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Choosing the perfect diamond shape is one of the most important steps in buying an engagement ring or fine jewelry piece. Among the most popular fancy shapes today, radiant cut and cushion cut diamonds stand out for their brilliance, beauty, and versatility. While they may appear similar at first glance, these two cuts differ significantly in sparkle, shape, style, and overall personality.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore radiant cut vs cushion cut diamonds, breaking down their key differences, benefits, pricing, and how to choose the best one for your lifestyle and taste.
What Is a Radiant Cut Diamond?
A radiant cut diamond is known for its brilliant sparkle and modern shape. First introduced in the late 1970s, it combines the elegance of an emerald cut outline with the fire of a round brilliant.
Radiant cuts feature:
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Cropped corners
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Square or rectangular shape
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A brilliant faceting pattern with 70+ facets
Because of its faceting, the radiant cut reflects light intensely, making it one of the most brilliant fancy-shaped diamonds available. Its trimmed corners also make it more durable and less prone to chipping.
What Is a Cushion Cut Diamond?
The cushion cut diamond is beloved for its soft, romantic, and vintage appeal. With origins dating back over 200 years, this cut blends a square or rectangular outline with gently rounded corners, resembling a pillow—hence the name “cushion.”
Key characteristics include:
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Rounded edges
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Larger facets
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A classic, timeless look
Cushion cuts are prized for their warm glow and depth, offering a balance between brilliance and fire rather than sharp sparkle.
Radiant Cut vs Cushion Cut: Shape & Appearance Compared
Although both shapes can be square or rectangular, their visual presence is very different.
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Radiant cut diamonds have sharp lines and defined corners, creating a bold, contemporary look.
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Cushion cut diamonds appear softer and more fluid, with curved edges that give them a romantic charm.
If you prefer clean geometry and crisp brilliance, radiant cuts shine. If you’re drawn to elegance with a vintage feel, cushion cuts are ideal.
Faceting & Sparkle: Brilliance vs Fire
One of the biggest differences between radiant and cushion cut diamonds lies in how they interact with light.
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Radiant cuts emphasize brilliance, producing bright white flashes of light.
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Cushion cuts emphasize fire, creating colorful rainbow reflections.
Radiant diamonds sparkle more consistently under bright lighting, while cushion diamonds glow beautifully in softer, ambient light. Your preference depends on whether you value bold sparkle or romantic shimmer.
Radiant vs Cushion Cut Moissanite: Key Differences
When comparing radiant vs cushion cut moissanite, the differences are similar to diamonds but slightly more noticeable due to moissanite’s higher refractive index. Radiant cut moissanite delivers extremely sharp, bright sparkle with intense white flashes, making it ideal for buyers who love a bold, modern look. However, its brilliance can sometimes appear “crushed ice” or overly sparkly under strong light. On the other hand, cushion cut moissanite offers a softer, more romantic glow with broader flashes of light and a warmer appearance. Cushion cuts also tend to look more diamond-like in moissanite, especially in antique or brilliant cushion styles, making them a popular choice for those who want a classic aesthetic with controlled sparkle.
Size Perception: Which Looks Bigger at the Same Carat?
When comparing equal carat weights, radiant cut diamonds often appear larger than cushion cuts.
This is because:
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Radiant cuts typically have a larger table
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Their elongated shape spreads carat weight across the surface
Cushion cuts tend to hold more weight in their depth, making them look slightly smaller but more substantial. If visual size is a top priority, radiant cuts usually have the edge.
Color & Clarity Considerations for Each Cut
Both cuts are excellent at disguising inclusions and color, but they do so differently.
Radiant Cut:
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Facets help hide inclusions well
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Shows color more easily than cushion cuts
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Best to choose H color or higher
Cushion Cut:
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Larger facets can reveal inclusions if poorly placed
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Masks warmth better, allowing for I–J colors
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Excellent for those seeking value without sacrificing beauty
Choosing the right balance of color and clarity can significantly impact price without affecting appearance.
Price Differences Between Radiant & Cushion Diamonds
There is no fixed price rule, but trends exist.
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Cushion cuts are often slightly more affordable due to higher rough diamond yield.
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Radiant cuts may cost more because of precision cutting and demand.
However, prices vary based on:
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Cut quality
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Length-to-width ratio
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Color and clarity grades
Both cuts offer excellent value compared to round diamonds.
Which Cut Suits Your Style: Modern vs Romantic
Your personal style plays a major role in choosing between radiant and cushion cuts.
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Choose a radiant cut if you love:
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Modern aesthetics
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Sharp lines
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Bold sparkle
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Choose a cushion cut if you prefer:
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Vintage or classic designs
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Soft shapes
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Romantic elegance
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Your lifestyle and fashion sense should guide your choice as much as sparkle does.
Best Ring Settings for Radiant & Cushion Cuts
Both diamond cuts work beautifully in various settings, but some styles enhance them more than others.
Radiant Cut Settings:
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Solitaire (highlights shape)
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Halo (adds size and brilliance)
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East-west settings for modern flair
Cushion Cut Settings:
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Halo for vintage appeal
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Three-stone rings
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Bezel or antique-inspired designs
Choosing the right setting can dramatically elevate the diamond’s appearance.
Pros & Cons: Radiant vs Cushion Cut at a Glance
Radiant Cut – Pros:
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Exceptional brilliance
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Appears larger per carat
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Durable corners
Radiant Cut – Cons:
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Shows color more easily
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Slightly higher price in some cases
Cushion Cut – Pros:
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Romantic and timeless
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Masks color well
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Great value option
Cushion Cut – Cons:
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May look smaller
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Sparkle is softer than radiant
How to Choose the Perfect Diamond Cut for Your Engagement Ring
When deciding between radiant cut vs cushion cut diamonds, ask yourself:
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Do I prefer bright sparkle or soft glow?
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Do I want a modern or vintage look?
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Is visual size more important than depth?
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Which cut matches my everyday style?
Trying both shapes in person, comparing them under different lighting, and consulting a trusted jeweler can make the decision easier and more confident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the main difference between radiant and cushion cut diamonds?
Radiant cuts feature sharper corners and more brilliance, while cushion cuts have rounded edges and a softer, romantic sparkle.
Do radiant cut diamonds sparkle more than cushion cuts?
Yes, radiant cuts generally produce more white light brilliance, while cushion cuts emphasize colorful fire.
Which diamond cut looks bigger at the same carat weight?
Radiant cut diamonds typically appear larger than cushion cuts of the same carat weight.
Are radiant cuts more expensive than cushion cuts?
They can be slightly more expensive, but pricing depends on overall quality rather than shape alone.
Which cut hides color and inclusions better?
Cushion cuts usually mask color better, while radiant cuts do a good job hiding inclusions.
Which style is better for a classic engagement ring?
Cushion cuts are ideal for classic and vintage styles, while radiant cuts suit modern designs.
Can both cuts be square or rectangular?
Yes, both radiant and cushion diamonds are available in square and elongated shapes.
What ring settings work best for these cuts?
Halo, solitaire, and three-stone settings work beautifully for both, depending on style preference.
Final Thoughts
Both radiant and cushion cut diamonds are stunning in their own way. Whether you choose the bold brilliance of a radiant cut or the romantic charm of a cushion cut, the right diamond is the one that reflects your personality, style, and story.
