Cushion Cut vs Radiant Cut: Which Sparkles More?

Cushion and radiant cut diamonds both deliver exceptional sparkle through large tables and brilliant facets, but their corner treatments create distinctly different personalities perfect for modern engagement rings. Radiant cuts maximize fire-like brilliance with 70 angular facets, while cushions offer a softer, romantic glow through rounded corners and fewer facets. Janine Jewels crafts both shapes in lab-grown IGI-certified stones for Toronto brides seeking maximum value. 

Radiant Cut: Straight 45° cropped corners create geometric precision. Higher crown angles (34-35°) boost light return. Length-to-width ratios range 1.4-1.6 for elongated elegance. 

Cushion Cut: Rounded corners evoke a vintage pillow shape. Lower crown (32-34°) emphasizes fire over scintillation. Typically 1.0-1.15 ratio creates near-square proportions. 

Spot the difference instantly: angular vs pillowy. View available radiant cuts in custom settings. 

Radiant wins brilliance with 70 facets capturing ambient light like round brilliants. Large table (60-70%) reflects maximum white sparkle. Ideal for brightly lit environments. 

Cushion excels in fire through larger facets, bending light into spectral colors. Deeper pavilions create candlelight romance, perfect for intimate settings. 

Both demand Excellent cut grades. Poor cuts kill sparkle regardless of shape. Compare with our diamond selection guide. 

Radiants appear larger face-up despite similar measurements.

Lab-grown versions equalize costs: $2,300/ct cushion vs $2,500/ct radiant (IGI FVS1). Cushions retain more rough weight below the girdle, appearing deeper. Radiants maximize table exposure for visual size. 

Both offer 40-70% savings vs natural equivalents. Fancy colors cost 85% less in labs. See certified diamond inventory. 

Cushion Cut Settings: 

• Classic halo amplifies soft glow 

• Yellow gold vintage-inspired shanks 

• Three-stone with pear side stones 

• Bezel for active lifestyles 

Radiant Cut Settings: 

• Minimal 4-prong solitaires 

• Channel-set eternity bands 

• East-west orientations 

• Platinum for cool contrast 

Explore custom solitaire options adaptable to both shapes. 

Ideal Cushion Cut: 

• Table: 64-69% 

• Depth: 61-66% 

• Girdle: Medium 

• Culet: None 

Ideal Radiant Cut: 

• Table: 67-72% 

• Depth: 60-67% 

• Girdle: Thin-Slightly Thick 

• Lower girdle facets: 16+ 

Use a ring sizer for a precise fit. 

Both shapes reveal color due to deep pavilions. Minimum G color, VS2 clarity recommended. Cushion's larger facets hide inclusions better; radiant demands higher clarity. 

Lab-grown perfection eliminates these compromises. IGI triple excellent cuts standard. 

Which cut sparkles more in sunlight vs candlelight? 

Radiants dominate sunlight with round-like brilliance from 70 facets. Cushions reign candlelight through fire dispersion from larger facets. Dual environments favor radiant, romantic dinners prefer cushion's glow. 

Do cushion cuts look larger than radiants? 

Cushions have larger tables but deeper profiles, concentrating weight below the girdle. Radiants spread light better across the face-up area. 1.5ct radiant appears larger than 1.5ct cushion despite measurements. 

Are both cuts equally durable for daily wear? 

Radiant's trimmed corners resist chipping better than the cushion's rounded points. Both are excellent for engagement rings when properly set. V-tip prongs are recommended for both shapes. 

How do prices compare for the same quality? 

Lab-grown pricing differs by $200/ct. Cushions offer slightly better value due to yield efficiency. Natural market favors cushions 5-10% cheaper. Both excellent investments.
 

What wedding bands pair best with each cut? 

Cushion: curved contour bands, yellow gold eternity. Radiant: straight shank, channel-set diamond bands. Custom wedding bands ensure a perfect fit. 

Annual ultrasonic cleaning for both. Cushions tolerate steam better; radiants prefer hand brushing. Storing nose-down prevents facet dust buildup. 

Ready to choose your sparkle champion? Contact Janine Jewels today for a custom cushion or radiant cut diamonds with IGI certification and perfect proportions.