Princess vs. Radiant

[diamondlove4]

Is it princess cut or radiant cut that is more brilliant and gives off more sparkle? I know that it all depends on how the diamond is cut, but let''s assume they''re equivalent and both have an excellent cut. Which has more fire?

I know that the round cut is notoriously the most brilliant shape but I''ve read that the princess cut is second to it. Now I''ve come across some information that states that the radiant cut has more sparkle. Could some experts shine some light on this?

Thanks to all!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/9/2009 6:40:34 PM
Author:diamondlove4
Is it princess cut or radiant cut that is more brilliant and gives off more sparkle? I know that it all depends on how the diamond is cut, but let''s assume they''re equivalent and both have an excellent cut. Which has more fire?

I know that the round cut is notoriously the most brilliant shape but I''ve read that the princess cut is second to it. Now I''ve come across some information that states that the radiant cut has more sparkle. Could some experts shine some light on this?

Thanks to all!

Really no hard and fast answers, it depends on the overall proportions and the table size and crown height.

 

[diamondlove4]

Just for the sake of the argument, can''t we assume that the overall proportions and the table size and crown height are of equivalent quality? Then what would be more brilliant?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/10/2009 1:50:05 PM
Author: diamondlove4
Just for the sake of the argument, can't we assume that the overall proportions and the table size and crown height are of equivalent quality? Then what would be more brilliant?

Not really as there are also other factors that come into play and two different shapes thus not comparing apples to apples. If you aren't sure which shape to go for then try this, go to a Jareds if there is one closeby and view their AGS0 Peerless Princess. That way you are comparing well cut Princess to get an idea of how a carefully cut and crafted diamond of this shape can behave. Then look at some radiants. The trouble is with radiants is that they are somewhat more difficult to judge as they can vary tremendously in appearance, faceting, cut quality and so on. You will find some which are cut for weight more than beauty in some cases. If you could find the branded Original Radiant then those would definitely be worth viewing.

If I had to give more of a definite answer I will say this, from what there is available between radiant and Princess, if you can find a Princess of AGS0 cut quality compared to a ' commercial' cut quality radiant then it is fair to say the AGS0 Princess will probably be the most attractive diamond. There are also beautiful and well cut radiants out there, the trick is finding one. You can use this chart to help you in the first instance narrow down the ones with the better proportions, then the rest is images if buying online or your own eyes if shopping in person.

 

[diamondlove4]

Thanks for the helpful info! Is AGS0 better to go by than GIA excellent?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/10/2009 2:59:02 PM
Author: diamondlove4
Thanks for the helpful info! Is AGS0 better to go by than GIA excellent?

Glad to help! At this time GIA only give a cut grade to rounds, AGS grade Princess and rounds mainly ( although they do grade some other shapes if desired) and radiants don't normally get a cut grade as such, so I would say if looking for a Princess look for an AGS0, or if shopping online you can also include hand selected by a trusted vendor GIA graded Princess which have superior beauty and optics. With radiants look and compare as many as you can in stores and if buying online, work with a vendor who either has the diamond in house and can supply you with essential images such as ASET , photographs and a Sarin report to get the crown height, or if you like the look of a radiant on the virtual listing ( one which is up for sale from the suppliers with multiple vendors), get a vendor to call it in to do the cut analysis for you.

 

[diamondlove4]

Seems that most of the luxury brand stores (Cartier, Harry Winston, etc) use GIA and not AGS. If I wanted to get a princess or radiant from them, how can I evaluate it properly if GIA doesn''t give a cut grade for those?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/10/2009 3:35:43 PM
Author: diamondlove4
Seems that most of the luxury brand stores (Cartier, Harry Winston, etc) use GIA and not AGS. If I wanted to get a princess or radiant from them, how can I evaluate it properly if GIA doesn't give a cut grade for those?

Are you thinking of buying from either of these stores? They will carefully select diamonds to be representative of their name, so I would think you should find nicely cut diamonds available, so again compare and use your eyes. They will either have GIA graded diamonds or possibly grade their own ( I know Tiffany does in some cases). You could buy an ASET scope and use it yourself but I don't know if this would be the right " etiquette" with these stores but you could of course ask if they would mind you viewing their diamonds using the scope. The images are straightforward to interpret if you view the link on ASET in my previous post.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 10/10/2009 3:58:56 PM
Author: Lorelei

Are you thinking of buying from either of these stores? They will carefully select diamonds to be representative of their name, so I would think you should find nicely cut diamonds available, so again compare and use your eyes. They will either have GIA graded diamonds or possibly grade their own ( I know Tiffany does in some cases). You could buy an ASET scope and use it yourself but I don't know if this would be the right ' etiquette' with these stores but you could of course ask if they would mind you viewing their diamonds using the scope. The images are straightforward to interpret if you view the link on ASET in my previous post.

This is what I was going to suggest also. If they want to really make a sale, they should let you use it. If not, just move on. And there's a link within the link on ASET's above that takes you to a place to purchase them from.

 

[diamondlove4]

Yeah, hoping to be able to purchase the stone/setting from one of those luxury stores. The reason I ask about being able to tell the true quality of a radiant or princess that even these stores sell is because I''ve read a number of threads on PS where people were considering purchasing diamonds from these stores but when they posted the specs in these forums, people ran the numbers through the HCA tool and came out with not so positive results. Since the HCA tool is only good for rejecting rounds, I guess there''s no easy way to judge the fancy shapes in a similar way short of walking in with an ASET scope?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/10/2009 7:53:49 PM
Author: diamondlove4
Yeah, hoping to be able to purchase the stone/setting from one of those luxury stores. The reason I ask about being able to tell the true quality of a radiant or princess that even these stores sell is because I've read a number of threads on PS where people were considering purchasing diamonds from these stores but when they posted the specs in these forums, people ran the numbers through the HCA tool and came out with not so positive results. Since the HCA tool is only good for rejecting rounds, I guess there's no easy way to judge the fancy shapes in a similar way short of walking in with an ASET scope?

In a nutshell! Although don't underestimate a very important tool you already have - your own eyes. Take your time and look at and compare as many diamonds as you can from these stores, it will be fun and time well spent, you will quickly develop an eye for what you like and don't like.