Every Moissanite Shine stone comes with a GRA (Gemological Research Association) certificate — a document that records the stone's measured properties and serves as the official record of what you have purchased. This guide explains every field on a GRA moissanite certificate, what the grades mean, and how to use the certificate to verify your purchase.
What Is a GRA Certificate?
A GRA certificate is a grading report issued by a gemological laboratory after examining a specific stone. The certificate records the stone's measured physical and optical properties — not estimates, but measurements taken with specialized equipment under controlled conditions. Each certificate has a unique certificate number that identifies the specific stone and can be verified through GRA's system. Read more: GRA Certificate: Full Explanation and How to Verify.
Certificate Fields Explained
Certificate Number: A unique identifier for this specific stone, laser-inscribed on the stone's girdle, allowing the physical stone to be matched to its certificate at any time.
Shape and Cutting Style: The stone's outline shape (Round, Oval, Cushion, Emerald, Pear, Heart, Marquise) and faceting style (Brilliant, Step, Mixed). "Round Brilliant" is the most common — maximizing light return. Read more: Moissanite Shapes and Cuts Guide.
Measurements: The stone's physical dimensions in millimeters (length x width x depth). These confirm the stone's actual face-up size — which determines appearance, not carat weight. Read more: Moissanite Size Guide.
Carat Weight: The stone's weight in carats. Moissanite is less dense than diamond (specific gravity 3.21 vs. 3.52), so a moissanite of the same physical size as a diamond weighs approximately 10% less. Certificates may list "diamond equivalent weight" (DEW) — the weight of a diamond with the same physical dimensions. When sellers describe a moissanite as "1 carat," they typically mean 1 carat DEW.
Color Grade: Graded on a scale adapted from diamond color grading:
- DEF (Colorless): No discernible color to the naked eye. All Moissanite Shine stones are DEF colorless — equivalent to D, E, or F on the diamond scale.
- GHI (Near-Colorless): Very slight warmth visible only under close examination. Suitable for warm metal settings like yellow or rose gold.
- JKL and below: Visible warmth or tint. Not used in Moissanite Shine products.
Read more: Moissanite Color Grades: DEF vs. GHI.
Clarity Grade: Describes the absence of internal inclusions and surface blemishes:
- VVS1 / VVS2: Inclusions extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification and invisible to the naked eye. All Moissanite Shine stones are VVS1 or better.
- VS1 / VS2: Inclusions difficult to see under magnification; invisible to the naked eye. Excellent everyday clarity.
- SI1 / SI2: Inclusions visible under magnification. Not used in Moissanite Shine products.
Read more: Moissanite Clarity: VVS1 Explained.
Cut Grade: Evaluates faceting precision, angles, and symmetry. Scale: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor. All Moissanite Shine stones are Excellent cut — the highest grade for optimal brilliance and fire. Read more: Moissanite Cut Quality Guide.
Polish: Evaluates surface finish quality. Excellent polish means smooth facets free of lines or irregularities. All Moissanite Shine stones carry Excellent polish.
Symmetry: Evaluates precision of facet placement and geometric regularity. All Moissanite Shine stones carry Excellent symmetry.
Fluorescence: The stone's response to ultraviolet light. Moissanite typically shows None or Faint fluorescence — no impact on appearance in normal lighting.
Comments: Additional grader observations — girdle inscription confirmation, material identification (silicon carbide), or stone-specific characteristics.
How to Verify Your Certificate
- Locate the certificate number on your certificate document.
- Examine your stone's girdle under magnification — the number should be laser-inscribed there.
- Visit GRA's official verification page and enter the certificate number to confirm authenticity.
- Confirm the stone's measured dimensions match your physical stone using a jeweler's gauge.
Read more: GRA Certificate: Full Explanation and How to Verify.
All Moissanite Shine stones are GRA-certified DEF/VVS1, Excellent cut, polish, and symmetry. Explore our moissanite collection, backed by our Lifetime Gemstone Warranty.
🛡️ 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:
GRA Certificate Explained
Moissanite Color Grades: DEF vs. GHI
Moissanite Clarity: VVS1 Explained
Moissanite Cut Quality Guide
How Is Moissanite Made?