Guide to Fire and Sparkle

Understanding Light Reflection in Diamonds, Moissanite, and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The fire and sparkle of a gemstone stem from its ability to bend and reflect light, measured in terms of "brilliance" and "dispersion."

Lab-Grown Diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, including the refractive index, so they offer similar brilliance. Advanced technology replicates diamond formation in a controlled environment, producing stones indistinguishable from mined diamonds in their reflective qualities.


Moissanite. With a refractive index around 2.65 to 2.69, moissanite has a higher brilliance than diamonds. This extraordinary light performance is due to its faceting pattern, which creates more surfaces for light to bounce within the stone, resulting in intense, fiery sparkle. Moissanite’s dispersion rate of 0.104 outshines that of diamond (0.044), leading to a more rainbow-like flash that draws attention.

Natural Diamonds. Diamonds reflect light due to their high refractive index (about 2.42). Their natural structure allows them to capture and reflect light beautifully, creating iconic brilliance and dispersion. These qualities are measured using specialized tools in gemology, assessing how light moves within the stone.

The Factors Influencing Fire, Glow, and “Hit” in Stones

While refractive index plays a key role in brilliance, other factors also affect a gemstone’s visual impact. Here’s a breakdown of those elements and why moissanite often comes out on top:

Color. Stones with color grades closer to colorless (D-F range) exhibit a clearer, brighter sparkle. Moissanite generally has a perfect color grade, enhancing its fire. In contrast, diamonds (natural or lab-grown) with slight hues may appear less brilliant.

Metal Choice. The metal that surrounds a stone, whether platinum, gold, or silver, affects how the light reflects around it. Light metals like white gold and platinum can enhance the brightness and sparkle of the gemstone. Darker metals, such as rose gold or yellow gold, provide contrast, emphasizing the stone's color and depth.

Cut. The cut quality dictates how well light is manipulated within the stone. Ideal cuts (common in diamonds and moissanite) maximize light reflection and dispersion, creating more fire. Moissanite’s proprietary cut amplifies light performance, giving it an edge.'

Shape. Certain shapes, like round cuts, maximize light reflection, producing more sparkle. Fancy shapes, such as princess or pear, vary in brilliance, with moissanite again often excelling due to its high dispersion rate.

Size. Larger stones display a stronger play of color, though larger sizes may reveal inclusions or tints, especially in diamonds. Moissanite’s purity and cut mitigate this, ensuring consistent fire and clarity even in larger sizes.

Due to these combined factors, moissanite often outshines diamonds in fire and brilliance, making it a popular choice among buyers seeking that high-impact sparkle.

Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Lab-Grown Diamonds, and Moissanite

With advancements in lab-grown diamond technology and moissanite's high brilliance, identifying each stone with the naked eye becomes a challenge. Here’s a breakdown of how they can be differentiated:

Natural Diamonds. Natural diamonds often contain unique inclusions or “flaws” that mark their journey within the Earth. While these imperfections are tiny, trained eyes or magnification can reveal them. Additionally, natural diamonds exhibit more subtle fire compared to moissanite.


Moissanite. Moissanite’s intense fire and dispersion are the key visual indicators setting it apart. A trained eye might observe rainbow-like flashes, while diamond’s sparkle is more white and subtle. Moissanite’s colorless appearance and high brilliance make it increasingly popular, as it provides a diamond-like sparkle with an extra boost of fire.


Lab-Grown Diamonds. Identical to natural diamonds in composition, lab-grown diamonds are nearly indistinguishable without advanced equipment. Lab-grown diamonds, however, typically have fewer inclusions than mined diamonds, resulting in a cleaner look that matches natural brilliance.

Why Moissanite is Growing in Popularity

Moissanite has become the stone of choice for many modern buyers due to its enhanced sparkle, durability, and affordability. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, moissanite stands out as an ethically sourced gemstone with unparalleled brilliance. Its eco-friendly, lab-grown nature appeals to a new generation of jewelry lovers who want luxury without compromise.

In conclusion, whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of diamonds or the dazzling fire of moissanite, understanding the science behind each stone’s sparkle can help guide your choice. At Goldvic by Victoria Vega, we offer a diverse range of high-quality jewelry designed to capture light in the most captivating ways, helping you find a piece that truly shines.