Fire, Brilliance & Scintillation: How a Diamond Sparkles
Three words explain all of a stone's sparkle. Here's what each one means.
“Sparkle” is actually three different things working together: brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Understanding them helps you appreciate — and shop for — a more dazzling stone.
Brilliance: the white light
Brilliance is the bright white light that returns to your eye from the stone. A well-cut stone bounces light back beautifully — the foundation of sparkle.
Fire: the rainbow flashes
Fire is the colorful, rainbow-like flashes you see as the stone moves. Moissanite is famous for its exceptional fire — even more than diamond. See Moissanite Fire & Brilliance.
Scintillation: the sparkle in motion
Scintillation is the play of light and dark — the twinkle — as the stone or light moves. It's what makes a stone look alive and lively.
Cut is the key to all three
A great cut maximizes brilliance, fire, and scintillation alike — which is why cut matters most for sparkle. See Cut Quality, then browse engagement rings.
FAQs
What's the difference between fire and brilliance?
Brilliance is the white light returned by the stone; fire is the colorful rainbow flashes. Scintillation is the twinkle as things move.
What gives a stone the most sparkle?
A great cut — it maximizes brilliance, fire, and scintillation together, which is why cut matters most.
Dazzle From Every Angle
Explore handcrafted moissanite engagement rings, cut for sparkle.
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