Cushion Cut vs. Radiant Cut Diamond Guide
Cushion Cut and Radiant Cut diamonds are widely considered as two of the most elegant square or rectangular diamonds money can buy. But despite offering two very similar designs, they also have unique characteristics.
When deciding between a Radiant vs Cushion Cut diamond, you’ll want to consider whether you prefer the vintage soft appeal of a cushion or the bold modern sparkle of the Radiant.
Notably, in 2025, Taylor Swift’s fiancé opted to propose with a stunning cushion cut. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the differences to make an informed purchase.
Radiant vs Cushion Cut Diamonds: Comparison Table
Cushion Cut Diamonds Guide
Cushion-cut diamonds have long been acclaimed for their timeless and romantic appearance, with a modern brilliance. They have been in circulation for nearly 200 years and were once the most popular cut (until the round brilliant took over in the 20th century).
Today, they are still widely loved and have been seen on the fingers of notable celebrities such as Taylor Swift.
Shape & Appearance
Cushion-cut diamonds have a square or rectangular shape, with rounded corners, with an appearance similar to that of a soft pillow or cushion. Their curved corners give a shape that is part rectangle and part circle.
Technically speaking, the diamond cut should have a curving crown anatomy with a 30-degree angle from the girdle surface.
Style & Aesthetic
There are several types of Cushion Cut diamond styles, including:
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Cushion Brilliant: Maximizes sparkle, similar to a round brilliant.
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Cushion Modified Brilliant: Features an extra row of facets, giving an appearance similar to that of crushed ice.
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Antique Cushion: Vintage-style, with fewer, larger facets and a romantic glow.
All these styles are considered to be romantic, timeless, and vintage.
Sparkle & Light Performance
Cushion-cut diamonds excel at reflecting light, producing a bright and modern brilliance. But, due to its shape, it is more renowned for its ability to reflect colored light (known as ‘fire). Any owner of a cushion cut diamond will notice a soft, rainbow-like flash under light.
However, this will vary slightly with each type of Cushion Cut style. For example, if the diamond is too deep or shallow, light will leak and reduce the sparkle. Square cushions also tend to sparkle differently from rectangular ones.
Facet Count and Structure
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Facets are the flat surfaces that are cut in a specific way to affect how light enters and leaves the stone.
In Cushion-cut diamonds, there are often 58 facets (the same as a round brilliant), which are larger and more open than radiant cut diamonds. They bend in a kite shape, but will vary with each cushion cut style. It's important to consider the facets of your shortlisted diamonds, as they will affect how light reflects.
Examples of Cushion Cut Diamonds:
Radiant Cut Diamonds Guide
Radiant-cut diamonds are fancy-shaped diamonds, loved for being a hybrid of the shape of an emerald cut and the sparkle of round brilliant diamonds.
Radiants were invented in 1977 by Henry Grossbard, making them one of the most modern ‘classic’ cuts.
Shape & Appearance
Radiant-cut diamonds have a square or rectangular cut shape, with trimmed 45-degree corners, providing a sleek, straight-lined octagon appearance.
The shape is very similar to that of an emerald cut, but up close, you will notice a far better sparkle, similar to that of a diamond round.
Style & Aesthetic
Radiant diamonds give a confident, modern sparkle, great for someone who wants a modern sparkle. It is considered the most brilliant of all rectangular-shaped diamonds. This is a big contrast to the soft and romantic aesthetic of cushions.
They are great for anyone interested in an elongated shape, but with something more statement than a step cut.
Sparkle & Light Performance
As you’d expect from a diamond compared to that of a brilliant round, the radiant cut has an exceptional sparkle and fire. Its intense brilliance is far more glittery than a cushion diamond and even more so than an emerald cut diamond. But those rainbow flashes are less obvious than in antique cushions.
Finally, the crushed ice effect hides inclusions well.
Facts & Structure
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Facets are the flat surfaces that are cut in a specific way to affect how light enters and leaves the stone.
Standard radiant cut diamonds have 70 facets, designed to reflect light from every angle. That makes it one of the most brilliant of all rectangular diamonds. Its cropped corners also reduce the chances of chipping, for strong durability.
Like a round diamond, the facets are structured in a way that produces lots of tiny flashes rather than big, chunky bursts.
Examples of Radiant Cut Diamonds:
How to Choose Between Cushion & Radiant Diamonds
Aesthetic and Sparkle Preference
Cushion-cut and radiant-cut diamonds both have distinct characteristics.
If you love a timeless romantic classic, then you’ll be better suited to the soft elegance of the cushion cut. Its subtle rainbow flashes are often considered more of a ‘glow’ than a sparkle and therefore are less ‘showy’. We consider the cushion cut for the romantic dreamer.
However, if your wardrobe features a more bold, modern approach, then you’ll be a better fit with the Radiant cut. Its dazzling and attention-grabbing appeal offers maximum sparkle from every angle. This is a statement-maker, with a contemporary vibe.
Setting Recommendations
Both cushion and radiant cuts are versatile stones that fit a variety of settings. Cushion cuts’ vintage appeal pairs well with classic halo settings and other vintage settings. Radiant cuts will highlight their clarity and sparkle in solitaire and three-stone settings.
FAQs: Radiant vs Cushion Cut Diamonds
Which is better: a cushion cut or a radiant cut diamond?
Neither is better; it is all about style preference. Cushions are better if you’d prefer a softer, romantic sparkle with a vintage personality. Radiants are better for a bold, modern statement look.
Is a cushion more expensive than a radiant?
Cushion cuts are often less expensive than radiants per carat, but only slightly. You’ll find that Radiants tend to have more facets, which naturally increases the price. However, as always with a diamond purchase, the price is impacted significantly by the 4’Cs - color, clarity, cut, and carat.
Is radiant the same as cushion?
No. Despite both offering a square/rectangular fancy shape, they are noticeably different. Cushions have rounded corners, with a soft sparkle and strong fire. Radiants have trimmed, sharper corners, with a clear, glittery brilliance.
Find Your Dream Radiant or Cushion Cut Diamond Today
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Brian Gavin Diamonds welcomes you to browse our carefully curated collections and to speak to our in-house specialists should you have any questions or wish to customize your settings.
For decades, Brian Gavin has been a highly trusted diamond cutter and seller, and was part of the early development of the modern ideal cut diamond standards. Today, Brian Gavin Diamonds offers a personalized service, with ethical sourcing and custom designs to make your dreams come true.
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