Brilliant Vs. Crushed Ice

The differences between brilliant and crushed ice moissanite are subtle but become clear once you know what to look for. Both are still the same durable silicon carbide gemstone, but their sparkle and appearance differ due to their faceting styles. Brilliant-cut moissanite features larger, symmetrical facets that create bold flashes of light and a sharp, fiery brilliance. In contrast, crushed ice moissanite has a denser faceting pattern, scattering light into smaller, more numerous sparkles, closer in appearance to a diamond’s scintillation. At first glance, the two may appear nearly identical, but with a closer look, you’ll notice distinct personalities in their shine. If you’re choosing between brilliant and crushed ice moissanite for your engagement ring, read on to discover how these cuts differ in brilliance, sparkle, and overall style.

Moissanite is a lab grown gemstone made of silicon carbide. Loved for its brightness and resilience, it ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale and delivers exceptional brilliance (white light return) and fire (rainbow flashes). Thanks to its durability and toughness, it’s well-suited to everyday wear and is an elegant choice for engagement rings and fine jewellery.

Brilliant cut moissanite is the standard faceting pattern for moissanite. It has has defined facets for maximum fire and brilliance, while crushed ice has irregular facets for a softer, diamond-like sparkle. Brilliant cuts (like round brilliant, and brilliant-style ovals and cushions) have larger, symmetrical facets that act like mirrors, returning bigger, more structured flashes of light.

Crushed ice describes a cutting style, not a different stone. Instead of large, clearly defined facets, crushed ice uses numerous small, irregularly distributed facets especially beneath the table (centre) of the stone. This dense pattern breaks light into finer pin-pricks of sparkle. You’ll often see it in cushions and radiants, but many shapes can be cut in a crushed ice style.

Brilliant-cut moissanite will have a bold look, with big flashes, crisp patterning and a pronounced fire. It gives off a lively and pronounced vibe that is perfect for those who like to see distinct bursts of light. Crushed ice moissanite on the other hand has a denser faceted look, which creates many more sparkles with a softer patterning. The subtle, glittery shimmer gives off more of a twinkle than a flash. So if you are someone who prefers an understated, frosted glow then crushed ice may be for you. When choosing between the two, it is good to view stones in multiple lighting conditions such as daylight, soft indoor light, and spotlighting to see which one you prefer in all types of lighting. Rotate the stone slowly and take note of whether you prefer broad flashes (brilliant) or a fine, continuous twinkle (crushed ice).

While moissanite and diamond are different gemstones, crushed ice moissanite tends to appear more similar to a diamond than a standard brilliant-cut moissanite because its denser faceting pattern produces smaller, more numerous sparkles which is closer to a diamond’s typical scintillation. That said, moissanite naturally has higher dispersion than diamond, so you may still notice extra rainbow fire in certain lights. If your goal is a diamond-like look, a crushed ice cushion or radiant in a refined setting can lean in that direction while keeping moissanite’s signature brightness.

Ultimately, There’s no single “best” cut, only the one that feels right for you. Explore both in different lighting, compare side-by-side, and consider how your chosen setting will shape the final look. Our team can guide you through side-by-side options so you can find the perfect moissanite that reflects your story.