The moissanite market contains a wide range of quality levels. A buyer comparing two rings that look similar in photographs may be comparing very different products. This checklist tells you exactly what to check — at the time of purchase and when the ring arrives — to confirm you received what you paid for.
Before You Buy: The Pre-Purchase Checklist
✅ 1. Confirm the Stone Color Grade Is DEF
DEF is the colorless tier — the highest quality moissanite color grade. Near-colorless (GH) and lower grades are less expensive but have a faint yellow or gray tint that becomes visible in certain lighting conditions, particularly indoors under warm lighting. What to check: The product listing should explicitly state “DEF color grade” or “colorless moissanite.” Vague language like “premium moissanite” or “high quality moissanite” without a stated grade is not sufficient. Ask in writing if the grade is not listed.
✅ 2. Confirm the Clarity Grade Is VVS1 or Better
VVS1 (Very Very Slightly Included, grade 1) is the clarity standard for quality moissanite. Inclusions at this grade are extremely difficult to see even under 10x magnification and have no visible impact on the stone’s brilliance. What to check: The listing should state “VVS1 clarity” or “VVS clarity.” Eye-clean claims without a stated clarity grade are not a documented quality claim.
✅ 3. Confirm a GRA Certificate Is Included
Every high-quality moissanite ring should include an individual GRA (Gemological Research Association) certificate documenting the stone’s carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. What to check: The listing should state that a GRA certificate is included with the purchase. The certificate should be specific to your stone — not a generic brand certificate or batch certificate. Verify before ordering whether the certificate number will be traceable on the GRA database.
✅ 4. Confirm the Metal Is Solid Gold or Platinum
Solid 14K or 18K gold and platinum are the appropriate metals for a fine jewelry ring. Gold-plated, gold vermeil, and gold-filled metals will show wear with daily use. What to check: The listing should state “solid 14K gold,” “solid 18K gold,” or “platinum.” Any mention of “plated,” “vermeil,” “filled,” or “tone” indicates it is not solid gold.
✅ 5. Verify the Retailer Has Independent Reviews
Search the retailer on Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau. Look specifically for reviews mentioning ring quality on receipt, return process, and customer service responsiveness — not just shipping speed. Minimum acceptable: 50+ reviews on an independent platform with a rating of 4.0 or higher and a reasonable response to any negative reviews.
When the Ring Arrives: The Delivery Checklist
✅ 6. Check That the GRA Certificate Is Included
The GRA certificate should be in the package. It is a small card or document with the stone’s grading report and a unique certificate number. Keep this document permanently — it is required for insurance claims and resale documentation.
✅ 7. Verify the Certificate Number on the GRA Database
Go to the GRA website and enter the certificate number from your certificate to confirm it is genuine and matches the documented specifications. This takes 2 minutes and confirms you received exactly what was described. If the number does not verify: Contact the retailer immediately. A certificate that does not verify on the GRA database is not a legitimate GRA certificate.
✅ 8. Check the Metal Hallmark
Look inside the band for the metal hallmark. Solid 14K gold will be stamped “14K” or “585.” Solid 18K gold will be stamped “18K” or “750.” Platinum will be stamped “PT950” or “PLAT.” If there is no hallmark or the hallmark does not match what was stated: This is a significant discrepancy. Contact the retailer with photographs.
✅ 9. Inspect the Stone Under Light
Hold the ring under a bright light source (natural window light or a phone torch) and observe the stone: What you should see: Strong white brilliance (light return), rainbow flashes of color (fire/dispersion — moissanite has more of this than diamond), and no visible cloudiness, milkiness, or gray tint in the body of the stone. What to be concerned about: A gray or yellowish body color visible in normal lighting suggests a lower color grade than DEF. A cloudy or milky appearance suggests either a lower clarity grade or a manufacturing defect.
✅ 10. Check the Prongs and Setting
Inspect the setting under good light: - Prongs: Should be even, smooth, and fully covering the girdle of the stone. No sharp edges, no prong ends that snag on fabric. - Stone security: Gently tap the stone — it should not rattle or move. Any movement means the stone is not fully secured. - Surface finish: The metal surface should be evenly polished without pits, scratches, or inconsistencies visible to the naked eye. - Symmetry: The stone should be centered in the setting, not visibly off-axis. If you find issues: Photograph everything and contact the retailer within the return window. Do not wear the ring with loose prongs.
✅ 11. Verify the Ring Size
Try the ring on immediately upon receipt. It should slide over the knuckle with moderate resistance and sit comfortably on the finger without spinning freely or being too tight to remove. If the size is incorrect: Contact the retailer immediately and initiate the resize process before the return/resize window closes.
The Bottom Line
A genuine high-quality moissanite ring is documented at every level — stone grade, metal, and certification. A ring that cannot be verified at any of these checkpoints is not delivering the quality it represents. Moissanite Shine rings include a GRA certificate, DEF VVS1 stone documentation, solid gold hallmarking, and a lifetime gemstone warranty. Every detail is verifiable. Browse engagement rings · Lifetime warranty · Custom design.