Introduction
Moissanite, a gemstone composed of silicon carbide, has a fascinating history that dates back to its discovery in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan. Found in a meteorite crater in Arizona, moissanite was initially a rare find in nature. However, due to its scarcity, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that scientists developed a method to create moissanite in laboratories, making it an accessible and affordable alternative to diamonds.
The round brilliant cut, renowned for its ability to maximize light return, is the most popular shape for moissanite, accounting for approximately 75% of all sales. This classic cut not only enhances the stone’s natural beauty but also ensures that it remains a timeless piece of jewelry.
The Classic Appeal of Round Moissanite
The round brilliant cut has been the preferred shape for gemstones, particularly diamonds and now moissanite, for centuries. This cut’s popularity stems from its ability to maximize light return, creating a dazzling display of brilliance and fire. The round shape is timeless and elegant, making it a versatile choice for various jewelry designs.
The evolution of the round brilliant cut began in the 17th century with the development of the Mazarin cut, which had 17 facets. Over time, the number of facets increased, leading to the modern round brilliant cut with 58 facets. This increase in facets allows for better light dispersion and reflection, enhancing the gemstone’s brilliance.
Moissanite, with its high refractive index and dispersion, benefits greatly from the round brilliant cut. The cut’s symmetrical arrangement ensures that light enters and exits the stone in a way that showcases the moissanite’s natural beauty to its fullest potential. This is why the round cut accounts for approximately 75% of all moissanite stones sold, as it offers a perfect blend of elegance and optical performance.
Technical Characteristics
A well-cut round moissanite features a precise arrangement of facets designed to optimize light return, creating a dazzling display of brilliance and fire. The standard round brilliant cut consists of 58 facets: 33 on the crown (the top part), 24 on the pavilion (the bottom part), and 1 on the girdle (the flat band around the widest part of the stone). Some variations may have 57 facets if the culet (the small facet at the bottom of the pavilion) is omitted.
The crown facets include the table (the largest facet on top), eight kite-shaped bezel facets, and eight star facets. The pavilion has eight triangular facets and a culet. This symmetrical arrangement allows light to enter through the table, reflect off the pavilion facets, and exit through the crown, creating a brilliant effect.
The angles of these facets are critical. The crown angle, typically around 35 degrees, and the pavilion angle, usually around 41 degrees, are carefully calculated to ensure maximum light return. The depth percentage (the ratio of the stone’s depth to its width) and the table percentage (the ratio of the table’s width to the stone’s width) are also important factors in determining the stone’s optical performance.
Moissanite’s high refractive index (2.65-2.69) and dispersion (0.104) make it particularly well-suited for the round brilliant cut. The high refractive index causes light to bend more, leading to greater brilliance, while the high dispersion causes light to split into its spectral colors, creating the fire or rainbow-like effect that moissanite is known for.
Advantages of Round Moissanite
The round brilliant cut offers several advantages that make it the preferred choice for moissanite:
Maximized Brilliance
The precise facet arrangement of the round cut is designed to maximize light return, creating a dazzling display of brilliance. Moissanite’s high refractive index amplifies this property, making round moissanite stones particularly vibrant.
Timeless Appeal
The round shape has a classic and elegant appearance that never goes out of style. Its timeless beauty ensures that a piece of jewelry featuring a round moissanite stone will remain fashionable for years to come.
Versatility in Settings
Round moissanite can be set in a variety of jewelry designs, from simple solitaires to more elaborate configurations like halo or pave settings. This flexibility allows for a wide range of creative expressions in jewelry design.
Optimal Use of Material
The round brilliant cut is efficient in terms of material usage, minimizing waste and maximizing the yield from each piece of rough moissanite. This contributes to the stone’s affordability and sustainability.
Design Options
Round moissanite stones are incredibly versatile and can be set in a variety of engagement ring settings, each offering a unique look:
Solitaire Settings
In a solitaire setting, the round moissanite is the focal point, with no other stones surrounding it. This simple yet elegant design allows the stone’s natural beauty to shine through, making it a classic choice for those who prefer minimalism.
Halo Settings
A halo setting features a round moissanite stone surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds or moissanites. This creates a larger, more dramatic appearance, enhancing the center stone’s brilliance and adding extra sparkle to the piece.
Pave Settings
In a pave setting, the ring band is covered with small diamonds or moissanites set very closely together, giving the illusion of a continuous surface of light. This design showcases the round moissanite in the center while adding a touch of glamour and sophistication.
Three-Stone Settings
A three-stone setting features a round moissanite as the central stone, with two smaller stones on either side. This design symbolizes the past, present, and future, making it a meaningful choice for engagement rings or other jewelry pieces.
Prong Settings
Prong settings are a popular choice for round moissanite, with the stone held in place by small metal claws. The number of prongs can vary, from four to six, offering different levels of security and visibility.
Bezel Settings
In a bezel setting, the stone is surrounded by a metal rim that holds it in place. This setting provides a sleek and modern look, protecting the stone’s edges.
Channel Settings
Channel settings are ideal for multiple round moissanite stones set side by side in a row, held in place by a channel of metal. This creates a smooth, continuous surface.
Each setting style offers a distinct aesthetic, allowing individuals to choose a design that best suits their personality and preferences.
Maintenance and Care
To ensure that your round moissanite remains beautiful and retains its brilliance, proper care and maintenance are essential. Here are some tips for caring for your moissanite jewelry:
Regular Cleaning
Use a soft-bristled brush and mild soap to clean your moissanite jewelry. Gently scrub the stone and its setting to remove any dirt or oil that may have accumulated. For a deeper clean, you can soak the jewelry in warm soapy water for a few minutes before brushing.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Refrain from using harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the setting or the stone itself. Also, avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as they might not be suitable for moissanite.
Storage
Store your moissanite jewelry in a safe place, such as a jewelry box or a cloth pouch, to protect it from dust, moisture, and potential damage from other pieces of jewelry.
Periodic Checks
Have your jewelry periodically checked by a professional jeweler to ensure that all prongs or claws are secure. This is especially important for settings that may be subject to frequent wear or handling.
Avoiding Accidental Damage
Be cautious with your moissanite jewelry to prevent accidental bumps or knocks that could dislodge the stone or scratch the setting.
By following these care tips, your round moissanite will remain stunning for years to come.
Moissanite vs. Diamond
Moissanite and diamond are both beautiful gemstones, but they have some key differences:
Composition
Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, while diamond is composed of carbon.
Hardness
On the Mohs scale, diamond has a hardness of 10, making it the hardest natural substance. Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 to 9.5, which is still very hard but slightly less than diamond.
Refractive Index and Dispersion
Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) and dispersion (0.104) compared to diamond (refractive index 2.42, dispersion 0.044). This means moissanite has more fire and brilliance than diamond.
Cost
Moissanite is significantly less expensive than diamond of similar size and quality.
Availability
While diamonds are found naturally, moissanite is rare in nature and primarily lab-created.
These differences make moissanite an attractive alternative for those who want a gemstone with exceptional optical properties at a more affordable price.
Interesting Facts about Moissanite
- Moissanite is often referred to as “the stone from the stars” because it was first discovered in a meteorite.
- It’s one of the rarest naturally occurring minerals, with most gem-quality moissanite now being lab-created.
- Moissanite has a higher refractive index and dispersion than diamond, making it more brilliant and fiery.
- It’s considered an ethical choice because it’s lab-grown and doesn’t involve the environmental impact of diamond mining.
By understanding these facts and the unique characteristics of round moissanite, you can appreciate its beauty and make informed decisions about purchasing and caring for this exceptional gemstone.