We love metals and settings just as much as the next person, but we’re gem fans first and foremost. After all, the stone is what gives a piece of jewelry its sparkle! Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and well-known moissanite stone shapes, from the traditional round cut to some fabulous fancy cuts.
Round Brilliant Cut
This is by far the most popular moissanite shape; in fact, the grand majority of Charles & Colvard’s sales are for round brilliant gems in one form or another. This particular cut is designed to draw the maximum amount of fire from the gemstone, so it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
A classic round brilliant cut will never go out of style. It’s also incredibly versatile, looking great in pieces from rings to earrings to pendants.
The Rosalind ring (available on Moissanite.com), featuring a gorgeous round brilliant moissanite stone
Oval Cut
Due to its elongated shape, an oval cut stone makes a great option for the very trendy east-west engagement ring style. With 70 facets (compared to round brilliant’s 58), this cut offers plenty of punch when it comes to brilliance. Also, oval cuts make a smart choice for brides looking to get the most bang for their buck with regard to carat – they tend to look bigger than their actual size.
Oval Moissanite Engagement Ring, AdziasJewelryAtelier on Etsy
Square Brilliant Cut
A square brilliant cut is the moissanite version of a princess cut. The term “princess cut” is typically reserved only for diamonds, and if a moissanite were cut to the exact specifications of a diamond princess cut, it would lose a lot of its fire. A square brilliant moissanite is faceted to maximize its unique and unrivaled sparkle.
Princess/square brilliant cuts have been decreasing in popularity over the past few years, and the shape has even been associated with high rates of divorce! However, we still think it looks sleek and elegant.
The fabulous March Square Brilliant Solitaire Ring, available on Moissanite.com
Emerald Cut
With the resurgence of Art Deco-inspired jewelry has come a burst in popularity for emerald cuts. The cut is a favorite among vintage aficionados. The striking depth of this cut comes from the large table (aka the flat part on the top of the stone). Like oval cuts, emerald cuts make a lovely choice for an east-west ring.
An emerald cut engagement ring by Kristin Coffin
Cushion Cut
This cut is similar to a square brilliant cut, but features rounded corners. It’s also known as a pillow cut, and in fact does rather resemble a pillow! Cushion cuts are currently enjoying a resurgence, and were once the most popular cut for engagement rings. Brides-to-be who love classic style but want something a bit more unique than a round cut should consider this style.
5mm Cushion Cut Moissanite Engagment Ring, AideMemoire on Etsy
Heart Cut
This shape needs no explanation – its very form screams romance. With Lady Gaga wearing a massive heart cut on her ring finger, we expect the popularity of this shape to only increase. Heart cuts tend to work best with larger stones, as the cut is quite subtle.
6.5mm Heart Shaped Moissanite Ring, InOurStar on Etsy
Pear Cut
The teardrop shape of this cut is elegant, chic, and refined. Pear cuts are especially trendy in antique- and vintage-inspired jewelry, including Art Deco styles. They’re also commonly used in earrings and pendants, along with engagement rings.
We love this east-west pear cut moissanite ring from louisagallery on Etsy!
Radiant Cut
As the name implies, radiant cuts burst with inner brilliance and beauty. The shape is very similar to that of an emerald cut, but the degree of fire is closest to that of a square or round brilliant cut.
The Prato Ring by Venazia™ Haute-Couture – the radiant cut center stone is nearly 4 carats!
In fact, emerald and radiant cuts look so similar that it can be difficult to tell them apart. The below video from Kristin Coffin shows the difference in brilliance that sets the two apart.
Marquise Cut
Also known as a navette cut, this shape is another that is enjoying a bit of a renaissance. As with the oval cut, the elongated shape of a marquise cut gives the impression of a larger size. Plus, it has the added benefit of making your finger look skinny!
This Celtic-inspired ring by RosadosBox on Etsy features a gorgeous marquise cut moissanite stone
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Guide to Moissanite Stone Shapes, where we’ll get into some of the more unusual and lesser-known fancy cuts.
