Everything You Need to Know When Buying Radiant Loose Diamonds

With so many options out there, especially online, it would seem that someone looking to buy a loose diamond would have to be an expert in the field in order to know what to buy. There is a ton of information and a lot of terminologies that make buying diamonds seem complicated. It really isn’t!

Some of the considerations are based on personal preference, while the rest is simply a matter of education. Diamonds are ranked by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), professional gemologists, based on the diamond's 4C’s. So if you are in the market for a radiant diamond, this primer is a great place to start!

What Are Radiant Diamonds?

A radiant cut diamond looks like an upside-down pyramid. The square “base” of the pyramid, called the table size, is the top of the setting, with the point, or culet, tapering down into the setting, so that all an observer sees is the square.

People choose this cut because the 70 facets featured in this cut tend to highlight the brilliance of the gem in a way most other square cuts (such as princess or emerald) can’t. This is because of the “pavilion,” which is the tapering part of the pyramid between the table size and the culet. So looking for a good depth on your diamond is a good start because it indicates a well-cut pavilion.

What Carat Should My Radiant Diamond Be?

While this aspect of purchasing a diamond is based on personal preference (and, largely, on the expectations of the person receiving it!), it is also the most important decision when buying a diamond because it has the biggest effect on the price of the diamond. It will also determine the size of the gem, a larger carat corresponding with a larger diamond.

What is a Good Table Size for a Radiant Cut Diamond?

Square or rectangular cuts are also less expensive than round cuts, making this a popular choice for engagement rings. Radiant cuts can come in a square or a rectangle shape, but the most common ones are square, meaning the ratio of the length to the width of the cut is 1 to 1.05 or less. 1.05 is the threshold for square cuts because the human eye cannot perceive the difference in the length, and the closer a radiant diamond is to a 1 to 1 ratio, the more expensive it will be. An excellent ratio for a rectangular cut radiant diamond would be 1 to 1.2-1.3. Longer than 1.3 might compromise the integrity of the cutlet, making the point dull. Less than 1.2 starts to make it too square to be a rectangular cut.

Radiant Diamond Color and Clarity

According to the popular perception, diamonds are clear, but this is not always true. Diamonds can have many colors, but the clear diamonds we think of range from clear to yellow or even brown. The color of a diamond also affects its price and is graded by industry professionals on an alphabetical scale ranging from D to Z, with D-ranked gems being the most colorless and Z-ranked gems being saturated with yellow.

Ranks D-F are completely colorless, and also more expensive as a result, so most buyers don’t mind diamonds ranked G or H. Clarity is how well you can see through the stone when it is cut, which means that flaws can also be seen. The more clarity a diamond has, the more expensive it is. Both of these choices are entirely subjective, as it is up to the buyer how flawless they want their stone to be.

Finding Reputable Dealers for Radiant Diamonds

Diamonds sold by reputable dealers will probably have all of the dimensions listed in a certification from one of the industry professionals. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) are the most reputable certifiers of diamond quality, so finding dealers who certify their gems through one of these two labs is recommended. Brilliance offers the best in loose radiant diamonds!

There is a lot to consider when buying a loose radiant diamond, but shopping around and understanding a few basics can make the whole process easier. Relax, and focus on the event that the diamond represents!