Choosing Your Moissanite Ring - Comparing Cuts (2024)

Brilliant Round Cut

The iconic Brilliant Round dates back over 100 years, and was designed in 1919 by a Belgian diamond cutter named Marcel Tolkowsky. The traditional cone shaped cut with a rounded top contains 58 facets, which allows for maximum light reflection making it the best cut for brilliance, fire and sparkle. All Lily Arkwright round cuts have these exacting ratios resulting in amazing sparkle, and are available in many sizes. An extremely versatile shape it’s no surprise this classic and timeless style is our most popular Moissanite cut.

Cut grading: The excellent grade brilliant round cut cannot be not too shallow or too tall. To reflect all light back through the diamond, rather than out the sides, the height needs to be perfect. When achieved, the brilliance of the “brilliant” round cut is truly phenomenal.

Over the past 100 years, many famous people have opted for the brilliant round cut. Some recent engagement rings you can take a look at for inspiration include Mila Kunis’ 5 carat diamond and Olivia Wilde’s brilliant round cut stone on a slender yellow gold band, both gorgeous rings.

If you’re wanting that extra sparkle take a look at our Giselle platinum solitaire below, with a beautiful shoulder setting that is feature also chosen by Rosie Huntington-Whitely for her incredible 5 carat shoulder set design. Perfectly showcased in a four claw setting and accentuated with additional conflict free diamonds along the ring’s shoulders, ensuring a breathtaking sparkle from every angle.

Our brilliant round cut Moissanite gemstones are stocked in a huge range of sizes, they’re a classic that will stand the test of varying trends and time. They are also very adaptable in terms of style and matching precious metals. Browse through our collection of brilliant round cut moissanite loose gems and jewellery items on our website, or email us at hello@lilyarkwright.com for guidance on picking an moissanite engagement ring that will dazzle your partner.

If you need any help planning your wedding, be sure to take a look at JS Events, who offer a reliable, flexible and professional wedding and event planning service. Their article on planning a wedding is really helpful for those thinking about their big day!

Photo Reference: Giselle 1.20ct Round Cut Moissanite Ring

There has since been another cut similar to the brilliant round that is referred to as a super-ideal cut. The Hearts and Arrows cut was first discovered in Japan in the 1970’s and appropriately named to showcase patterns that look like hearts and arrows, all 58 facets are precisely cut. This gives it the closest real life appeal to that of a diamond.

Here at Lily Arkwright we stock Charles & Colvard brilliant round Hearts and Arrows in a wide variety of sizes, which can be used in any of our collections, just get in touch and ask for details. For instance, the eternally elegant Grace solitaire platinum ring is one of our most popular rings which can be selected with a Hearts and Arrows stone. This exquisite solitaire perfectly showcases Moissanite stones with an impressive 4 prong mount which allows for maximum light to enter the Moissanite centre stone resulting in an extraordinary sparkle. This ring was also recently featured in The Telegraph's article on the best websites to buy an engagement ring online.

Have you recently gotten engaged and looking for ideas? For inspiration on how to plan and style a sophisticated and elegant wedding day read the latest on the blog from London-wedding planner, Laura Hillman.

Photo Reference: Grace 1.90ct Moissanite Platinum Ring

Rivalling the Brilliant Round, the Oval shaped Moissanite contains 70 facets for sensational sparkle and light reflecting properties to boast brilliance and give the illusion of a larger stone. The perfectly symmetrical cut provides a modern yet timeless style and elongates hands creating a stunning appearance on the finger.

The oval cut design was developed over the last century until the 1960s when the final refined appearance of the modern oval cut was perfected by master Russian jeweller, Lazare Kaplan. The shape is oval from above and below, and cone shaped from the side.

Cut grading: when correctly cut, oval gemstones can reflect light to make the stone appear larger than it really is. Whether it is mounted portrait or landscape, oval cut stones make ideal centrepieces for moissanite engagement rings.

Elongated vs Bowtie: when oval cut gemstones are more circular than oblong, you often end up with a bowtie effect where light bounces around the centre. With longer, less circular oval cut gemstones the facets often appear much longer than they really are.

Blake Lively’s 12 carat diamond ring features a stunning oval cut gem on a simple rose gold band engagement ring. It’s a beautiful example of how an oval cut engagement ring can be very romantic with a classical vibe, yet utterly unique and modern in style. If inspired make sure to take a look at our Macy petite pavé white gold shoulder set ring, featured below. This sensational solitaire ring exquisitely showcases the Oval Moissanite diamond by a delicate micro petite pave 4 prong mount designed to secure the largest of stones.

