How to Spot High-Quality Moissanite: A Buyer’s Guide to Brilliance and Beauty

Moissanite has become a popular choice for those looking for a brilliant, ethical, and affordable alternative to diamonds. However, not all moissanite gemstones are created equal. If you’re investing in moissanite jewellery, it’s important to know how to distinguish high-quality moissanite from lower-grade stones.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to look for when buying moissanite so you can ensure you’re getting a gemstone with exceptional brilliance, durability, and beauty.

What Is Moissanite?

Before diving into quality factors, let’s quickly define what moissanite is. Originally discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893, moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring silicon carbide mineral. Due to its rarity in nature, nearly all moissanite sold today is lab-created, ensuring a sustainable and ethical alternative to diamonds.

With a brilliance that surpasses diamonds and exceptional durability, moissanite jewellery has become a top choice for engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Key Factors to Identify High-Quality Moissanite

When shopping for moissanite jewellery, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you’re getting the best quality stone:

1. Brilliance and Fire

The most notable feature of moissanite is its brilliance, which refers to how well the gemstone reflects light. High-quality moissanite has a high refractive index (2.65 to 2.69), meaning it bends and reflects light more efficiently than a diamond (which has a refractive index of 2.42).

Additionally, moissanite has more fire, which is the dispersion of light into rainbow colors. This gives the gemstone an eye-catching sparkle, especially in natural sunlight.

✅ Tip: When shopping for moissanite jewellery, observe the stone under different lighting conditions. A high-quality moissanite should have a brilliant, rainbow-like sparkle without appearing too “glassy” or fake.

2. Clarity and Inclusions

Like all gemstones, moissanite can have inclusions (tiny imperfections inside the stone). However, premium-quality moissanite is typically eye-clean, meaning inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.

Moissanite clarity grades range from:

• Flawless (FL) – No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
• VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) – Minimal inclusions, nearly invisible
• VS (Very Slightly Included) – Small inclusions that are difficult to see
• SI (Slightly Included) or Lower – Visible inclusions that can affect brilliance

✅ Tip: Choose moissanite with a clarity grade of VS or higher for optimal beauty and sparkle.

3. Color Grade

While moissanite was traditionally available in yellowish or greenish hues, modern high-quality moissanite is colorless or near-colorless, comparable to D, E, or F-grade diamonds.

The moissanite color scale includes:

• Colorless (D–F Grade) – Bright white, no noticeable color
• Near-Colorless (G–H Grade) – Slight warmth in certain lighting
• Faint Color (I–J Grade) – More noticeable yellowish or grey tint

✅ Tip: For a diamond-like appearance, choose colorless moissanite (D–F grade). If you prefer a slightly warmer tone, G–H grade moissanite is an excellent choice.

4. Cut Quality

The cut of a gemstone significantly affects its brilliance and overall appearance. A well-cut moissanite will maximize light reflection and sparkle, while a poorly cut stone may appear dull or lifeless.

Common moissanite cuts include:

• Round Brilliant – The most popular and sparkliest cut
• Cushion Cut – A soft, romantic shape with plenty of fire
• Oval Cut – Elegant and elongated, making fingers appear slimmer
• Princess Cut – A modern square shape with sharp brilliance
• Emerald Cut – A sophisticated step-cut with a mirror-like effect

✅ Tip: Look for ideal or excellent-cut moissanite to ensure maximum sparkle and beauty.

5. Carat Weight vs. Size

Unlike diamonds, moissanite is measured in millimeters (mm) rather than carats because it is lighter than a diamond of the same size. For example, a 6.5mm moissanite is approximately 1-carat in diamond weight, but it weighs less.

Popular moissanite sizes:

• 6.5mm (1ct diamond equivalent) – Classic and timeless
• 7.5mm (1.5ct diamond equivalent) – A bold, eye-catching choice
• 8.5mm (2ct diamond equivalent) – Perfect for those who love larger stones

✅ Tip: Choose a moissanite size based on your personal preference and budget rather than focusing solely on carat weight.

Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re still deciding between moissanite and diamonds, here’s a quick comparison:

For those looking for maximum brilliance, affordability, and ethical sourcing, moissanite is the superior choice.

Where to Buy High-Quality Moissanite Jewellery

To ensure you’re purchasing high-quality moissanite, buy from a trusted retailer with expert craftsmanship and certification. If you’re looking for exquisite, expertly crafted moissanite rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, explore Moissanite Jewellery for a stunning selection.

Final Thoughts

Choosing moissanite means investing in a gemstone that offers incredible brilliance, durability, and affordability. By understanding key factors like cut, clarity, color, and size, you can confidently select high-quality moissanite jewellery that will shine for a lifetime.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect engagement ring or a breathtaking piece of fine jewellery, moissanite is a dazzling choice that outshines expectations.

Discover the beauty of Moissanite Jewellery today!