This is your go-to ring when you want the graceful emerald-shaped outline that says “classic,” and the modern brilliance of a round diamond on a budget. With an elongated radiant cut diamond, you get the durability of a radiant cut’s beveled corners, without sacrificing any impressive shine. Here’s why you should consider an even slimmer silhouette for your radiant cut.
What is an elongated radiant cut?
The elongated radiant diamond has the slender shape of an emerald cut diamond, but the facets of a round cut diamond. It’s the ultimate combination: an extended body that’s universally flattering on all who wear it, and jewelry that sparkles more than your average gem. All the va-va-voom without the cha-ching.
Are elongated radiant cuts more expensive?
Generally, no, because a radiant cut preserves more of a diamond’s natural, pre-polished state (less intensive whittling required). The extra length also isn’t as important to cost as the 4 Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat. For example, radiant cuts are what you call “fancy shapes,” so they tend to flaunt a bit more color than a pure glittering white gemstone, especially when compared to round brilliant diamonds. These compromises drive down their price. That being said, prongs can usually disguise most of a radiant cut’s imperfections. With the right ring setting, a stone won’t reveal its worth.
What is the L/W ratio for an elongated radiant cut diamond?
The fun and intrigue of an elongated radiant cut is its rectangular body, which has a ratio of about 1.15 to 1.35. You can still achieve the shape with a diamond that has a ratio of 1.2 and higher — the most popular is 1.25. It’s all preference. All you need to know is that when there’s a bigger difference between your numbers, there’s a more elongated shape in your diamond.
Pros of Elongated Radiant Cut Engagement Rings
- “Cutting” Edge: This elongated diamond cut was only invented as recently as the late ‘70s, meaning it’s the new and improved design. In other words, you’re one of the first to mix the best of every cut and more likely to have a unique ring.
- More Sparkle, for Less: An elongated radiant cut is a less common alternative for less cost. As far as radiance, an elongated diamond has (almost) the same small facets and (just about) the same shimmer as a brilliant cut, but all at a better price.
- Super Sturdy: With its step-cut shape, you even get more protection from chipping and snagging. An elongated radiant cut allows you to cherish a longer-lasting diamond.
- Draws the Eye: When you want to add more length to your ring stack for visual interest, or simply more length to your fingers for perception of elegance, an elongated radiant cut offers the most shine possible for this sophisticated diamond shape.
- Enlarged Appearance: An added benefit of any elongated cut is that it looks bigger than it is, especially face-up — perfect when you’re looking for an impressive (yet affordable) engagement ring.
Cons of Elongated Radiant Cut Engagement Rings
- Angular Aesthetic: Radiant cuts create a sharper, truncated gem compared to the soft, curved cushion cut. But the slanted corners of elongated diamonds do help hide internal and external flaws, and they can be styled as crisp or edgy. And since they’re not as pointy as a square cut, they won’t catch on clothing. The clean lines of an elongated cut’s straight sides are also the ideal fit for a three-stone ring setting. We get more into why in our guide to the anatomy of a ring.
- Fewer Setting Options: The downside of an up-and-comer means less availability. But nothing says commitment like hunting for a hard(er)-to-find radiant cut engagement ring, or stand-out style if it’s for your own finger. You’ll want to go for an elongated cushion cut instead if you desire width. But if you feel like a cushion cut is too “square” (see what we did there?), the elongated engagement ring trend is more one-of-a-kind.
- Color Depth: Because radiant diamonds are cut deep to maximize their eye-catching sparkle, that means their color is more visible in the body rather than as rainbow flashes across their surface. However, a yellow or rose gold setting can help hide any unwanted gem color. Our diamond buying guide provides more tips for enhancing or reducing any desired diamond effects, including their impact on the stone’s value.
How do you choose an elongated radiant cut engagement ring?
1. Budget
Just because an elongated diamond has more body, doesn’t mean it’ll demand more spend. In fact, a lot of the appeal of the elongated diamond’s measurement is looking larger than its actual weight, and often larger than a round cut with the same weight. The longer shape means the gem cutter is able to make the most of the diamond’s original form, a less time-consuming process that ends up being cheaper for both of you.
2. Gemstone
When you’re truly trying to “cut” back on what a diamond is worth (financially), look to moissanite vs. diamonds for your elongated radiant cut. These gems are man-made rather than harvested, so they’re more sustainable for the earth and your budget. Because of an elongated cut’s color depth and how it uses so much of the original stone, radiant gemstones often come in “fancy” colors. But even if you prefer white diamonds to vibrant hues, you can get the look for less due to the elongated diamond cut’s fire.
3. Length to Width Ratio
The size of your radiant cut diamond is all about personal style (and comfort), but a length-to-width ratio of 1.15 to 1.35 is the go-to refinement for elongated shapes. If you’re shopping under 1.05, you’re in the square radiant range.
4. Remaining 4 Cs
An elongated radiant cut implies the overall shape you can expect, but what about the rest of your ring? Quality depends on the carat, clarity, and color. A radiant cut means you get more for your carat, because by weight, elongated gems look even more glitz and glam (huge and sparkly). And because of the angular faceting, you can save on clarity when shopping for an elongated radiant diamond. Why? Between its edges and bright sparkle, this type of cut will mask most inclusions (tiny imperfections). So you don’t have to splurge more on eye-clean gems, because even I1 diamonds will appear flawless with an elongated cut’s longer shape and many facets. For the same reason (brilliance), you can also shop for a lower diamond color Even an H or I color radiant can present as a white gem because an elongated shape reflects so much light. If you want to avoid as much tint in your diamond as possible, appointments with our jewelry experts (virtual or in-person) can ease the anxiety of buying your engagement ring online. We’ll ensure you find the most striking and affordable combination of 4 Cs.
5. Setting
Because of their semi-rarity, elongated radiant rings aren’t as widely available in as many settings. But halo rings intensify the captivating, glimmering quality of this diamond cut. Halo settings are made to bring out or amplify the brightness in a sparkly diamond, with a circle of small accent stones surrounding the band of a larger center stone. So this setting is the perfect match for the effervescence of the elongated radiant cut.
Elongated Radiant Cut Diamond Ring FAQs
Is a princess cut or radiant cut diamond more elongated?
Radiant cut diamonds are more well-known for being elongated, because princess cuts are square. The biggest difference between these diamond cuts tends to be the cropped corners of the radiant cut vs. the sharp edges of the princess cut diamond.
Does an elongated radiant cut diamond have a bowtie effect?
It’s possible. Elongated radiant cut diamonds occasionally come with a dark faceting “bowtie” pattern across their center, compromising their purity. An adorable name, an unfortunate illusion. Poor craftsmanship means a darker or larger shadow. And the bigger the bowtie, the dimmer the shine. Not unlike the milky dulling effect of diamond fluorescence, a bowtie can lead to a less exciting (shiny) gem. It’s important to invest in the quality of the cut for the best sparkle, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Final Thoughts
The luxe appearance of an elongated radiant cut is a pretty shine without the cost of a pretty penny. Shop Brilliant Earth’s lab grown diamonds for the most cost-effective elongated radiant cut. And when you begin your radiant lab grown diamond search with us, you can guarantee your gems are environmentally conscious.
