Moissanite has gained popularity as an authentic alternative to diamonds, especially for those looking for a more affordable option. And just like diamonds, Moissanite is also graded on 4Cs framework devised by Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This moissanite grading system helps us jewelers determine the quality of the gemstone which in turns determines the price.
For the uninformed, the 4C framework stands for – Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat.
- In the context of Moissanite, color factor represents if the stone is colorless or has any tint of color (typically yellow) in it. Colorless moissanites are pricier than the tinted ones.
- Clarity aspect looks at inclusions i.e if there are any inherent imperfections present in the stone or not. A moissanite with no (or very slightly) inclusions will be more expensive.
- Cut factor looks at if the stone is cut well so that the stone’s fire and brilliance is enhanced. This is the only factor in which there is no standard benchmark and is most underrated. Even if the stone is colorless and has excellent clarity, but is not cut well, the stone will not sparkle.
- Carat is obviously about the size of the stone.
When we talk about moissanite grading chart or more specifically moissanite color and clarity chart, it means how does the stone ranks on each of the above aspects.
In this article, we will understand each of these factors in detail so that next time when you go out to buy a moissanite, you know what you are buying.
Understanding Moissanite Color Grading Chart
The color grading scale used for moissanite aligns closely with that of diamonds, ranging from colorless to light color. The highest quality moissanite stones fall within the colorless range, which includes grades D, E, and F. These are comparable to the finest diamonds and are sought after for their lack of color and pure appearance.
Grades G, H, I denote near colorless moissanite, which contains slight traces of color not typically noticeable to the untrained eye, especially when the stone is set in jewelry. The presence of minimal color doesn’t severely impact the beauty or the sparkle of the stone.
Moving down the scale, moissanite stones with more noticeable color are in the grades J, K, classed as faint color. These stones may emit a slight yellow or gray hue but can still be desirable depending on personal preference and setting.
To recap:
- Colorless: Grade D,E and F
- Near Colorless (Slightly Colorless): Grade G,H and I
- Color (Tinted): Grade J and K
Note: Color grading for diamonds range from D to Z whereas color grades for Moissanite are limited to K .
Moissanite Clarity Grade
We’ll explore moissanite clarity which, much like diamonds, is evaluated based on the presence of inclusions. These inclusions are internal imperfections that can affect the stone’s appearance.
Clarity Grading Scale
Moissanite is rated on a clarity scale that closely mirrors that of diamonds, using the following categories:
- FL, IF: Flawless and Internally Flawless.
- VVS1, VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Included.
- VS1, VS2: Very Slightly Included.
- SI1, SI2: Slightly Included.
- I1, I2, I3: Included.
Stones classified as FL to VS are typically eye-clean, meaning that their inclusions can’t be seen without magnification.
Common Inclusions in Moissanite
Though the inclusions in moissanite will vary but most commonly found are –
- Needles: As the name suggests, these are thin needles like imperfections in the stone and are the most common inclusions in moissanite. These are very thin and will not be visible to the naked eye until and unless clustered together to form a bunch.
- Clouds: When needles get clustered, they form a milky cloud imperfection.
- Feathers: These are small cracks in the stone that look like feathers. One should not buy a moissanite with too many feathers as it weakens the internal structure.
- Knots: These inclusions are miniature white crystals trapped in the moissanite structure. As with the feathers, knots weaken the internal structure.
There are other moissanite inclusions as well like chips and cavities that form on the stone’s surface and can be seen with naked eye. Needless to say, gemstones with these inclusions are not very expensive.
Moissanite Cut Grading System
When we discuss the cut grading of moissanite, we’re focusing on the quality of the cutting process that impacts the stone’s symmetry, proportions, and polish. Unlike diamonds, moissanite does not have a standardized cut grading system. However, the quality of a moissanite cut plays a crucial role in how the gemstone captures light and displays its characteristic brilliance and fire.
Here’s a breakdown of common terms used when we refer to the cut of moissanite:
- Excellent: This grade ensures that the stone reflects almost all light that enters, indicating a high-quality cut with proper proportions and symmetry.