An oval cut engagement ring can also be vintage and chic – like Kirsten Dunst’s engagement ring. Set on a simple, yellow gold band, her oval cut engagement ring has a subtle elegance. As you can see in the Isabella engagement ring (also from Charles and Colvard’s Forever One range), yellow gold works particularly well with simple, timeless designs.

Here at Lily Arkwright, we have a fantastic selection of oval cut loose gems, moissanite earrings and moissanite engagement rings. Compare the dimensions to see how the size and shape of different oval cut stones create different visual effects. Regardless of your budget, we can assist you with finding a delightful oval cut engagement ring. For more information regarding oval cut moissanite engagement rings, or to place your order, contact us at hello@lilyarkwright.com.

Photo Reference: Macy Oval Cut Moissanite White Gold Shoulder Set Ring

The regal princess cut; perfectly square and effortlessly chic. This gemstone cut is the best choice for light, glamorous and bright engagement rings. The perfectly square stone has 58 facets and dazzlingly disperses light in all four corners creating a crushed ice effect and producing a beautiful shine in all our moissanite collections.

The first princess cut was carved by Israel Itzkowitz in 1979, and it has since become the second most popular engagement ring cut after the brilliant round cut. It is perfectly square from above, pyramid shaped from the side, square from beneath, and has a modern and chic style.

Cut Grading: the large number of facets and pyramid shape make it one of the best cuts for brightness. It dazzlingly disperses light in all 4 corners, enhancing the square shape and giving a delightful shine.

It is important to note that princess cut gems and square cuts are often the same. As the term ‘princess cut’ is a trademark, you’ll find identical square engagement rings named simply ‘square’ or ‘square modified brilliance’. The princess cut is similar to other square cuts, including the rounded cushion cut and rectangular radiant cut. While the other square cuts can have different length ratios, making them more rectangular in shape rather than square, for a gem to be a true princess cut it must have between a 1.00 to 1.05 ratio.

Kate Bosworth’s princess cut engagement ring is inspired by 1920s art deco design. It’s a very cool design, featuring a simple platinum band with a large princess cut gem held by 4 prongs. She wears it above a simple platinum wedding band, similar to our Harper Channel Set Platinum Eternity band, studded with Charles and Colvard moissanite.

The square shape of the princess cut makes it ideal for sitting alongside other square or rectangle gems to create a detailed, gem-encrusted look. The princess cut also works well as a simple centrepiece. Take a look at our simple solitaire moissanite engagement rings, like themoissanite princess cut Rosalee in yellow gold, as seen on the Hitched website. The mounted lab grown moissanite is held by 4 prongs, allowing light to enter the gemstone from the sides, illuminating the facets and giving a delightful shine.

The modern and chic Aster (as pictured beneath) has a beautiful twist mount that wonderfully showcases the Princess stone for those wanting a subtle yet glamorous ring, or take a look at our loose gem collection of lab created moissanite to compare the different square cuts.

Photo Reference: Aster 1.20ct Princess Cut Moissanite Solitaire Ring

This contemporary style is similar to the modern princess cut, combined with the timeless curves of the graceful oval cut. A cushion cut moissanite engagement ring is a classic cut any woman would love to have adorn their ring finger, and can have either a contemporary or vintage feel depending on the chosen setting.

This cut contains 82 facets that are larger in size in order to allow more light to enter and split into spectacular colours, which creates a rainbow effect when it catches the light. It has a square shape with rounded corners from above and below, and is cone-like from the side.

Cut Grading: cushion cut moissanite gems have larger facets compared to the classic round and oval cuts. This enables more white light to split into spectral colours, giving that glamourous rainbow effect when it catches the light.

Since the 15th century, cushion cut gems have slowly evolved from sharp angles and rectangular shapes to the soft curved square gem we recognise today. It’s a very popular cut that’s particularly suited to engagement rings, and by adding extra facets on the pavilion (underside) the cushion cut can also give a crushed ice effect, which is subtle yet elegant. This technique is much more visible in clear gemstones including lab grown moissanite and diamonds.

