Elegant, radiant, and oh-so-fancy! It’s what every bride wants her guests to be whispering as she walks down the aisle. It’s also how you might describe this year’s social media darling: the radiant engagement ring. If you’re looking for an on-trend yet timeless style, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you’ve got to know about this year’s most trending radiant shaped engagement rings.
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What Are Radiant Engagement Rings?
Before we drool over the latest collection of rocks, let’s dig into the details. In the world of beautiful baubles, when we call a ring radiant it’s not just flattery! These stunning stones have what is known as a radiant cut. Just like you can ask your stylist for a bob haircut and she’ll know just what you’re talking about, each particular cut of a diamond has a clear definition for jewelers.
The little sister of emerald cut diamonds, the radiant cut is relatively fresh on the scene. While everyone from royals to housewives has been rocking emerald cuts since all the way back to the 16th century, the first radiant cut diamond appeared in 1977.
Ring Shape vs Ring Cut
If you’re new to the ring shopping game, the concept of a “cut” might be a bit foggy. Though it seems technical at first blush, it’s well worth learning the fundamentals of the different diamond cuts. Along with cut, color, and clarity, this is one of the four Cs that determines the value and overall look of your rock.
Unlike shapes (which have no fancy technical definition beyond what you’d expect), the cut has a major impact on what’s going on beneath the surface. The delicate facets created by cutting affect how light shines through your ring, aka the sparkle factor.
You can actually measure the exact amount of sparkle you’re getting by knowing how many facets are in your ring cut. A radiant cut diamond has a whopping 70 facets, compared with the not-so-flashy 57 facets of an emerald cut. If you’re having trouble conjuring up a mental image of level 57 sparkle vs level 70 sparkle, a bit of YouTube or window shopping will help you there. For now, just trust us: 70 facets is some serious head-turning bling.
Why We Adore Radiant Cut Diamonds
The first time you wear one of these stunning stones in the bright sunlight, you will know exactly what all of the fuss is about. Every time a ray of light hits your show-stopping diamond, you’ll fall in love with it all over again.
And there are plenty of other practical considerations as well. Not only does the process of radiant cutting leave more of the diamond intact, but having more facets in your rock hides flaws better. That means you can drop down a bit in clarity, which is a real money-saver, and not even notice.
Last but not least, the radiant cutting process creates smoother edges across the entire stone. This is a practical perk that means you’re less likely to snag it on things and chip it.
Before You Buy
As much as we love radiant-cut diamonds, there are pros and cons to each stone cut. To get into the nitty-gritty of radiant cuts, it’s time to pull out your tape measure and see just how much diamond is hidden beneath the surface.
If getting the most rock for your cash is a top priority, the cut of your diamond is a big deal. Some cuts leave more of the diamond beneath the surface than others. If you look at a radiant diamond next to a round diamond, the radiant ring is going to show about four percent less on the surface.
While four percent isn’t much, it’s a factor to consider. Fortunately, with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can more than make up for that tiny loss.
Insider Tricks to Making a Diamond Look Huge
Want to bring your rock to Beyonce status? Be strategic! Any woman who has ever rocked Spanx under a black dress knows you can create serious illusions by playing with size. The same is true when it comes to diamonds.
To make the most of your ring budget, go for the biggest diamond you can afford then add smaller diamonds around it. These tinier rocks will add to the illusion of size at a fraction of the cost. In other words, you will get the same number of carats for less cash.
To double down on that bigger-is-better effect, opt for a silver or white gold band. The more sparkly, silver-tinted bling you swing in front of someone’s face, the bigger they will perceive your ring to be. But don’t go too crazy with the band. A narrow band is the best pick to make your diamond look comparatively large.
Most Trending Radiant Shaped Engagement Rings
Inspired to start a lifelong love affair with one of these ravishing rocks? Look to the drop-dead gorgeous Keyzar radiant engagement rings that have taken over social media. From fairy woods princess-inspired looks like The Twig to the timeless beauty of The Nelly, it’s easy to see why these are the most trending radiant shaped engagement rings.
Still on the fence? Explore everything from vintage-inspired rings to nature-inspired rings and beyond at the cult favorite Keyzar jewelry brand.
