Why Moissanite?
Why Moissanite?
Moissanite Gemstone Grading Understanding the 4 C's
Moissanite gemstones undergo grading similar to diamonds, focusing on colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight but have a few unique characteristics that set them apart.
Unlike diamonds, which use standardized grading scales like the GIA scale, Moissanites have no universal grading system.
Our gemstone manufacturers One Gemstone utilise their own proprietary grading systems based off the system established by Charles & Colvard, the original manufacturer of moissanite gemstones, which is then independently verified by our jewellers who set the stones.
This system provides consumers with information about the quality and characteristics of their moissanite gemstones, outlined below.
Colour:
Moissanites are graded on a colour scale ranging from “D” (colourless) to “K” (faint colour). “D” represents the most colourless grade, similar to the highest grades for diamonds.
Lumière Gems only source D Grade stones for our jewellery pieces.
Clarity:
Moissanites are typically very clear gemstones, but they may still have some minor inclusions. Clarity grades range from internally flawless (IF) to slightly included (SI), with internally flawless being the highest clarity grade.
Lumière Gems only selects flawless stones for our collections.
Cut:
The cut of a moissanite is crucial for maximizing its brilliance and fire. Well-cut moissanites will exhibit exceptional sparkle and symmetry. Common cuts include round brilliant, princess, cushion, and oval.
Lumière Gems use predominantly round brilliant cut stones, but other cuts are available by request.
Carat Weight:
Like diamonds, moissanites can be measured by carat weight, however moissanite stones are typically measured in millimetre size. This is due to the unique properties of this gemstone.
Unlike diamonds, which have a standardized density and weight measurement (carats), moissanites have a different density and specific gravity. As a result, two moissanite gemstones of the same size in terms of millimetres may have slightly different carat weights.
Measuring moissanites in millimetres provides a more accurate representation of their physical size and dimensions, which is important for setting them into jewellery and determining their overall appearance.
| Size Comparisons | ||||||||
| Available Size: | 3mm | 3.5mm | 4mm | 4.5mm | 5mm | 5.5mm | 6mm | 6.5mm |
| Equivalent Approximate Weight: | 0.1ct | 0.2ct | 0.3ct | 0.4ct | 0.5ct | 0.6ct | 0.8ct | 1ct |
| Available Size: | 7mm | 7.5mm | 8mm | 8.5mm | 9mm | 9.5mm | 10mm | |
| Equivalent Approximate Weight: | 1.2ct | 1.5ct | 2ct | 2.5ct | 3ct | 3.5ct | 4ct | |
GRA Certification
While there isn’t a universal grading system or Body that governs Moissanite stones, our gemstone manufacturers strictly adhere to the Global Gemological Research Association’s (GRA) standards of excellence.
Each gemstone 5mm or larger is accompanied by a GRA Report which provides specific details about the individual stone such as its grade, colour, clarity, cut, measurements, and much, much more.
Each qualifying stone in your piece will come with a GRA Certificate and a GRA Black Card, which list the individual serial number that is laser etched into the stone. This serial number, along with the stone’s details, are registered with our manufacturer’s GRA website for your reassurance.
