This year, cushion and radiant cut diamonds are high on the choice list for diamond engagement rings. Both fancy shapes (all diamond shapes except the brilliant round) have their own unique character and appeal. The top jewelry designers are using radiant cut and cushion cut diamonds as center stones in some of the most high profile engagement rings and diamond jewelry for celebrities, and brides are gravitating toward these cuts as well. Both the cushion cut diamond and the radiant cut diamond give off plenty of brilliance and fire, and both can be found in either square or rectangular orientation, but otherwise they are very different diamond cuts. Let’s compare: The Cushion cut, developed in the 1830s, has a rich vintage/antique look to it.  Generally 58 facts (although it can vary), the cushion cut diamond can either be square or rectangular with rounded corners and sides. It is thought of by many as a soft take on the emerald cut. Brilliant or step cut faceting infuses the cushion cut diamond with spectacular brilliance. Color: The cushion cut diamond attracts an abundance of color. When choosing a cushion cut diamond, look for no lower than an J color (GIA certified) or G color (EGL certified). Clarity: With its respected faceting, choose no lower than an SI2 (GIA certified) or VS2 (EGL certified). Carat: Emphasis should be placed on the measurements (l x w) instead of the carat weight, since measurements can vary significantly from one weight to the next. The measurements will determine how large the stone will look. Dimensions:  For a square shaped cushion diamond, choose a length-to-width ratio between 1 and 1.05. For a rectangular shaped cushion diamond, choose a length-to-width ratio of 1.15 or greater. Some famous cushion cut diamond engagement rings grace the fingers of Miley Cyrus, Giuliana Rancic, Jennifer Garner, Heidi Klum and Gwenneth Paltrow. The Radiant cut is a modern design, introduced to the jewelry industry  just a little more than 20 years ago.  The radiant cut diamond has a modern look with the fire of a round brilliant and the sophistication of anemerald cut or Asscher cut diamond. The look is modern; for those who appreciate the fire of round diamonds and the sophistication of emerald-cut or Asscher diamonds will find the radiant cut to be highly desirable. The 70-facet cut of the radiant diamond draws on the brilliance of a traditional round-cut and the elegance of the emerald cut, resulting in a square, near-square, or rectangular orientation with trimmed or cropped corners. Color: The radiant cut diamond attracts a lot of color. Look for a radiant cut diamond with no lower than a I color (GIA certified) or G color (EGL certified). Clarity: With its respected faceting, choose no lower than an SI2 (GIA certified) or SI1 (EGL certified). Carat: Emphasis should be placed on the measurements (l x w) instead of the carat weight, since measurements can vary significantly from one weight to the next. The measurements will determine how large the stone will look. Dimensions: If you’re looking for a square shaped radiant ut diamond, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1 and 1.05.  If it’s a a rectangular shaped radiant cut diamond you’re after, choose a length-to-width ratio of 1.15 or greater. Some lucky celebrity hands graced with a radiant cut diamond engagement ring include Khloe Kardashian, Drew Barrymore, Megan Fox, Hilary Duff and…remember that 6.1 carat pink diamond engagement ring Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez back when Bennifer was an item? That's right, radiant.