Moissanite Cuts, Brands & Grades

The Process

Moissanite begins in a raw crystal form. Each crystal is first evaluated for quality, colour, and clarity. Only the crystals that meet the highest standards are then cut and faceted.

After the initial quality evaluation, a team of moissanite stone experts determine what shapes and sizes of moissanite gemstones will be cut from the crystals. The crystals are then routed to a team of 18 cutters and technical experts, each of whom brings the gemstone to its ideal display of brilliance. This 18-step process includes a full crystal evaluation, faceting of the finished gemstone and a team of experts evaluating the moissanite stone against strict quality standards and specifications. The final grading for colour, cut, and clarity is the last step. Only the most desirable gemstones that meet Moissanite UK’s standards are chosen to be sold.

Moissanite Cuts & Shapes

Moissanite is cut to maximize its natural fire & brilliance. Unlike diamonds, which are mostly commonly cut to maximize carat weight, moissanite gemstones are cut and faceted to maximize the superior fire and brilliance of the stone’s beauty. The ideal moissanite cut patterns were established after years of studying the angles of light refraction through moissanite.

Round

The round, brilliant cut is the most famous and the most common cut across the moissanite jewellery industry. Moissanite cutters have used innovative scientific theories of light reflection and detailed mathematical calculations to boost it's fire and brilliance. Round-cut moissanite has 58 surfaces divided between its crown, girdle and pavilion and a distinctive ratio between 1.00 and 1.02 that brings about an all-out shine, sparkles the most and is the most expensive.

Radiant

Radiant cuts were introduced over twenty years ago, but this distinctive shape has grown in popularity with its exquisite hybrid of a traditional round cut and an elegant emerald cut. They come in square, near-square, or rectangular orientations. This complex, 7-faceted cut gives out remarkable brilliance. Hollywood A-list celebrities, from Jennifer Anniston to Khloe Kardashian, have worn stunning radiant shapes on their engagement ring.

Cushion

Cushion shapes were introduced into the industry in 1830. These are cut into square or rectangular shapes with smooth-edged corners and sides. The qualities of the cushion cut vary more than those of other shapes, and personal taste plays a major role.

Emerald

Also known as a “step cut”, the emerald shape moissanite is less fiery with its step-like appearance, giving it a classic look and feel. The Emerald shape consists of 57 facets: 25 on the crown and 32 on its pavilion.

Pear

Pear is recognised as a distinctively hybrid cut that incorporates both Round and Marquise's brilliance and stunning design. The usual ratio stays between 1.50 and 1.70, and the shape consists of 58 facets, although the number of pavilion facets ranges from 4 to 8. Pear-shaped moissanite may vary in appearance, with some having a longer or wider cut design look.

Oval

Oval moissanite has 58 facets with a standard ratio between 1.33 and 1.66. This shape enhances carat weight, and its elongated shape makes moissanite stone look bigger than the RBC of similar weight. The oval cut is also an ideal choice for more slender fingers.

Heart Shape

The heart-shaped moissanite stone has 56 to 58 facets with 6-8 pavilion facets. This unique shape resembles a pear-cut moissanite, differentiated by two rounded edges and a cleft at the top. Being one of the most demanding moissanite cuts, a heart-shaped stone requires great skill and dexterity on the part of a cutter.

Princess Cut

Princess-cut moissanite stones are square or slightly rectangular in shape. Pointed corners and an array of intricate facets give princess-cut moissanite stones an inherent sparkle. If you are interested in contemporary styles, consider the princess-cut.

Marquise

Marquise shaped Moissanite creates an illusion of long fingers. Marquise is a popular heirloom jewellery cut that promotes an elongated, slender look when worn as a ring. This cut maximises the carat weight, making a moissanite stone look bigger than a round cut of the same carat weight.

Moissanite Brands & Grades

Classic

Classic is the entry to Moissanite. A Charles and Colvard stone. Theses stones may have small inclusions like a S1 diamond and are of the colour I/J

Forever Classic

A Charles and Colvard stone. Many of theses stones have no inclusions at all. Charles and Colvard grade as G/H

Forever One

This is Charles and Colvard’s premium stone, their whitest and most colourless stone. Each one will carry the Forever One inscription on the bezel of the stone. Charles and Colvard grade this as D/E/F in colour.

Pure

Pure is a stone we have developed ourselves to offer value and a colour above Forever Classic. We would grade this as G colour.

Starlight™

Starlight is our own premium brand of Moissanite. We have spent many years researching and developing this stone to rival Forever One but not at the cost! Starlight Moissanite is the only Moissanite with a lab certificate from the Birmingham Assay Office* Established 31 August 1773 this laboratory is older than the GIA. Each stone over 5mm in size is individually certificated buy the Assay Office and individuality referenced in their archives and on a certificate. The unique reference number and the Starlight logo is inscribed on the bezel of the stone. Theses stones are colourless and we grade them as a minimum of F in colour.

* Certificated on Stones 0.50ct & above