
When it comes to choosing a diamond, the cut makes a big difference. It affects how the stone looks, how much it sparkles, and even how it feels on the hand. Among the many options, three popular cuts often come up: radiant, cushion, and emerald. While they might seem similar at first glance, each has its own shape, style, and character. This article takes a closer look at how these three cuts compare.
The Radiant Diamond Cut
The radiant cut is known for its sharp, rectangular or square shape with trimmed corners. What makes it stand out is the way it reflects light. Thanks to its many small facets, the radiant cut produces a high level of sparkle, similar to a round cut but with a more structured outline.
This cut has a modern feel. Its clean lines and strong shape make it a popular choice for those who prefer a bold look. Radiant-cut diamonds also do a good job of hiding small internal flaws due to the way the light moves through them.

The Cushion Diamond Cut
Cushion cuts have been around for a long time. Their shape is easy to recognize. It’s a square or rectangle with rounded corners, giving it a soft, pillow-like appearance. This cut often feels more traditional or vintage, though it can look modern depending on the setting.

Cushion-cut diamonds have a softer kind of sparkle. They reflect light well, but the glow is more gentle compared to radiant cuts. Some cushion cuts are designed for extra sparkle, while others have a softer look, depending on the cut style. This makes the cushion cut a flexible choice for many styles.
The Emerald Diamond Cut
Unlike the other two, the emerald cut has long, flat surfaces and fewer facets. These step-like cuts give the stone a smooth, mirror-like look rather than a bright sparkle. The shape is rectangular, with cropped corners and straight edges.

What stands out most about the emerald cut is its clarity. The open surface shows off the inside of the diamond more than other cuts, which means any internal marks are easier to see. Because of this, emerald cuts are usually chosen with higher clarity in mind. The overall look is calm, clean, and elegant, more about quiet beauty than shine.
How They Compare in Style and Feel
While all three cuts can be shaped into either square or rectangular forms, their visual effects are quite different. The radiant cut is all about sparkle and structure, combining brilliance with a bold shape. The cushion cut has a softer, more romantic appearance, offering a mix of old and new. The emerald cut, on the other hand, focuses on clarity and balance, creating a refined and understated impression. You can explore real examples of these cuts at capucinne.com to see how each one looks in different settings.
In terms of personality, radiant cuts often feel modern and energetic. Cushion cuts lean toward warmth and charm. Emerald cuts are more minimal and confident in their simplicity.
The post Radiant Cut vs Cushion Cut vs Emerald Cut: Understanding the Differences first appeared on We Are So Sugary.