Radiants/Cushions: Rectangular v. Square? Setting rectangular stone?

[CushionlessinChicago]

1) What way would you mount a cushion or radiant that is slightly more rectangular? Would you mount it so the longer part is going across the finger (i.e., horizontally) or up and down the finger (vertically)?

2) Also would the fact that a slightly more rectangular stone has more horizontal surface area make the spread look bigger, or does it really depend on how you mount it?

3) It seems like the depth/table proportions for radiant cut is different than for cushions. What is the optimal range for radiant?

Thanks in advance for the help once again!

CushionlessinChicago

 

[icekid]

1. well that''s up to you. the typical way is vertically (north-south), but if you want to do it horizontally (east-west) then go for it. i don''t think i''ve seen a cushion set east-west, but there are some really pretty EC around here set that way!

2. i''ve heard that the more elongated stones will look larger vs more square, and that has been my experience too while looking at stones. i think that is what you were asking? kind of confused on the wording.

3. i''m a cushion girl, so someone else will have to help with the radiant proportions!

 

[chrono]

I''ve seen almost all rectangular stones mounted vertically (up and down the finger). I believe the reason behind this is that it gives the illusion of lengthening the finger and making it look slimmer. Personally, I prefer the horizontal mounting (across the finger). It looks bigger (to me), and keeps the stone well below my knuckles. I don''t like the feeling of something bumping my knuckles and getting in the way as I flex my fingers.

I am clueless about radiants so I''m afraid I can''t answer Q3.

 

[elepri]

Check out AGA tables for ideal proportions for radiants.

 

[eks6426]

I have a radiant...it is mounted north-south. Here is a picture of it. I think an E-W mounting would look cool IF your girl has long fingers.

Elepri had a good suggestion on looking at the AGA tables for the ideal proportions. But I want to caution you that radiants are not like rounds where you can pretty much be assured the stone will look great if you stay within the guidelines. You can have 2 radiants with nearly the same specs and they will look different. Also, don''t rule out a radiant just because the specs aren''t ideal. There are just a lot more variables than the ideal specs cover for radiants. If I had only been willing to look at ideal cuts I never would have found my stone and it sparkles way more than any of the stones I saw with Ideal specs. You just can''t tell until you see the stones with your own eyes.

You might want to check out the branded radiant cut at http://www.radiantcut.com/. I believe Diamonds by Lauren is an online source for these.

If I were you, I''d get my hands on as many radiants and cushions as you can to get a better idea of what appeals to you.

By the way, I saw you were in Chicago. My radiant came from Goldin Jewelers on Michigan Ave. I worked with Randy and he was fantastic.

 

[CushionlessinChicago]

Thanks for all of the helpful information!