Known for its exceptional light performance, moissanite’s sparkle and fire rivals that of even diamonds, making it an excellent option for engagement rings and other jewelry.
But how important is the cut and shape when it comes to moissanite sparkle? Let’s find out.
How Cut Impacts Moissanite
Moissanite gemstones are typically graded on their color only, with the cut not officially taken into consideration. However, as with diamonds, a well-cut moissanite gemstone will look more impressive than a poorly cut stone.
Moissanites optical properties and internal structure is different to that of diamonds, which means that it needs to be cut to suit this. Moissanite has a very high dispersion level and as a result, it’s easy to bring out the fire of the stone.
Another trait of moissanite is that it doesn’t have fracture points or cleavage, so it can be cut into any gemstone shape with precision.
There are two main ways a moissanite is cut:
Crushed Ice Moissanite Cut: With this style of moissanite cut, the light enters the stone and reflects back out from the many angles of the facets, making the stone look very brilliant. Crushed ice is so called because it looks like ice that has been crushed (duh!) in that it features many facets in many directions. The result is a glittering, brilliant moissanite.
Brilliant Cut Moissanite: Brilliant cut moissanites have a beautiful and steady sparkle, with clearly defined facets. With this style of moissanite cut, the facets all tend to originate from a center from which they radiate outwards.
Popular Moissanite Cuts
Moissanite can be cut into all popular gemstone shapes. Here are some of the top options:
Round Brilliant Moissanite
As with diamonds, the round brilliant cut moissanite is the most popular shape for these stones. Round cut moissanite stones have 58 facets, skilfully and precisely placed to reflect the maximum amount of light. It’s a versatile and brilliant cut that enhances the moissanite’s sparkle. Round brilliant moissanite is always classic and stylish and look amazing in a wide range of moissanite jewelry styles.
Princess Cut Moissanite
The moissanite square cut has a different faceting pattern compared to the princess cut diamonds, because if not it would lose its fire and sparkle.
Oval Cut Moissanite
Oval cut moissanite stones have a stylish, vintage look to them. The cut features 70 strategically placed facets, which gives the shape its dazzling look. This shape enhances moissanite’s brilliance, making it an exceptional choice if sparkle is what you’re after. Another benefit of the oval cut is that it tends to look larger than it is.
Emerald Cut Moissanite
The beauty of the emerald cut is in its clear and open facets, and angular shape. It’s perfect for vintage inspired jewelry and for non-traditional unique designs. While oval cut emerald moissanites aren’t crafted to sparkle, they still exhibit impressive fire and brilliance, especially when under natural light.
Cushion Cut Moissanite
The cushion cut is a square cut with truncated corners that give it a curved, round appearance. the cushion cut is one of the oldest used for shaping gemstones and has gone in and out of fashion over the years. At present, it’s one of the most popular cuts for moissanite. It’s perfect if you like the classic look of the round diamond but want something a little different.
Pear Cut Moissanite
Similar to the oval cut but with one pointed corner, pear cut moissanites are elegant and sophisticated to look at it. Like the cushion cut, pears are enjoying a resurgence as many brides opt for this cut once considered old-fashioned. The pear cut is very versatile and suits a range of ring styles. It’s also highly brilliant.
Radiant Cut Moissanitz
Radiant cuts are relatively recent and were created to enhance the brilliance of diamonds. They have the same effect for moissanites too. Radiant cut moissanites look like rectangles, but like the emerald cut, they have truncated edges, making them 8-sided figures. This shape is perfect for a classic look with lots of fire and sparkle.
Marquise Cut Moissanite
The marquise cut is similar to a pear cut except with both ends pointed. It’s called a navette or boat cut, because of its shape. The marquise cut is excellent to elongate your fingers and perfect for maximizing the value of your carat weight, as it makes a stone appear large. Marquise cut moissanite stones are very brilliant and beautiful to look at.
Heart Cut Moissanite
One of the most romantic and feminine of all gemstone shapes, the heart cut moissanite is perfect for a dainty ring. The heart cut is a difficult shape to get right and requires exacting precision but is highly brilliant and unique when set in jewelry. It’s perfect for the eternal romantic.
Which Moissanite Cut is Best?
Each moissanite cut has its own pros and cons, but if we’re going by popularity, then the round cut moissanite is by far the most sought after. It’s perfect in a range of jewelry types and looks ideal for engagement rings.
However, the word ‘best’ is subjective and depends on what you’re looking for. In general, we’d recommend going with the round brilliant moissanite cut if you aren’t sure about what you want. This cut tends to work for everyone, is the most brilliant and is very versatile.
Which Cut Makes Moissanite Look Bigger?
Some cuts tend to make moissanite stones look larger than they are. Again, round cut wins because of its intense sparkle and fire which can make it appear larger than it is. Other shapes that do the same thing are include emerald, oval and marquise cuts which give you the greatest bang for your buck.