Suited to larger stones, the cushion cut style has been favoured by many people over the last few centuries. Meghan Markle’s engagement ring features a stunning rectangle cushion cut gem and two smaller diamonds on either side: stones selected by Prince Harry from his mother’s personal collection. Everyone at Lily Arkwright wishes the royal couple a lifetime of love and happiness, and you can find a similar moissanite engagement ring with a cushion cut centre piece in the Caseada ring from the Charles and Colvard collection, as seen below.

The cushion cut also looks very stylish in coloured gemstone rings, much like Diana’s oval cut sapphire ring which has a unique vintage style, take a look through our guide to gemstones for some more ideas. If you were looking for some modern inspiration instead, Kim Kardashian’s engagement ring from Kanye West is a flawless 15-carat rectangular cushion cut diamond, similar in style to this simple Florence engagement ring from Charles and Colvard. The platinum solitaire ring holds a large, emerald cut moissanite gemstone available in several sizes.

The truly romantic Ophelia white gold halo ring is sure to both dazzle and delight. Featuring a stunning Forever One cushion cut centre moissanite stone and adorned with a sparkling halo of G/H SI conflict free diamonds surrounding the centre stone and ring shoulders, this ring’s show stopping design is a must for a bride-to-be who wants to be noticed!

Photo Reference: Caseada Cushion Cut 1.70ct Moissanite Ring

The elegant pear cut is timeless, dazzling and ideal for engagement rings, and as one of the oldest cuts, this traditional style creates an intense glow. Its unique shape makes it an ideal cut for stacking or pairing over wedding bands and for making a smaller carat look larger than it is. This style contains 72 facets, and the shape can appear to elongate the appearance of your fingers.

The pear cut shape is one of the oldest gemstone cuts from our Charles and Colvard jewellery collection. Over four centuries the pear cut was refined and adjusted by master jewellers until the early 20th century, when the modern pear cut shape was perfected. The shape resembles a teardrop from above and below (rounded at one end, pointed at the other), and is an elongated cone shape from the side.

Cut Grading: much like the oval cut, the pear cut can have a bow tie effect where light is bounced around the centre of the gem. With the correct ratios and depth, this cut can glow intensely. The pear cut is also known as the teardrop or pendeloque cut. The sharp, pointed end of the cut should traditionally be pointing towards the hand of the wearer, although this is really down to personal preference.

The pear cut works particularly well with the warmer metals of yellow and rose gold, which brings together contemporary with classic for a traditional look with a modern element. The shape is more associated with traditional styles, but of course it all depends on how you opt to wear the ring.

Mia Farrow accepted an extravagant vintage style 9 carat pear shaped engagement ring from Frank Sinatra in 1966. She wore the engagement ring above a simple wedding band, similar to the channel set eternity rings at Lily Arkwright. Take a look at our full range of eternity bands and engagement rings for inspiration to create your own moissanite bridal sets.

Victoria Beckham on the other hand, has had 13 different engagement rings so far one of which includes a delightful pear cut diamond on a platinum, diamond pave band. Much like the Lisette moissanite ring from the Charles and Colvard Forever One collection, this vintage design has a modern edge thanks to the use of cool silver colours and minimalistic settings.

Photo Reference: Lisette Pear Cut 0.94ct Moissanite Ring

Like its name suggests, theradiantcut's main feature is its radiant shine. Rectangular from above with stepped, cut corners. Modern, elegant, eye-catching and similar to a princess and emerald cut, both Jennifer Aniston & Drew Barrymore have opted for beautiful Radiant cuts.

The radiant cut is a modern design, mastered in 1977 to flawlessly capture the brilliance of the modified round cut in a simple square design. It’s a supreme square cut gemstone style that is perfectly suited for engagement rings and has 54 facets. Take a look at the platinum Everly ring set with a stunning Charles and Colvard centre stone, for an example of a radiant cut.

Cut Grading: The radiant cut’s facets and stepped design make it the most brilliant of all the square cuts. While the Princess cut and Emerald cut gemstones have very distinct styles, the radiant cut is far more adaptable – it’s main feature is it’s radiant shine!

The cut is also known as the square modified brilliant, as it’s lustre and shine are comparable to the classic brilliant round cut. Take a look at our loose radiant cut gems to get an idea of how the cut compares to our other classic cuts.

As with all our delightful square cuts, the radiant cut looks amazing when embedded next to side gems. Take a look at a radiant cut next to some baguette cut natural moissanite stones or set in a delicate micro petite channel mount like in our Iris ring pictured below. Our Charles and Colvard moissanite collection contains a variety of different radiant cut styles in modern, traditional and unique fittings.

