Understanding Your Gemstone Documentation
Every moissanite stone in your jewelry comes with independent certification from the Gemological Research Association (GRA). This documentation provides verified details about your gemstone's characteristics, giving you confidence in what you're purchasing.
WHAT IS GRA?
The Gemological Research Association is an organization that provides standardized grading and certification for moissanite gemstones. Each stone undergoes laboratory analysis to evaluate its quality characteristics, and the results are documented in an official report.
The certificate serves as a detailed specification sheet that confirms your stone's properties—color, clarity, cut quality, and precise measurements.
WHAT YOUR CERTIFICATE INCLUDES
Stone Identification
Your certificate confirms the gemstone as genuine moissanite (silicon carbide), distinguishing it from other materials like cubic zirconia or glass.
The Four C's
Color Grade
Moissanite color is graded on a scale from D (completely colorless) to K (faint color):
|
Grade |
Description |
|
D, E, F |
Colorless—no visible tint |
|
G, H, I |
Near colorless—slight warmth visible under close inspection |
|
J, K |
Faint color—noticeable warmth |
Standard used: D, E, or F grade (colorless) exclusively
Clarity Grade
Clarity indicates the presence of internal characteristics (inclusions) when examined under 10x magnification:
|
Grade |
Meaning |
|
FL, IF |
Flawless / Internally Flawless |
|
VVS1, VVS2 |
Very Very Slightly Included—extremely difficult to detect |
|
VS1, VS2 |
Very Slightly Included—minor inclusions |
|
SI1, SI2 |
Slightly Included—noticeable under magnification |
Standard used: VVS1 grade (virtually flawless to the naked eye)
Cut Grade
Cut quality determines how well light travels through the stone, directly affecting brilliance and fire:
|
Grade |
Light Performance |
|
Excellent |
Optimal light return and sparkle |
|
Very Good |
High light performance |
|
Good |
Adequate brilliance |
|
Fair/Poor |
Reduced sparkle |
Standard used: Excellent cut grade for maximum brilliance
Carat Weight
Precise weight measurement recorded to 0.001 carat accuracy.
Additional Details
Your certificate also documents:
-
Measurements: Exact dimensions in millimeters (length × width × depth)
-
Shape: Round, oval, cushion, emerald, marquise, etc.
-
Proportions: Table percentage, depth percentage, crown and pavilion angles
-
Polish and Symmetry: Quality of finishing work
-
Unique Report Number: Individual identification for verification
SAMPLE CERTIFICATE DETAILS
A typical certificate displays information in this format:
|
Field |
Example |
|
Report Number |
GRA8501159 |
|
Description |
Moissanite |
|
Shape |
Round Brilliant |
|
Measurements |
6.5 × 6.5 × 4.0 mm |
|
Carat Weight |
1.0 ct |
|
Color |
D |
|
Clarity |
VVS1 |
|
Cut Grade |
Excellent |
|
Table |
56.0% |
|
Depth |
62.5% |
QUALITY STANDARDS
The moissanite featured meets specific quality benchmarks:
|
Characteristic |
Standard |
Why It Matters |
|
Color |
D-E-F (Colorless) |
No yellow or brown tints; diamond-like appearance |
|
Clarity |
VVS1 |
Inclusions invisible without magnification |
|
Cut |
Excellent |
Maximum light performance and sparkle |
These specifications represent the highest quality grades available for moissanite.
VERIFYING YOUR CERTIFICATE
Each certificate includes a unique report number that can be checked through the official GRA verification portal:
-
Locate the report number on your certificate
-
Visit the GRA verification website
-
Enter the report number
-
Compare the displayed details with your physical certificate
The online record should match your certificate's specifications including measurements, weight, and grading details.
What to Check:
-
Report number matches
-
Stone measurements correspond to your gemstone
-
Color, clarity, and cut grades are consistent
-
Shape description is accurate
UNDERSTANDING CERTIFICATION VALUE
What Certification Provides
-
Verified Specifications: Confirmed details about your specific stone, not generic claims
-
Quality Assurance: Independent evaluation of color, clarity, and cut
-
Documentation: Permanent record of your gemstone's characteristics
-
Comparison Basis: Standardized grading allows meaningful quality comparisons
What Certification Represents
The certificate documents the characteristics of your individual stone as evaluated at the time of grading. It confirms that the stone meets the stated specifications and provides a reference for the quality you've purchased.
CARING FOR YOUR CERTIFICATE
Storage:
-
Keep in a safe, dry location separate from your jewelry
-
Consider digital backup (photograph or scan)
-
Store with original packaging and purchase documentation
Uses:
-
Insurance documentation and appraisals
-
Future resale or trade-in reference
-
Verification of authenticity and quality
-
Personal records
QUESTIONS ABOUT CERTIFICATION
Does every stone come with a certificate?
Yes. Each moissanite stone receives individual certification documenting its specific characteristics.
Are smaller stones certified?
Stones 5mm and larger receive full GRA certification with detailed reports.
Can certificates be replaced if lost?
Contact customer service with your order details. Records are maintained and replacement documentation can be arranged.
Is the certificate original or a copy?
Each purchase includes the original certificate corresponding to that specific stone.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Your certificate is a detailed record of your moissanite's quality characteristics, verified through independent laboratory analysis. It provides transparency about what you're purchasing and serves as permanent documentation of your gemstone's specifications.
The grading confirms that your stone meets established quality standards for color, clarity, and cut—the factors that determine its visual beauty and light performance.
Your gemstone. Your documentation. Your confidence.