Every moissanite stone from Moissanite Shine comes with a GRA (Gemological Research Association) certificate. This certificate is the primary document of accountability for your stone's quality: it confirms the stone's color grade, clarity grade, and cut, independently assessed and recorded. Understanding what your GRA certificate says — and how to verify that it is genuine and accurate — is an important part of owning a certified moissanite stone.
What Is the GRA (Gemological Research Association)?
The Gemological Research Association (GRA) is a gemological laboratory that specializes in the grading and certification of moissanite and other laboratory-created gemstones. GRA certification is the most widely used moissanite-specific certification standard, developed in parallel with the moissanite industry's growth as an engagement ring stone category. GRA has established standardized grading scales for moissanite color and clarity that are consistent with the fine jewelry industry's expectations for gemstone quality documentation.
GRA is distinct from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute), which certify diamonds. GIA and IGI do not certify moissanite using their standard grading scales because moissanite is a different mineral species from diamond and its optical properties cannot be accurately assessed on diamond-specific grading instruments. GRA's certification process is designed specifically for moissanite's properties.
What a GRA Certificate Contains
A standard GRA moissanite certificate includes:
Certificate number: A unique identification number assigned to this specific certificate. No two GRA certificates share the same number. The certificate number is the primary tool for verifying a certificate's authenticity against GRA's records.
Stone shape and cutting style: The stone's shape (round brilliant, oval, pear, emerald, cushion, etc.) and cutting style (brilliant, step-cut, mixed). This confirms that the stone described in the certificate matches the stone you received in terms of its physical form.
Measurements: The stone's physical dimensions in millimeters. For round stones: diameter range × depth (e.g., 6.45–6.50 × 4.01 mm). For fancy shapes: length × width × depth. Measurements can be verified with a digital caliper against the actual stone.
Carat weight (estimated): The stone's estimated carat weight, typically expressed as a diamond weight equivalent (DEW — the weight of a diamond with equivalent face-up dimensions). This is an estimated weight because moissanite's specific gravity (density) differs from diamond's, and many moissanite stones are sold in settings that prevent direct weighing.
Color grade: The stone's color grade on GRA's moissanite-specific color scale. GRA color grades for colorless and near-colorless moissanite correspond to the same letter designations used in diamond grading:
- D, E, F (DEF): Colorless. No detectable color to a trained grader under controlled conditions. This is the standard grade for all Moissanite Shine stones.
- G, H (GH): Near-colorless. Slight warmth detectable under controlled conditions but not in normal viewing. Not recommended for white metal settings.
- I, J (IJ): Faint color. Detectable warmth visible in normal viewing, particularly in white metal settings.
Clarity grade: The stone's clarity grade on GRA's moissanite-specific clarity scale, using the same designations as diamond clarity grading:
- FL/IF: Flawless / Internally Flawless. No inclusions visible under 10× magnification.
- VVS1/VVS2: Very Very Slightly Included. Inclusions extremely difficult to see under 10× magnification. This is the standard clarity grade for all Moissanite Shine stones.
- VS1/VS2: Very Slightly Included. Minor inclusions difficult to see under 10× magnification.
- SI1/SI2: Slightly Included. Inclusions noticeable under 10× magnification.
Cut grade: An overall assessment of the stone's cut quality. Moissanite Shine stones are Excellent cut — the highest available grade, confirming that the stone's proportions, symmetry, and polish are optimized for maximum light performance.
Stone type confirmation: A statement confirming that the stone is laboratory-created moissanite (silicon carbide, SiC). This distinguishes the certificate from diamond certificates and confirms the stone's identity as genuine moissanite.
How to Verify Your GRA Certificate's Authenticity
A genuine GRA certificate can be verified using the certificate number printed on the document:
- Locate the certificate number on your GRA certificate (typically in the upper right or center of the document).
- Visit the GRA verification portal (grading-lab.com or the verification URL printed on your certificate).
- Enter the certificate number in the verification field.
- The portal will return the certificate's stored data — confirming that the certificate number exists in GRA's records and displaying the grades recorded for that certificate number.
- Compare the grades returned by the verification portal against the grades printed on your physical certificate. They should match exactly.
If the certificate number does not return a result in the verification portal, or if the grades do not match, contact Moissanite Shine immediately through our customer care page.
What a GRA Certificate Does Not Confirm
It does not laser-inscribe the stone: Unlike GIA, GRA does not routinely laser-inscribe a certificate number on the stone's girdle as a standard practice. The certificate and stone are linked by the dimensions and grades recorded at the time of grading, not by a physical mark on the stone. If you need to confirm that a specific stone matches a specific certificate, a gemologist can compare the stone's physical dimensions against the certificate's recorded measurements using a caliper and a 10× loupe.
It does not guarantee the setting's quality: The GRA certificate covers the stone only, not the setting, metal quality, or ring construction. Setting quality is a separate matter governed by the jeweler's standards and your warranty.
All Moissanite Shine stones come with GRA certification documenting DEF/VVS1 Excellent cut grades, backed by our Lifetime Gemstone Warranty. If you have questions about your certificate, contact us at our customer care page.
🛡️ Lifetime Gemstone Warranty — Your stones are protected forever.
⬆️ Lifetime Upgrade Program — Upgrade your stones or metal anytime.
✏️ Request a Custom Design — Make it uniquely yours.
Related guides:
Moissanite Certificate Guide
Moissanite Grading System Guide
Moissanite vs Diamond Buying Guide
Moissanite vs Lab Diamond Guide
What Is Moissanite