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What Is the Difference Between Radiant and Cushion Cut?
The primary difference between radiant and cushion cut diamonds is their appearance. Radiant diamonds feature cropped corners and a brilliant-cut facet pattern, creating a geometric outline with straight edges for a contemporary look. These diamonds often appear larger than their actual carat weight thanks to their angular outline and large table, giving them an impressive presence on the finger.
In contrast, cushion diamonds feature curved sides and rounded corners, which create their signature soft, pillow-like shape. Their antique facet pattern produces a romantic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. While typically appearing slightly smaller than radiants of the same carat weight, cushion diamonds still offer a captivating and impactful presence.
Both radiant and cushion diamonds are available in square or rectangular variations, with elongated versions creating distinct looks that complement various hand shapes and personal styles.
Elongated Cushion vs. Radiant
When seeking a shape with more presence, elongated variations offer compelling alternatives to their square counterparts. Elongated diamond shapes offer a stretched silhouette that can visually lengthen the finger and enhance face-up appearance.
Elongated cushion and radiant diamonds offer distinct advantages:
Elongated cushion cuts typically fall within a 1.15 to 1.30 ratio range. They maintain the soft, romantic charm of traditional cushions while offering a slightly larger face-up size.
Elongated radiant diamonds usually have a length-to-width ratio between 1.20 and 1.40. They combine intense sparkle with a flattering shape that creates an elegant finger-lengthening effect. These diamonds are ideal for those who love brilliance and want a substantial appearance.
Choose an elongated cushion if you prefer:
- A softer, more romantic sparkle
- Vintage-inspired character
- The traditional "pillow" silhouette
- More versatility between modern and antique styling
Choose an elongated radiant if you prefer:
- Maximum brilliance and fire
- A more contemporary, geometric appearance
- Consistent sparkle across the entire diamond
- A more modern aesthetic
Both shapes offer exceptional beauty with elongated proportions, making any an excellent choice for those seeking an alternative to traditional round brilliants.
Radiant vs. Cushion Chart
Radiant | Cushion | |
|---|---|---|
Appearance | Features a rectangular or square shape with cropped corners and a brilliant-cut facet pattern. It blends the shape of an emerald cut with the sparkle of a round brilliant. | Square or elongated with curved sides and rounded corners. Their soft pillow-like shape and antique facet pattern create a romantic, vintage-inspired look. |
Sparkle | Crushed ice brilliance with balanced fire | Chunky or crushed ice sparkle with soft fire |
Size Perception | Appears larger | Appears slightly smaller |
Color Masking | Moderate | Low (shows more color) |
Clarity Masking | High (hides inclusions well) | Moderate (depending on the faceting style) |
Durability | Strong (cropped corners) | Very strong (rounded corners) |
Price | Moderate | Moderate |
Ideal For | If you’re looking for a modern yet versatile shape that balances brilliance, durability, and a flattering elongated look. | If you love vintage-inspired elegance, prefer soft sparkle, and want a durable shape with timeless charm. |
Radiant vs. Cushion Comparison
Learn how radiant and cushion diamonds compare in appearance, sparkle, size perception, color masking, clarity masking, durability, price, and value to help you determine which shape best suits your preferences and needs.
Appearance and Sparkle
Both radiant and cushion diamonds are known for their impressive sparkle, but they reflect light differently:
Radiant diamonds are known for their dazzling brilliance and intense sparkle. With 70 brilliant-style facets, this cut creates a "shattered glass" or crushed ice effect that combines the best qualities of round and emerald cuts. The result is a lively display of light, making radiant diamonds a favorite among those who want modern brilliance with a geometric shape.
Cushion diamonds produce a soft, romantic sparkle that is more diffused than that of radiant cuts. Traditional cushion cuts feature large facets that reflect light in broad flashes, while modified cushion cuts have extra facets that sometimes create a crushed ice effect. The cushion cut offers more fire (rainbow-colored flashes) which gives it a vintage glow and antique appeal.
Takeaway: Choose a radiant cut for maximum brilliance or opt for a cushion cut if you prefer a softer, more romantic sparkle.
