Radiant Cut vs. Cushion Cut: What's the Difference?

Featured: The Evermore and The Camille

Both popular styles, the radiant cut and cushion cut, often attract cross-shopping due to their similarities. In fact, at first glance, it can be hard for the untrained eye to tell them apart. Luckily, that’s what we’re here for. While quite similar, there are a few key differences to note before selecting which of these cuts is for you.

Age

While it likely doesn’t matter to you when the cut was created, it is one of the differences between the two. The radiant cut is a much more modern style created in the late 1970s. Cushion cut engagement rings, on the other hand, are a much older and more classic style, dating back to sometime during the 18th century. If the modern versus classic style debate is important to you, there’s definitely a difference between the two cuts.

Angles

As the name suggests, the cushion cut is, well, a little cushier. While you may not notice it at first glance, the angles on the cushion cut are softer than that of the radiant cut. The more modern radiant cut has sharper and more defined 45-degree angles, while cushion cut engagement rings are a bit more rounded. This is likely one of the two biggest things to consider when choosing between the two cuts.

Featured: The Claire - Gold

Size

This is the other big factor when shoppers are choosing between cushion and radiant cuts. Cushion cuts tend to be pretty square cuts. There are some cushion cuts that are slightly rectangular, though you wouldn’t notice if you weren’t looking for it. Overall, cushion cuts are squarer. 

Radiant cut engagement rings are more rectangular than their cushion cut counterparts. They also tend to be much more obviously rectangular, unlike slightly rectangular cushion cuts. However, they too have some variety in size and length-to-width ratios. As a good rule of thumb, regardless, cushion cuts are more square and radiant cuts are more rectangular.

Shine

Both cuts reflect light and color well, though not equally. As the name suggests, the radiant cut tends to have a better shine and has an easier time picking up the light than the squarer cushion cut. Now, is it going to be an earth-shattering difference? Well, no. If you’re splitting hairs trying to make a decision, the radiant cut has a bit more luster and a cushion cut reflects a bit more color.

Featured: The Alexandria - Rose Gold

That’s really all there is to it. It’s common for shoppers who like one style to appreciate the style of the other and cross-shop them. The bottom line is that they’re both timeless styles that’ll hold on and look good for years to come because of their simplicity and brilliance.

Browse Our Collection of Radiant Cut Engagement Rings

If you aren’t sure which one you like, check them both out and take your time finding the one that’s right for you. If it doesn’t work out, we’ve covered you with a 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed return policy so you can shop confidently.