What is the Original Radiant Cut Diamond at Ben Garelick Jewelers?

The Original Radiant Cut Diamond combines the classic elegance of the traditional emerald cut shape with the sparkle of the "brilliant" cut. Until the Radiant Cut was developed and patented in 1977 by Henry Grossbard, RCDC's founder, people attracted to the elegance of the emerald cut shape had to compromise on brilliance. The Radiant Cut allows people to choose an exquisitely shaped rectangular diamond without any compromise.

Prior to the development of the Original Radiant Cut, all diamonds with straight edges, like the emerald cut, were faceted with long rectangular facets. This cutting style, called the "step cut," results in a stone with a glassy appearance. Diamonds with rounded edges, like round stones, pear shapes, ovals and marquises, are faceted with triangular facets. This cutting style is known as the "brilliant cut."

By combining the two cutting styles into a hybrid "brilliantized step cut," Mr. Grossbard was able to release the natural brilliance of a straight edged diamond. His ingenuity resulted in a stone with the emerald cut shape and sparkle second to none.

The Radiant Cut Diamond: A "Brilliantized Step Cut"

The Round Stone: A Brilliant Cut

The Emerald Stone: A Step Cut

How Does an Original Radiant Cut Differ From A Princess Cut?

Unlike the Radiant Cut and the traditional emerald cut, the princess cut (sometimes called a "quadrillion") has sharp rather than cut corners. This cut is usually square rather than rectangular. In addition, princess cuts are proportioned very differently than the Original Radiant Cut. The princess typically has an extremely flat top (or "crown"), and deep bottom (or "pavilion"). This conforms to the shape of the rough diamond and allows the cutter to retain more of the original weight of the rough stone. The appearance can be quite pleasing - though very different than an Original Radiant Cut. The sharp corners allow princess cuts to be set side by side making them uniquely suitable for use in channel set jewelry. A princess cut must be mounted very carefully since the sharp corners can easily chip.

The Princess Cut