Radiant vs Cushion cut? How to choose?

[eelover]

I like the square-ish cuts. I'm wondering what thoughts or feelings you experts have about Radiant vs Cushion cuts. Aside from just looking at it and seeing what I like, are that other factors to consider? How to compare and contrast the 2? Thanks.

 

[Rockdiamond]

You have posed a great question eelover.


For sure, cushions are more ....quantifiable.
Especially if we're discussing them here on PS.
There's far more consensus on cushions due to things like branded stones- or other identifiable type of stone- such as Old Mine Brilliant - or other antique-ee looking stones.
Another big one is reflector technology. ASET can be effectively used if one knows the type of cushion- and it's one with a larger facet pattern in general.
If it's a more modern cushion with a less organized light return pattern- more sparkle, less chunky- identifying the good ones with ASET is far more difficult based on my PS experience.

With Radiant cuts available on the market today, you're all over the board.
There is a branded radiant cut- but it's not a protected brand- more like open source.
Therefore other really well cut stones may be equally well cut.
But there are a lot of duds out there.

If you can, look at as many of both cushion and radiant as you can to "calibrate your eyes"
Look in many different lighting environments- don't rely solely on jewelry store "glamour" lights