Often confused, both cushion cut diamonds and radiant cut diamonds are top choices for engagement rings here at Adiamor. While both shapes are great dazzling options and very similar, they do have a few key differences that are important to know about. We are going to dive into those differences today in hopes that we can support you on your journey to designing your perfect engagement ring! Cushion cut diamonds and radiant cut diamonds are similar in that they are commonly cut in square, rectangular and elongated shapes. These stunning diamond shapes have great brilliant cut facets, sparkle similarly, and look fantastic in many different length to width ratios. When set in an engagement ring it is often hard to tell the difference between a cushion cut diamond and a radiant cut diamond. We will review these key differences and hot tips to remember when shopping for these fantastic shapes. We will also give you fantastic options for engagement ring settings in each shape respectively.
First let’s discuss the most obvious difference between these two diamond cuts, silhouette. Cushion-cut diamonds are known to be more “pillowy” and very different looks from one to another. Some are cut with a more vintage look which is a more similar to a round diamond while others are clearly square or elongated. No matter which shape a cushion is, they appear soft and feminine due to their bowed edges and soft rounded corners. Radiant cut diamonds have hard straight edges and diagonal corners similar to an emerald cut diamond. Their shape is more pronounced because straight edges are less vulnerable to optical illusions. It is easy to identify a radiant cut diamond because the overall shape is more consistent than that of a cushion cut. See the photo below to really take a look at these differences. The silhouette of cushion cut and radiant cut diamonds is important because it completely changes the look of the ring you design. Choosing a cushion cut diamond that is more “pillowy” and soft allows you to really create a romantic looking ring, where as the harder edges of a radiant cut diamond really lend themselves to a more “chic” look. You can really use both of these silhouettes to suit yours or your partners style and create a unique ring!
The second most important difference is their faceting. Cushion cut diamonds have many different alternatives for their faceting. They can have a smaller “crushed ice” look to them where the faceting is tiny and provides tons of sparkle to larger faceting and gives these stones a completely different look! When looking through our Diamond Search on adiamor.com you are able to see these faceting differences by using the “Photo Grid” option. In the photo below you can see how cushion cut diamonds are extremely versatile in their faceting and this can be a great option for someone that is looking for a softer looking diamond and specific faceting.
When it comes to radiant cut diamonds, their faceting is very specific. Radiant cut diamonds were designed to be the square or rectangular version of the brilliant round cut diamond. Radiant cut diamonds have the similar faceting round diamonds which means BRILLIANT sparkle! This is one of the most enticing features of a radiant cut diamond. Many people love the look of an elongated rectangular stone with that amazing brilliant sparkle. Below you can see how similar the faceting is on each radiant cut diamond using our same photo grid feature.
A few hot tips to remember when shopping for your perfect cushion cut diamond and radiant cut diamond are:
1) Always set your budget ahead of time.
2) Rank your 4 C’s in order from most to least important.
3) Be mindful of the color diamond you are choosing as these shapes can hold on to warmth.
4) Look out for large dark inclusions in the center of these diamonds
Here are a few engagement ring settings that look stunning with both radiant and cushion cut diamonds. These are some of the fan favorites here at adiamor that will surely take your partners breath away on your special day!
3 STONE ENGAGEMENT RING SETTING 1CTTW TRILLIANTS
This 3 stone engagement ring setting is custom made for the center diamond you select and includes 2 trilliants weighing approximately 1.0cttw. This ring setting is not dainty. this ring is for the person that likes to make a statement with their diamonds. Whether you choose a cushion cut diamond or a radiant cut diamond this engagement ring is sure to be a show stoppper!
- Metal(s) – 14K, 18K, 19K, Platinum 950
- Ring Sizes – 3.00 to 9.00
Please call for additional sizes. - Finish Type – High Polish
- Width: – 2.20-2.50 mm
- Prong Setting – 4
- Can be set with:
- Round – 2.00 to 8.00 carat
- Princess – 2.00 to 8.00 carat
- Emerald – 2.00 to 8.00 carat
- Marquise – 2.00 to 8.00 carat
- Pear – 2.00 to 8.00 carat
- Radiant – 2.00 to 8.00 carat
- Oval – 2.00 to 8.00 carat
- Asscher – 2.00 to 8.00 carat
- Cushion – 2.50 to 9.00 carat (Call 1-877-627-5094 for additional shapes and sizes.)
- Number & Type of Stones – 2 Trilliant Natural Diamonds
FRENCH CUT DIAMOND BASKET ENGAGEMENT SETTING 2MM
This French Cut Pavé engagement ring setting has diamonds set half way around the 2mm band. The basket has a hidden halo and diamonds on the prongs which is the perfect addition of subtle sparkle only seen from certain angles. This engagement ring setting is perfect with both cushion cut diamonds and radiant cut diamonds. This setting is also a great choice for those that want the extra sparkle without going over the top!
- Metal(s) – 14K, 18K, 19K, Platinum 950
- Ring Sizes – 3.00 to 9.00
Please call for additional sizes. - Finish Type – High Polish
- Width: – 2.00 mm
- Prong Setting – 4
- Can be set with: All shapes and sizes.
- Number & Type of Stones – 50 Round Natural Diamonds
THE PERFECT SOLITAIRE ENGAGEMENT RING SETTING
he Perfect Solitaire is classic and elegant. Made with 4 prongs for cushion cut diamonds and radiant cut diamonds, this engagement ring setting is the perfect choice for someone who is looking for simple, stunning, and wants all the attention on their center stone. The band is slightly knife edged and the basket is perfectly scalloped. This ring will take their breath away.
- Metal(s) – 14K, 18K, 19K, Platinum 950
- Ring Sizes – 3.00 to 9.00
Please call for additional sizes. - Finish Type – High Polish
- Width: – 2.00-2.50 mm
- Prong Setting – 4
- Can be set with:
- Round – 0.40-10.00
- Princess – 0.40-10.00
- Emerald – 0.40-10.00
- Radiant – 0.40-10.00
- Asscher – 0.40-10.00
- Cushion – 0.50- 10.00 (Call 1-877-627-5094 for additional shapes and sizes.)
Overall, these diamond shapes are more similar than not. This means you will create a stunning engagement ring either way! Both cushion cut diamonds and radiant cut diamond have stunning sparkle and come in amazing square and rectangular shapes. They both look gorgeous in most settings and will surely make your day SO special. When choosing the right shape for your ring it really is about the details like the silhouette and faceting of these diamond shapes. For more information or help please see our website or contact us directly.