Size Perception
Some diamond shapes appear larger than others at the same carat weight. The way a diamond appears size-wise can vary significantly:
Radiant diamonds often appear larger than cushion diamonds of the same weight. Their rectangular or square outline, combined with a large table (the flat top surface), creates the illusion of a greater face-up size. Elongated radiants are especially flattering on the hand and can make fingers appear longer.
Cushion diamonds tend to look smaller face-up compared to radiant diamonds. They are usually cut deeper, meaning more of the diamond’s weight is hidden below the girdle. Their rounded corners also soften the outline, making them appear more compact from the top view.
Takeaway: Radiant diamonds offer a larger face-up appearance than cushion. Elongated radiants provide the most finger coverage.
Color Masking
Certain diamond shapes show color more readily. Diamond color appears differently in each one:
Radiant diamonds show slightly less color than cushion. Their faceting disperses light in a way that can mask some color, especially in square-shaped stones. However, elongated radiant diamonds may display more visible color at the ends.
Cushion diamonds tend to hold color, meaning you may see more warmth in lower color grades. Their large open facets can accentuate yellow or brown tints, especially when viewed from above. That said, they are often chosen for fancy-colored diamonds because their structure retains and enhances color.
Takeaway: Opt for cushion if you want to showcase fancy-colored diamonds or prefer a warm, vintage look. Select radiants if you want to stretch your budget elsewhere—their faceting naturally masks color, allowing you to save by selecting a lower color grade.
Clarity Masking
Some diamond shapes hide inclusions better than others. The visibility of inclusions varies between these two shapes:
Radiant diamonds have complex faceting that helps hide inclusions well. Even at slightly lower clarity grades like VS2 or SI1, many radiant diamonds appear eye-clean.
Cushion diamonds, especially traditional ones, have larger facets that can reveal inclusions more easily. Modified cushion cuts with a crushed ice pattern can mask flaws better. It’s generally recommended to choose at least a VS2 clarity grade for cushion diamonds to avoid visible inclusions.
Takeaway: Radiant diamonds are better at disguising inclusions than cushion.
Durability
The structural integrity of a diamond shape affects how well it holds up to everyday wear. Here's how radiant and cushion durability differs:
Radiant diamonds are durable and practical for daily wear. When properly set with protective prongs, radiant diamonds are a good balance of sparkle and strength.
Cushion diamonds are among the most durable fancy shapes. Their rounded edges minimize stress points and make them less likely to chip or break. They are a great option for those with active lifestyles.
Takeaway: Cushion diamonds are the most durable, but radiants are a close second.
Price and Value
Diamond shape plays an important role in price and value. Shape affects both how much rough diamond is lost during cutting and how desirable the final stone is in the market. Here's how radiant and cushion diamond price compares:
Radiant diamonds are generally priced in the mid-range compared to other shapes. They are typically more affordable than round diamonds but may cost slightly more than cushion, especially if the stone has an ideal length-to-width ratio or is elongated — an increasingly popular style. The faceting pattern of radiant cuts is complex, which requires skill and precision, contributing to the overall cost. That said, radiant diamonds offer excellent value for those seeking brilliance and a larger face-up appearance without the premium of a round diamond shape.
Cushion diamonds are often priced moderately and can represent good value, particularly in the traditional (non-modified) style. Because cushion diamonds retain more of the rough stone during cutting than round shapes, they are typically more affordable. Elongated or modified cushion cuts, however, may command a higher price due to growing demand and more complex cutting techniques.
Takeaway: Both radiant and cushion diamonds offer excellent value alternatives to round diamonds. Your budget stretches further with either option, but specialty variations of both shapes may increase the price.
Elongated Cushion vs. Radiant FAQ
What looks bigger, cushion or radiant?
Between cushion and radiant diamonds of the same carat weight, radiants typically appear larger. Radiant diamond shapes look especially prominent in elongated forms, while cushion shapes generally appear smaller because they carry more weight below the girdle.
What is the difference between elongated cushion and elongated radiant diamonds?
The main difference between an elongated cushion cut and an elongated radiant cut diamond lies in their shape and faceting style. Elongated radiant diamonds have sharp, cropped corners and a more geometric shape, while elongated cushion diamonds have rounded corners and a softer, pillow-like appearance. Elongated radiant diamonds are known for their intense brilliance and sparkle due to their numerous facets, while elongated cushion diamonds offer a softer, more romantic sparkle with larger facets.
