Moissanite is a synthetic gemstone that resembles diamond in many ways. It has a high refractive index, which means it can bend light and create a lot of sparkle. It also has a high dispersion, which means it can split light into different colors and create a lot of fire. Moissanite is also very durable and resistant to scratches and heat. Moissanite is a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry because it offers a lot of beauty and value at a fraction of the cost of diamond.

However, not all moissanite stones are created equal. Just like diamonds, moissanite stones can vary in quality depending on their cut and clarity. These two factors can affect how well the stone reflects and refracts light, and how clean and flawless it looks. In this article, we will explain what moissanite cut and clarity are, how they are graded, and what are the best grades to look for when buying moissanite jewelry.

What is moissanite cut?

Moissanite cut refers to the shape and proportions of the stone, as well as the arrangement and polish of its facets. The cut of a moissanite stone determines how well it interacts with light, and how much brilliance, fire, and scintillation it displays. Brilliance is the amount of white light that is reflected from the stone. Fire is the amount of colored light that is dispersed from the stone. Scintillation is the amount of sparkle and flashes that are seen when the stone or the observer moves.

Moissanite stones can be cut into various shapes, such as round, oval, pear, marquise, emerald, princess, cushion, radiant, asscher, heart, etc. Each shape has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of appearance and performance. However, the most important factor that affects the cut quality of a moissanite stone is its proportions. The proportions of a moissanite stone include its depth, table, crown angle, pavilion angle, girdle thickness, culet size, etc. These proportions determine how well the stone balances its brilliance and fire, as well as how symmetrical and uniform it looks.

How is moissanite cut graded?

Moissanite cut is graded by comparing the actual proportions of the stone to the ideal proportions for its shape. The ideal proportions are based on mathematical calculations that optimize the light performance of the stone. The closer the actual proportions are to the ideal proportions, the higher the cut grade of the stone.

There are four main cut grades for moissanite: ideal (or excellent), very good, good, and fair (or poor). An ideal cut moissanite stone has perfect or near-perfect proportions that maximize its brilliance and fire. A very good cut moissanite stone has slightly deviated proportions that still produce a high level of brilliance and fire. A good cut moissanite stone has more deviated proportions that reduce its brilliance and fire to some extent. A fair cut moissanite stone has poor proportions that significantly compromise its brilliance and fire.

What is the best moissanite cut?

The best moissanite cut depends on your personal preference and budget. However, in general, you should look for a moissanite stone that has at least a very good cut grade or higher. This will ensure that your stone has a high level of light performance and beauty. You should also consider the shape of your stone and how it matches your style and personality.

Some of the most popular moissanite shapes are:

  • Round: The round shape is the most classic and versatile shape for moissanite. It has 58 facets that create a lot of brilliance and fire. It also suits any setting and style. A round moissanite stone should have an ideal depth percentage of 58-62%, an ideal table percentage of 53-57%, an ideal crown angle of 34-35 degrees,
    and an ideal pavilion angle of 40-41 degrees.
  • Oval: The oval shape is an elongated version of the round shape. It has 56 facets that create a similar brilliance and fire as a round stone, but with more finger coverage and length. It also flatters any finger shape and size. An oval moissanite stone should have an ideal depth percentage of 58-62%, an ideal table percentage of 53-63%, an ideal crown angle of 34-38 degrees, and an ideal pavilion angle of 40-42 degrees.
  • Pear: The pear shape is a hybrid of the round and the marquise shape. It has 58 facets that create a good brilliance and fire, but with a unique teardrop shape that combines curves and points. It also adds a touch of elegance and personality to any ring. A pear moissanite stone should have an ideal depth percentage of 58-62%, an ideal table percentage of 53-63%, an ideal crown angle of 34-38 degrees, and an ideal pavilion angle of 40-42 degrees.
  • Marquise: The marquise shape is a tapered version of the oval shape. It has 58 facets that create a good brilliance and fire, but with more pointed edges and contrast with the finger. It also makes the finger look longer and slimmer. A marquise moissanite stone should have an ideal depth percentage of 58-62%, an ideal table percentage of 53-63%, an ideal crown angle of 34-38 degrees, and an ideal pavilion angle of 40-42 degrees.
  • Emerald: The emerald shape is a rectangular shape with step-cut facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect. It has less brilliance and fire than a round stone, but more clarity and elegance. It also showcases the color and quality of the stone. An emerald moissanite stone should have an ideal depth percentage of 60-70%, an ideal table percentage of 60-70%, an ideal crown angle of 25-35 degrees, and an ideal pavilion angle of 40-50 degrees.
  • Princess: The princess shape is a square shape with brilliant-cut facets that create a high brilliance and fire. It has more brilliance and fire than an emerald stone, but less clarity and elegance. It also suits any setting and style. A princess moissanite stone should have an ideal depth percentage of 64-75%, an ideal table percentage of 64-75%, an ideal crown angle of 30-40 degrees, and an ideal pavilion angle of 40-50 degrees.
  • Cushion: The cushion shape is a rounded square or rectangular shape with brilliant-cut facets that create a soft and romantic look. It has less brilliance and fire than a round or princess stone, but more warmth and charm. It also blends well with any setting and style. A cushion moissanite stone should have an ideal depth percentage of 58-69%, an ideal table percentage of 53-69%, an ideal crown angle of 34-40 degrees, and an ideal pavilion angle of 40-50 degrees.

