---
title: "Answers from our measurements: gem questions answered"
description: "Answers to common gem questions from our own measurements: the cut that returns the most light in six gemstones, which diamond shape sparkles most and which looks biggest."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/answers
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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# Answers from our measurements

8 questions · from our own measurements · updated 2026-11-09

Short answers to common gem questions, each from our own measurements. We measure the light performance of our cuts in seven gemstones, and the face-up size of each shape. Each page shows the figures behind its answer.

- **[What is the best cut for moissanite?](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/answers/best-cut-for-moissanite)**: For the most light, the round brilliant is the best cut for moissanite in our ray traces. It returns the most light of the ten classic shapes: brilliance 86 out of 100.
- **[What is the best cut for a sapphire or a ruby?](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/answers/best-cut-for-sapphire-and-ruby)**: For the most light, the round brilliant is the best cut for sapphire and ruby in our ray traces. It returns the most light of the ten classic shapes: brilliance 94 out of 100.
- **[What is the best cut for an emerald?](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/answers/best-cut-for-emerald)**: For the most light, the round brilliant is the best cut for emerald in our ray traces. It returns the most light of the ten classic shapes: brilliance 78 out of 100.
- **[What is the best cut for amethyst?](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/answers/best-cut-for-amethyst)**: For the most light, the round brilliant is the best cut for amethyst in our ray traces. It returns the most light of the ten classic shapes: brilliance 72 out of 100.
- **[What is the best cut for cubic zirconia?](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/answers/best-cut-for-cubic-zirconia)**: For the most light, the round brilliant is the best cut for cubic zirconia in our ray traces. It returns the most light of the ten classic shapes: brilliance 98 out of 100.
- **[Which diamond shape sparkles the most?](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/answers/which-diamond-shape-sparkles-most)**: By our scores for diamond, the round brilliant sparkles the most overall. It returns the most white light of the ten classic shapes: brilliance 93 out of 100.
- **[Which diamond shape looks biggest for its carat weight?](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/answers/which-diamond-shape-looks-biggest)**: The marquise looks biggest for its carat weight in our models. Its face-up area is 21% larger than that of a round brilliant of the same weight.
- **[Oval or round diamond: which is better?](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/answers/oval-vs-round-diamond)**: In our models, a round brilliant returns far more light; an oval looks larger and scores higher for fire. In our ray traces of diamond, the round brilliant scores 93 for brilliance, the oval 47.

The light figures come from the [Cut Performance Index](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/cut-performance-index), our open data, and the [Cut Performance Wheel](https://digitalgemology.com/tools/cut-performance-wheel). The face-up figures come from our gemstone cut pages.