Buying shy can help you save hundreds of dollars and will still appear the same size as your desired carat weight! 

What Clarity Grade Should I Choose? 

The modified-brilliant facet style of the radiant cut diamond will help mask any inclusions, which are naturally occurring imperfections in the diamond. While many inclusions cannot be seen with the naked eye, some are very obvious and can detract from the stone’s beauty. Sometimes, inclusions on the edges of the diamond can be hidden with the prongs of your setting. Avoid diamonds with large inclusions on the center of the stone’s table.  

We recommend a clarity great of VS2 or better for your radiant cut diamond. Always view HD images and/or videos of your diamond before making a purchase if you are shopping online. 

What Color Grade Should I Choose?  

Your diamond’s color grade refers to how little color it reflects. If you are setting your radiant cut diamond in white gold or platinum, we recommend G, H, I, or J colored diamonds. These near-colorless diamonds will still face up as white but will be far less expensive than colorless diamonds. Those who are setting their diamond in rose gold or yellow gold should opt for J, K, or L colored diamonds. The warm color of the metal will make any yellowness in the diamond less noticeable. 

Length to Width Ratios  

Not all radiant cut diamonds look the same. Some radiant cut diamonds appear squarer, while others will appear more rectangular. It’s important to check the length-to-width ratio of your diamond before purchasing it to be absolutely certain you are satisfied with its appearance.  

Ideal Table and Depth Percentage for your Radiant Cut Diamond

The table is the flat surface on the top of your diamond.  

The table size of your diamond is important because it affects how much light is let into the stone, therefore influencing its sparkle and brilliance. Too small of a table and your diamond won’t receive much light and won’t sparkle as much. However, you also don’t want a table that is too large, as it won’t expel light effectively. For your radiant cut diamond, the ideal table percentage is between 61% to 69%. 

The depth of a diamond is its measurements from the top of the diamond (its table) to the bottom of the diamond (its culet). A diamond that is too shallow or too deep won’t reflect light as well, making it less sparkly. The ideal depth percentage for a radiant cut diamond is between 61% to 67%. 

Earth-Grown or Lab-Grown? 

Another important decision you’ll need to make while searching for a radiant cut engagement ring is whether you want an earth-grown or lab-grown diamond for your center stone. With modern technology, it is possible to create diamonds in a laboratory. Lab diamonds are becoming more and more popular for engagement rings. Lab diamonds are identical to mined diamonds - the only difference between the two is their origin.   

The advantage to lab-grown diamonds is that, compared to earth-grown diamonds, you can save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars.  

Both diamonds below are 1 carat, E color, VS1 clarity with a Very Good cut, excellent polish, excellent symmetry, and no fluorescence.   

Earth Diamond $5,865

Lab Diamond $1,395

As you can see, the lab diamond on the right is far more affordable than the earth-grown diamond on the left.  

Some prefer earth-grown diamonds for their classic appeal. Natural diamonds also have better resale value than lab diamonds. 

You can learn more about natural vs lab-grown diamonds here. 

Choosing the Right Engagement Ring 

While shopping for an engagement ring, you’ll need to select your favorite setting style and precious metal. White gold is the most common choice for engagement rings, followed by platinum, yellow gold, and rose gold. Those with sensitive skin should opt for platinum as it is a hypoallergenic metal.  

Here are the 5 most common engagement ring styles. 

Solitaire Engagement Rings

Solitaire Diamond Cathedral Engagement Ring in 14kt White Gold - $668 (Setting Only)   

Solitaire engagement rings feature a plain band, making your radiant-cut diamond the main focus of the ring. Solitaire engagement rings are typically the most affordable choice since they are just metal with no diamond embellishments. They’re also one of the most popular choices for Ritani customers. A solitaire engagement ring is perfect for someone who is seeking something simple, timeless, and elegant.  

​Halo Engagement Rings

French-set Halo Diamond Band Engagement Ring in 18kt Rose Gold - $2,090 (Setting Only)  

Halo engagement rings feature tiny diamonds surrounding the center stone. This creates the illusion of a larger stone while also creating more sparkle. Halo engagement rings are ideal for someone who is seeking an eye-catching and ornate ring. Halo engagement rings are a best-selling style at Ritani.  

Sidestone Engagement Rings

Bypass Micropavé Diamond Band Engagement Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold - $1,544 (Setting Only) 

Sidestone engagement rings feature a band that is lined with diamonds. Graceful and timeless, this style is perfect for someone who is looking for a setting that will provide some sparkle without being too bold.  

Three-Stone Engagement Rings

Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring in 14kt White Gold - $3,255 (Setting Only)

Three-stone engagement rings feature two side stones flanking your center stone. Deeply symbolic, three stone rings are said to represent your past, present, and future together. This classic style will make a beautiful choice for your engagement ring.

​Vintage Style Engagement Rings ​

Radiant Vintage Halo Micropavé Diamond Band Engagement Ring in 18kt White Gold (Setting Only) 

Vintage-inspired engagement rings offer timeless, old-world charm and unique designs. While radiant diamonds are a modern cut, they can still look stunning when set in a vintage-inspired engagement ring. Vintage-inspired engagement rings are perfect for someone who is looking for a bold and breathtaking ring. 

How Much Should I Spend on a Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring? 

Ignore the myth that you must spend 3 months’ salary on an engagement ring. At Ritani, we believe we should spend whatever is right for you and your budget. According to a 2020 study from The Knot, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $5,500. However, it is possible to spend much less on a radiant cut engagement ring, especially if you choose a lab-grown diamond.  

How Much is a Radiant Cut Diamond?  

The cost of any diamond, no matter the shape, is difficult to say since the 4 Cs and other qualities heavily influence pricing. If you are purchasing a 1-carat radiant cut diamond, expect to spend anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000.  

The advantage of radiant-cut diamonds, like all fancy shapes, is that they are much less expensive than round-cut diamonds. Below is a 0.50 carat round cut diamond compared to a 0.50-carat radiant cut diamond. Both diamonds have J color, VS2 clarity, and a Very Good cut. Both stones have Very Good symmetry, Excellent polish, and no fluorescence. 

​$1,056 ​

​$698 ​

As you can see, the radiant-cut diamond is significantly less expensive than the round-cut diamond.   

 Hopefully, by now, you feel like a radiant-cut diamond expert! If you need help choosing the right radiant diamond, don’t hesitate to reach out to our virtual gemologists. Our unbiased gemologists do not receive commission and will assist you in choosing an engagement ring that’s right for your budget.    

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Up Next: $10,000 Engagement Ring Buying Guide​