Both Cushion Cut and Radiant Cut Diamonds have a timeless appeal but differ in shape, sparkle, and style. The Cushion Cut has a soft, vintage look with rounded edges, while the Radiant Cut features clean lines with extra brilliance.
When choosing an Engagement Ring, the diamond’s cut is one of the most important factors.
The cut affects how the diamond reflects light, its overall brilliance, and even how large it appears. Read more to decide whether a Cushion Cut or a Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring is the right fit for you.
Mapping the Diamond Shape and Outlines
The Cushion Cut and Radiant Cut have distinct outlines that create different visual effects. These differences in shape influence how each diamond interacts with light, how it pairs with different settings, and how it looks on the hand.
A Cushion Cut Diamond has a romantic appearance with a rounded square or rectangular shape. Its gently curved edges give it a pillowy look, making it a popular choice for those who love vintage elegance.
In contrast, a Radiant Cut Diamond has a crisp silhouette with straight edges and sharply defined corners. Whether square or rectangular, its structured shape creates a bold presence.
The Magic of Diamond Faceting and Its Brilliant Glow
The faceting pattern refers to the arrangement and number of flat, polished surfaces (facets) on a diamond, which influence how light enters, reflects, and exits the gem.
Brilliance (the white light return observed in a diamond) is maximized when facets are precisely cut and aligned to optimize light performance.
Cushion Cut Diamonds have larger facets that create either a soft, "antique" sparkle or a "crushed ice" effect, where light scatters in multiple directions. This results in a more subtle glow.
Radiant Cut Diamonds feature a faceting pattern similar to Round Diamonds, maximizing light reflection.
Their intense sparkle gives them a lively appearance, making them a striking choice for those who love a modern look.
Unraveling Diamond Fire and Scintillation
Fire and scintillation are two essential optical properties that contribute to a diamond’s overall beauty.
A diamond’s fire refers to the dispersion of light into spectral colors, creating flashes of red, blue, green, and other hues as light passes through the diamond. This effect is most noticeable under direct lighting and is influenced by the diamond’s cut quality and facet angles.
Scintillation, on the other hand, describes the sparkle effect produced by the interplay of light and dark areas as the diamond moves.
It results from both the pattern of reflections within the diamond and the viewer’s perspective.
Cushion Cut Diamonds are known for their greater fire, dispersing light into vibrant flashes of color that create a warm glow. Radiant Cut Diamonds, on the other hand, emphasize scintillation, reflecting more white light for a dazzling sparkle.
The Impact of Different Engagement Ring Settings
Cushion Cut Diamonds pair beautifully with vintage-inspired designs, halo settings, and classic solitaires, emphasizing their soft curves and romantic appeal. Their timeless look is especially striking in antique-style or intricate settings that highlight their elegance.
Explore Mark Broumand’s collection of Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings in different settings:
Radiant Cut Diamonds complement modern, sleek designs and pavé settings, where smaller accent diamonds enhance their intense brilliance. Their structured shape and high scintillation make them a perfect fit for contemporary and sophisticated ring styles.
At Mark Broumand, we also have a brilliant array of Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Rings:
Mark Broumand’s Luxury Cushion Cut and Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
At Mark Broumand, we excel at blending traditional sophistication with enduring design. Our brand is built on a foundation of excellence, and we present our clients only with the highest quality pieces.
We offer a stunning selection of Cushion Cut and Radiant Cut Diamond engagement rings, each designed to showcase exceptional brilliance and craftsmanship.
View our collection online or visit our showroom located in the heart of the Los Angeles Jewelry District.