For further inspiration, take a look at Jennifer Anniston’s radiant cut engagement ring. This 8-carat gem is held on a delicate yellow gold band – the extravagant size of the gemstone really elongates her fingers with the rectangular shape. Drew Barrymore’s ring, on the other hand, is much more contemporary. Her radiant cut diamond is set into a diamond encrusted band, not dissimilar to the Charles and Colvard Esme engagement ring, featuring a stand-out radiant cut gemstone with a halo of conflict-free diamonds.

Photo Reference:Iris 1.80ct Moissanite Ring

Not just for Emeralds, the emerald cut emerged in the early 20th century, perfect for those inspired by the art deco era. Rectangular in shape with a ‘stepped appearance’ and cut corners, and a frustum cone from the side, the clarity, brilliance and depth of the 46 facet gemstone is naturally accentuated. Plus the long emerald shape elongates the hand for an extremely flattering look. The modern emerald cut is used not only for beautiful coloured gemstones but also diamonds, and now ethical moissanite. While the popular brilliant round cut is classically sublime, the emerald cut exudes luxurious, vintage vibes and has a certain extravagance that better matches the princess and cushion cuts. The reality TV star Bethenny Frankel has a gorgeous (and huge!) emerald cut ring, which you can read about here in The Mail Online's article.

Cut Grading: the wide, clear “table” of the emerald cut really highlights the clarity and brilliance of moissanite stone. While the heavily faceted oval, pear and round cuts are unbeatable for refracting light, the emerald cut is the best style for exhibiting the natural clearness and depth of precious gemstones.

Typically, the emerald cut gemstone is rectangular and worn with the longer sides parallel to your ring finger. This elongates your hand and also makes room for added diamonds, real moissanite and other gems to be mounted either side.

The emerald is similar to a radiant in shape, however the real unique feature in this gem comes from the cut, this beautiful gem shines rather than sparkles and embodies everything that is sophisticated class. Emeralds scream luxury and extravagance, Anne Hathaway, Grace Kelly, Beyonce & Sarah Jessica Parker have all chosen this glam cut.

Emerald cut gems are surprisingly versatile: they make eye catching, standalone centrepieces but they can also be complimented nicely by baguette cut, round or cushion gems embedded either side, for extra sparkle. For instance, Anne Hathaway’s modern emerald cut engagement ring features a large, 6 carat emerald cut diamond surrounded by round cut diamonds and extra diamonds embedded in the platinum band. Her fiancée wanted something timeless with old world charm, so the emerald cut was the perfect choice. The real moissanite and diamond white gold moissanite engagement ring from Charles and Colvard retailers, Evalina, is very similar in style.

Besides engagement rings, the emerald cut is also very beautiful with colour gemstone rings, like our simple Florence Chatham lab grown emerald ring, as seen in the image below. Our coloured gems and real moissanite are lab grown, making them ethical, affordable yet just as brilliant and gorgeous as mined diamonds.

Photo Reference: Florence Emerald Cut 1.40ct Emerald Ring

Similar to the Emerald in cut, the asscher cut has a ‘square emerald’ shape. The sophisticated style is a rare choice, offering a unique edge for brides-to-be wanting something a little bit different.

Alike with the emerald, the 65 facet cut doesn’t sparkle, It shines. The sheets of glass within this stone creates a beautiful sheen. Elizabeth Taylor's Asscher engagement exhibits exuberance, a real classic.

Photo Reference: Bespoke 2.21ct Asscher Cut Moissanite Ring

We pride ourselves on our ability to produce stunning ethical and sustainable fine jewellery at an amazing price point, supported by unrivalled customer service. We offer the highest quality moissanite engagement rings, lab grown diamond engagement rings and coloured gemstones. Make sure to also check our are collections of moissanite earrings and pendants as well, for a gorgeous bridal set.

Lily Arkwright are proud Assay Assured jewellery retailers and committed members of the National Association of Jewellers based on honesty, integrity and professionalism. All precious metal jewellery offered by Assay Assured jewellery retailers carries the legally-required independent hallmark verifying the precious metal content, a protection over and above legal requirements. Read our glowing customer reviews on Trust Pilot.

If you are interested in booking a consultation or simply would like to find out more information about ourselves or our collections, please call us on 0161 537 6773, alternatively you can email our jewellery consultancy team at hello@lilyarkwright.com.

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