Moissanite is one of the most dazzling gemstones available today, known for its brilliance, fire, and durability.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through the intricate process of cutting moissanite rough into stunning, polished gemstones-demonstrating the precision, skill, and artistry involved.
This particular project was for a client in France who sent us four moissanite rough stones to be cut into special artistic designs. The rough stones ranged from 3.1 to 3.5 carats, and unlike unprocessed rough that needs slicing and preforming, these were already shaped, allowing us to jump straight into the cutting and finishing process.
Step 1: Preparing the Stones for Cutting
Once the moissanite rough was received, our expert gem cutters prepared the stones for shaping. Each piece was carefully dopped (attached to a dop stick) to ensure stability during the cutting process.
The client provided precise cutting diagrams, which our Master Cutters followed meticulously to achieve the desired artistic shapes. Cutting moissanite requires an incredible level of precision due to its toughness-it's nearly as hard as diamond, meaning any rushed movements could lead to errors or imperfections.
Step 2: Shaping and Faceting
With the rough secured, we began the shaping process, carefully sculpting the stone according to the provided design.
Shaping is a crucial step, as it determines the overall structure of the gemstone before faceting.
Next came faceting, where the brilliance of the stone truly begins to emerge. Each facet is cut with exact angles to maximize light reflection, giving the moissanite its signature sparkle. Unlike some of our previous videos, this time we showcased every single facet as it was being cut-providing an up-close look at the level of detail involved in precision gem cutting.
Step 3: Polishing for Perfection
Once all facets were precisely cut, it was time for polishing-a critical step that brings out the stone's final beauty.
Our experienced polishers worked meticulously to achieve a flawless, mirror-like finish.
Our workshop has been cutting gemstones for over 24 years, specializing in American and European standard precision cuts. This expertise ensures that each moissanite gemstone we cut meets the highest industry standards.
After polishing the crown (top) facets, the stone was removed from the dop stick, repositioned upside down, and prepared for cutting the pavilion (bottom) facets.
The Science Behind Moissanite's Brilliance
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, who found tiny crystals inside a meteorite crater in Arizona. Initially mistaken for diamonds, these crystals were later identified as silicon carbide. Due to their extreme rarity in nature, almost all moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created making it an ethical and sustainable choice for gemstone lovers.
Moissanite is famous for its higher refractive index (2.65 - 2.69) compared to diamonds (2.42). This means it reflects light even more intensely, resulting in greater brilliance and fire. Additionally, moissanite exhibits double refraction, meaning light splits into two rays inside the stone, creating a mesmerizing, fiery sparkle that distinguishes it from other gemstones.
The Final Reveal: A Stunning Moissanite Gem
After cutting and polishing the pavilion, the transformation was complete. The once-rough moissanite now had perfectly angled facets, a dazzling polish, and exceptional brilliance. The difference was night and day-the stone now radiated with rainbow-like light dispersion and unmatched sparkle.
The finished moissanite gemstones were not just beautiful but crafted with precision, skill, and a deep understanding of gemology. Each cut and polish step was executed to enhance the stone's fire and brilliance, ensuring the final product was of the highest quality.
I made a Youtube video explaining this in a more detailed way. You can view the video if you wish on youtube with this link
https://youtu.be/6PcVw59WE2c?si=6kZ6hW7NB0pzN9MMThanks for reading. Please let me know your thoughts and if you have any comments do write them in the comments section…
Azard Fazahir
CITYGEMS LAPIDARY & JEWELRY MFG
