Whenever we need to purchase a moissanite watch, diamond ring or a bracelet, did you notice the word GRA at the jeweler shop? I know you would have been confused there, like me. But I didn't ignore it and searched on the internet, and solved my confusion but not 100%.
That is the reason I’m writing this article for you to read the details about GRA, GRA moissanite certificate, and their related info. I know this info would make you clear about each tiny query of the same topic.
So, without further ado, please scroll down and read the whole article to get the efficient info in no time.
What Is Moissanite?
The word Moissanite is chosen by its owner, who was a french chemist and his name is Henri Moissan. Of course he found the rare moissanite (Silicon Carbide) in 1893. Then why do we call it moissanite, instead of moissan, or the moissan diamond. He just added the suffix -ite. So, it becomes Moissan-ite. The suffix -ite is taken from the chemistry and mineralogy, which means rock. Now you are clear that this moissanite is the rock of moissan.
Now come to the main point, I just need to catch your attention here. Moissanite is now created in the lab, just to fulfill the market demand. Because, natural moissanite, I mean that rock of Moissan is very rare in the world, and you know very well that something produced in a minimal amount, how it can fulfill the market demand.
If we talk about the Mohs hardness scale of this beautiful diamond, it is around 9.25. I know your next question would be the same. Are you sure with this value? Because, diamond itself is 10 Mohs hardness scale. But it is true, by the way it could be shocking for you, that an alternative is very near to the original piece.
That is the reason, moissanite bands the light and creates a shocking sparkle same like the real diamonds. So, how can one ignore the jewelry at an affordable price, very cheap then real diamond.
What Does GRA Mean in GRA Moissanite?
The word GRA derived from the Geometrically Research Association. It is written on the moissanite certificate and we can call it the name of grading and moissanite authenticity. But why is this certificate important for someone who is dealing with a Jeweler and going to purchase it. Ok, let me explain in an easy way. You will find the beautiful moissanite diamond in the jewelry shop in the USA market.
But who will tell you the quality and authenticity? Maybe the seller's soft words catch your attention, and make you fool with the fake one. This is the piece of relaxation, which you can demand at the end of the dealing process. The GRA certificate has all the information about the stone saved in the Jeweler showcase. Those information includes clarity grade, stone shape, cut grade and color grade.
Hey, do not merge the word GIA with GRA. The word GIA means Geometric Institute of America, the most trustworthy institute of the diamond grade. And the GRA, which I explain above, is the geometrical research association. So, GRA vs GIA is the topic where the most beginner buyers mix it and get confused with it.
What a GRA Certificate Usually Shows
The GRA certificate shows the diamond quality features such as carat equivalent, the clarity polish, stone details, and size of course. But in this new modern era of the internet, you will find the QR code and some other online look up options on the same card about the Jeweler shop or brand.
But it doesn't mean, to check the GRA card, and confirm that the diamond quality is ok. But compare each feature listed on the card with your diamond. So confirm each one by one in the lineup such as laser inscription, stone size and report number.
Is GRA Moissanite Real?
GRA is a certificate, which jewelers offer when they sell moissanite. But here is the tip for new buyers. It is ok to check the GRA certificate, but it does not mean to ignore its details. The real or quality stone may have some weakness or fake report. But it is your responsibility to check the diamond quality when leaving the Jewellery shop.
Do not blindly trust on the GRA certificate, it may be the seller's plan to grab your attention and sell its low quality diamond under it. Always ask strict questions from the seller about the product, if he avoids questions, then understand that something fishy is cooking inside. Leave the shop and run.
Quick Buyer Checklist
Use this simple checklist before buying:
- Ask for a real video.
- Check out the return policy.
- Confirm whether the stone is Moissanite, Diamond or Lab-grown pick.
- Confirm the Laser inscription.
- Avoid those sellers which called the moissantie the real diamond
- Check the report number online.
GRA Moissanite vs Diamond
Some people search on the internet, GRA Moissantie Vs Diamond. But they don't know that there is a clear difference which stops this trending debate on the internet.