What is moissanite clarity?

Moissanite clarity refers to the amount and visibility of inclusions or flaws within the stone. Inclusions are tiny imperfections that are caused by foreign materials or internal stress during the formation or synthesis of the stone. Inclusions can affect the transparency and appearance of the stone, as well as its durability and value.

Moissanite stones can have various types of inclusions, such as needles, mineral crystals, clouds, feathers, knots, chips, cavities, etc. These inclusions can be classified into two categories: internal inclusions and external inclusions. Internal inclusions are located inside the stone, while external inclusions are located on the surface of the stone.

How is moissanite clarity graded?

Moissanite clarity is graded by using a standard 10x magnification loupe to examine the number, size, location, nature, and color of the inclusions within the stone. The fewer and less visible the inclusions are, the higher the clarity grade of the stone.

There are five main clarity grades for moissanite: FL (flawless), IF (internally flawless), VVS (very very slightly included), VS (very slightly included), and SI (slightly included). An FL moissanite stone has no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. An IF moissanite stone has no inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but may have some minor blemishes on the surface. A VVS moissanite stone has very minute inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification. A VS moissanite stone has minor inclusions that are somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification. An SI moissanite stone has noticeable inclusions that are easy to see under 10x magnification.

What is the best moissanite clarity?

The best moissanite clarity depends on your personal preference and budget. However, in general, you should look for a moissanite stone that has at least a VS clarity grade or higher. This will ensure that your stone has a high level of transparency and beauty. You should also consider the cut and color of your stone and how they affect the visibility of the inclusions.

Some of the factors that affect the visibility of inclusions are:

  • Cut: The cut of a moissanite stone can either hide or reveal the inclusions within the stone. Generally, brilliant-cut stones tend to hide inclusions better than step-cut stones, because they have more facets and more light reflection. However, brilliant-cut stones also tend to show more color than step-cut stones, which can make the inclusions more noticeable if they have a different color than the stone.
  • Color: The color of a moissanite stone can either mask or contrast with the inclusions within the stone. Generally, colorless or near-colorless stones tend to mask inclusions better than colored stones, because they have less hue and saturation. However, colorless or near-colorless stones also tend to be more expensive and rare than colored stones, which can limit your options and budget.
  • Size: The size of a moissanite stone can either magnify or diminish the inclusions within the stone. Generally, larger stones tend to magnify inclusions more than smaller stones, because they have more surface area and more visibility. However, larger stones also tend to be more impressive and desirable than smaller stones, which can increase your satisfaction and enjoyment.

Conclusion

As you can see, moissanite cut and clarity are important factors that affect the quality and appearance of your moissanite jewelry. By understanding how these factors are graded and what are the best grades to look for, you can make an informed and confident purchase that meets your expectations and budget. Remember that moissanite is a beautiful and valuable gemstone that can rival diamond in many ways, and that you deserve to have the best moissanite jewelry that suits your style and personality.

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