Sourcing ~8mm Radiant! Dad's 20th Anni Gift

[MissElizabeth]

Hey PSers!

My dad is hoping to get a fabulous 20th anniversary ring for my stepmom, and he's not much for shopping around so has enlisted my help. I'm only a novice and smart enough to know what I DON'T know, so I'm here for help! I know what I'm looking for, but not how to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to radiant cuts. So, I would love some input on this!

I'm looking for a radiant with the following characteristics:

• 7.5-8.5mm face-up
  As close to 1.00 L/W ratio as possible
  F-G
  SI1 or better (eye clean)

Now, what I don't know is how to evaluate cut quality. I've seen the chart around here, but have seen radiants with super different looking facet patterns even within those ideal ranges of 60-65% table/depth. What should I be looking for? What kind of budget am I looking at for a loose stone? Also, any favorite Harry Winston-esque three stone settings w tapered baguettes that would accommodate a stone like this would be welcomed!

Excited to learn!!

 

[tyty333]

Not really finding much that matches your specs. Radiants mostly have a crushed ice look with lots of little sparkles...is this the
look you are after or do you want a stone with more of a pattern to it?

Example of stones with pattern (not sure how good the light return is on these though...would need asets)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/2.63-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-191567
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/2.28-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-368818 not quite big enough and an H
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/2.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-307604
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/2.32-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-359879

Example of little sparkles - cant find any square ones...seems all the square ones I'm finding have more of a pattern to them

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-colorless-diamond-150ct-f-vs1-original-radiant-cut-diamond-gia-r6142 a little small

Hopefully Rockdiamond will log on and give you some pointers depending on what you are looking for.

 

[tyty333]

Also wonder why you settled on radiant? Did you step mom ask for a radiant? What does she have now? Other shapes of stones are
easier to find IMO.

Settings...
https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/emerald-and-tapered-baguette-trilogy
https://www.leonmege.com/portfolio/custom-work/three-stone-radiant-cut-platinum-ring-detail he has others

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi all,
Tyty- thank you for the shout out!

MissElizabeth- the thing about radiant cuts- there's quite a few variations on the original design.
My personal fave are stones that do stick to the original formula- this will produce thousands of tiny sparkles- sometimes called "crushed ice"
The stone on our site that tyty linked to has that sort of light performance.
There's been a long standing debate here on PS about "crushed ice"
Without a doubt, the effect is far more difficult to photograph. Especially if a stone is rotating on a tray lying on it's back.
The main sort of "other" radiant is more similar to a square diamond with the facet pattern of a round diamond grafted onto it.
Personally, if I want that sort of light performance, I'd go with a round.
But this is about personal taste.

In the case of radiant cuts, I always recommend that shoppers see if they can find a local dealer that is familiar with the shape, and may be able to show you live examples. Even if you're buying online, looking at real stones first will help.

 

[MissElizabeth]

Thanks for the stones/settings! That LM is gorgeous

The rationale behind the radiant cut is that it serves a middle ground between her and his tastes. She likes angular/linear shapes, but he is dead set on sparkle factor so probably wouldn't be happy w getting her a step cut. So, it kinda came down to a princess or a radiant and, based on her interest in the asscher face up shape, I thought she'd prefer a radiant to a princess.

If I'm missing something, please tell me! I really want to get this right for them. All stone suggestions and guidance on what to visually look for in determining cut quality are so appreciated.

 

[tyty333]

An Octavia would suit their needs but one at that size would be mega $$$...has the lines that your step mom would like with
the sparkle that your dad wants.

This one is a lower color that would look nice with white baguettes or step cut trapazoids. Not what you're looking for color
wise but it fits what you are asking for as far as lines/sparkle.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-203ct-q-r-vvs2-octavia-diamond-gia-r7331

This setting has trap side stones (cushion center though).
https://www.leonmege.com/portfolio/custom-work/engagement/three-stone-antique-cushion-engagement-ring-detail

 

[MissElizabeth]

Thanks to you tyty and rockdiamond for your advice many months ago... I appreciate the cautioning away from radiants and the thought about octavias. I took all this to my dad and we had a "Come to Jesus" that she was going to be wearing the ring.. so we went emerald!

Found a secondhand 5-stone in platinum with emerald > traps > baguettes and she is over the moon. You guys rock!

 

[ac117]

Thanks to you tyty and rockdiamond for your advice many months ago... I appreciate the cautioning away from radiants and the thought about octavias. I took all this to my dad and we had a "Come to Jesus" that she was going to be wearing the ring.. so we went emerald!

Found a secondhand 5-stone in platinum with emerald > traps > baguettes and she is over the moon. You guys rock!

Awesome!!! Would love to see pics!!

 

[tyty333]

Yes, I would love to see pics too...so glad your Dad went a long with you!

 

[MissElizabeth]

Including the listing photos here (haven't gotten a chance to borrow it from her yet for a test drive )

Center stone is 1.85 H/VS2. It's cut is super funky and honestly the crown angle is pretty shallow, but the performance in person is somehow stunning and no weird windowing. Benefit is a nice big face up look (7.00x7.83)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Beautiful ring!!! I am SO glad you went with an emerald cut!!

 

[liaerfbv]

That ring is amazing. She is going to love it.