- Very Good: A moissanite with this cut grade reflects nearly as much light as the excellent grade but may have a slight variance in its proportions.
- Good: These cuts offer quality at a value, reflecting most light that enters the stone.
- Fair: A fair cut reflects a minimal amount of light; it often results from a cutter trying to maximize the carat weight over optimal proportions.
It’s important for us to note that moissanite is often cut in a way that maximizes its fiery and reflective qualities, which can differ from traditional diamond cutting techniques. Precision is key in creating the angles and facets that define moissanite’s unique appeal.
Moissanite Carat Weight
In 4Cs framework which was designed to evaluate diamonds, carat (1 carat equals 200mg) measures the size of the stone. However, since moissanite is less dense (around 15%-18%) than diamond, 1 carat diamond will not weigh the same as 1 carat moissanite.
For the same reason, moissanite size is measured in millimeters. To give a comparison, 1 carat diamond will be comparable to 6.5 mm moissanite.
Selecting the Right Moissanite
When choosing a moissanite, the primary focus should be on its color and clarity since these features greatly affect the stone’s appearance and value. Next consideration should be how well the stone is cut for its fire and brilliance. Size is obviously a personal matter.
Evaluating Color and Clarity
The color of moissanite can range from colorless to slight hues of yellow or green, which can be compared on a Moissanite Color and Clarity Chart. Try looking for stones that are near colorless (graded as G-H-I) or completely colorless (graded as D-E-F) if you desire a look that closely resembles that of a diamond. Clarity, on the other hand, refers to the number of inclusions or blemishes in the stone. A moissanite with high clarity will have fewer visible flaws and will be graded as VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) or VS (Very Slightly Included).
Recommended Moissanite Grade
- Color Rating: D-E-F (Colorless) | G-H-I (Near Colorless)
- Clarity Rating: VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) | VS (Very Slightly Included)
Balancing Cost and Quality
Finding the right moissanite involves weighing the quality against the cost. Higher grades in color and clarity typically come with a higher price tag. More affordable options, while still impressive, may have slight coloration or inclusions that are visible under closer inspection.
Therefore, we recommend selecting a gem that fits your budget without compromising too much on the aesthetics you’re aiming for. Remember, even with a tighter budget, you can still obtain a high-quality moissanite jewel that offers a brilliant sparkle and durability close to that of diamonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addressing the nuances of moissanite as a gemstone, we offer insights into its color and clarity grading. Understanding these characteristics ensures an informed choice when selecting this brilliant alternative to diamonds.
What color grade is best for moissanite?
The color grade that is considered best for moissanite is within the colorless range, which includes grades D, E, and F. These grades indicate a stone that lacks any perceptible color, emulating the most sought-after quality of a diamond.
How does the clarity scale affect moissanite’s appearance?
Clarity in moissanite refers to the absence of internal blemishes or inclusions, and it’s graded similarly to diamonds. High clarity grades such as VVS1 or VVS2 ensure that any inclusions are almost impossible to detect with the naked eye, contributing to a clear and visually pure gemstone.
What is the highest grade of moissanite available?
The highest grade of moissanite available is labeled as “D” for color, which is completely colorless, and “FL” or “IF” for clarity, meaning ‘Flawless’ or ‘Internally Flawless’. These grades are at the top of the respective scales for color and clarity, denoting the finest quality similar to the best of diamonds.
Is there a significant difference between D color and other color grades in moissanite?
Yes, a D color moissanite is considered the highest grade for color and is completely colorless. This is significantly different from other color grades, where moissanite may exhibit faint hues of yellow or gray as you move down the scale towards G, H, or lower grades.
What does VVS1 mean in the context of moissanite clarity?
VVS1 stands for ‘Very Very Slightly Included 1’ and it’s one of the highest clarity ratings for moissanite. This rating indicates that the stone has minute inclusions that are difficult to perceive, even under 10x magnification.
Are there rare or unusual moissanite colors, and what are they?
Yes, moissanite can occur in rare or unusual colors beyond the typical white or colorless spectrum. Shades of grey, green, gold, brown, blue, purple, pink, and yellow can be found, with some of these tones being crafted for unique and custom jewelry pieces.