Because both are different materials and have their own demand in the market. There is no good and bad competition between both, because real diamonds have a clear advantage on the alternate one.
According to Britannica, silicon carbide has Mohs hardness 9, close to diamond, making it very hard and durable.
|
Feature |
GRA Moissanite |
Diamond |
Lab-Grown Diamond |
|
Material |
Silicon carbide |
Carbon |
Carbon |
|
Diamond type |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Hardness |
About 9.25 |
10 |
10 |
|
Sparkle |
Strong rainbow fire |
Balanced white sparkle |
Diamond-like sparkle |
|
Price |
Usually lower |
Usually higher |
Often lower than mined diamond |
|
Best for |
Budget sparkle |
Natural diamond buyers |
Diamond buyers with lower budget |
How to Read a GRA Moissanite Certificate
If the seller provides the GRA certificate and you dont know how to read and understand the important value about the diamond. Then there is a chance that he may fool you easily with just a piece of card. And it is not that much difficult or a rocket science to understand each value to verify your diamond quality. Just start from the report no.
Then check the measurements, color, shape and clarity of the diamond. If you need to confirm the data, then compare with the diamond in your hand, for example the stone is round in shape and it should not have oval measurements written on the card.
Same in the case of size, a 7.5 mm stone should have the same value in the card, avoid those values which differ. That's it. This is called the moissanite certificate verification, which everyone needs to confirm first, and then verify a successful deal.
Moissanite Stone Quality: What Really Matters?
A GRA certificate can show you the grades, but in reality the stone quality can confirm the moissanite real features. Always confirm the cut quality on the stone not from the certificate card, a clear cut can show you a real sparkle, if it is not well, your stone will look dull and sleepy. Also check the size, shape and of course the clarity, it controls the sparkle. So to check the real sparkle, please ask for the clear images and real videos.
Common Buying Mistakes to Avoid
It is proven that the one who has experience in a product can succeed during the dealing time. I am pointing towards the certificate which is issued with moissanite diamond selling time. Do not blindly trust on the certificate without checking the real moissanite qualities, such as, size, shape, and sparkle etc.
That is why I have listed some product details questions, which you should ask from the seller just to confirm a successful deal.
Questions to Ask the Seller
Ask these before you buy:
- Is there any return policy?
- Is the stone coated or treated?
- Do you have any real video
- Can I check the report number online for verification?
- Is the stone itself moissanite or Cubic Zirconia
FAQs About GRA Moissanite
Following are the questions which you may have in your mind, which I answer in short to cover the whole topic in 360 angle.
What is GRA moissanite?
GRA moissanite has a simple meaning, sold with the GRA certificate, it is called GRA moissanite. The certificate holds the report number, size, shape, quality, and much more.
Is GRA moissanite real?
It is 100% depending on the diamond quality not on the certificate only. It may be fake or wrong values, but you have to conform to the real values about the diamond shape, quality, and size, etc.
Is GRA moissanite a diamond?
If it is moissanite only or with GRA certificate, it is not a real diamond but a diamond stimulant which means the alternate piece of diamond requirement, created in a lab with carbon based diamond structure.
Is GRA the same as GIA?
A clean no from my side. GIA and GRA have two different and clear meanings. GIA is the institute of gem, and has global identity, and GRA is nothing but a simple diamond report which one can get while purchasing moissanite.
Can moissanite pass a diamond tester?
Of course moissanite passes diamond tester and this is only because of its mohs hardness scale quality which is 9.2, through which it bends light like real diamond.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy GRA Moissanite?
GRA moissanite diamond is a beautiful piece which can fulfill your real diamond requirements at an affordable price that comes in a tight budget. Mainly it is given as a birthday gift, engagement ring, and also worn as jewelry.
Still you have to confirm when purchasing moissanite with a GRA certificate, which I discuss with tons of examples in the above article. I hope this info is more than enough to solve every query in your mind. Best of luck for your purchase.
