How To Accurately Identify Vvs Moissanite A Practical Guide For Buyers

Moissanite has emerged as a popular alternative to diamonds, offering exceptional brilliance, durability, and value. Among its grades, VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) moissanite stands at the top tier—nearly flawless to the naked eye and prized for its clarity. However, as demand rises, so does the risk of misrepresentation. Whether you're shopping online or in-store, knowing how to verify what you're buying is essential. This guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to confidently identify genuine VVS moissanite and avoid costly mistakes.

Understanding Moissanite and the VVS Clarity Grade

Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone composed of silicon carbide. First discovered in meteorites by Dr. Henri Moissan in 1893, today’s moissanite is grown in controlled environments, ensuring consistency and ethical sourcing. Unlike mined diamonds, moissanite offers greater fire (dispersion of light) and hardness (9.25 on the Mohs scale), making it ideal for everyday wear.

The term \"VVS\" refers to clarity—a measure of internal and external imperfections. In diamonds, VVS is subdivided into VVS1 and VVS2, but in moissanite grading, VVS typically means the stone contains minimal inclusions only visible under high magnification (10x or more). Because moissanite is lab-grown, inclusions are far less common than in natural diamonds, making VVS a standard for premium stones.

“With modern growing techniques, most high-quality moissanite falls into the VVS to IF (Internally Flawless) range. The key is confirming that what you’re being sold matches the description.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Gemologist and Materials Scientist

Step-by-Step: How to Verify VVS Moissanite Authenticity

Identifying genuine VVS moissanite requires more than visual inspection. Follow this five-step process to ensure accuracy:

1. Request a Certificate of Authenticity: Reputable sellers provide certification from independent labs like GCAL (Gem Certification & Assurance Lab) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). These documents detail cut, carat, color, and clarity, including magnified inclusion maps.
2. Use a 10x Loupe or Jeweler’s Microscope: Examine the stone under magnification. True VVS moissanite may show tiny pinpoint inclusions or growth lines, but no large fractures or dark spots. If the stone appears completely flawless even at 60x, question whether it's glass or cubic zirconia.
3. Test Refractive Properties: Moissanite has double refraction—light splits as it passes through the stone. View the table facet at an angle; if you see doubled facet junctions, it’s likely moissanite. Diamonds and CZ do not exhibit this trait.
4. Conduct a Heat Conductivity Test: Use a diamond tester. Moissanite conducts heat similarly to diamond and will pass most standard testers. However, advanced testers distinguish between the two using electrical conductivity—moissanite conducts electricity, diamond does not.
5. Check for Color Under Natural Light: While VVS refers to clarity, color matters too. Premium moissanite should appear near-colorless (D-E-F range) in daylight. Lower grades may show faint yellow or gray tints, especially in larger stones.

Tip: Always inspect moissanite under different lighting conditions—fluorescent, incandescent, and sunlight—to detect subtle color shifts.

Spotting Red Flags: Common Seller Misrepresentations

Not all sellers are transparent. Some label average-grade moissanite as “VVS” simply because it looks clean to the unaided eye. Others confuse terms, claiming “VVS diamond quality” when referring to moissanite, which uses a different grading context.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Prices significantly below market rate for “VVS” stones
• No mention of certification or refusal to provide lab reports
• Vague descriptions like “eye-clean” without clarity specifications
• Sellers conflating moissanite with synthetic diamond or calling it “lab diamond”

Do’s and Don’ts When Buying VVS Moissanite

Action	Do	Don't
Certification	Insist on a third-party lab report	Accept verbal assurances only
Price	Compare prices across reputable brands (e.g., Charles & Colvard, Harro, Kimaï)	Assume low price = good deal
Return Policy	Buy from stores with at least 30-day returns	Purchase from sites with no return option
Clarity Claims	Ask for magnified photos or videos of the stone	Rely solely on product images

Real Example: A Buyer’s Experience with Misgraded Moissanite

Sophie, a first-time moissanite buyer in Portland, ordered a 1.5-carat round VVS stone from an online marketplace based on glowing photos and a $500 price tag—well below typical retail. Upon arrival, the ring looked slightly hazy under sunlight. Using a jeweler’s loupe she borrowed from a friend, she spotted multiple white cloud-like inclusions throughout the crown.

She contacted the seller, who admitted the stone was actually SI (Slightly Included) grade but marketed as “VVS equivalent” due to being eye-clean. Sophie requested a refund and eventually received one after a lengthy dispute. Her experience underscores the importance of documentation and independent verification—even when a stone looks perfect in photos.

Expert Tools and Resources for Buyers

You don’t need a gemology degree to protect your investment. Several accessible tools can help confirm quality:

• Digital Microscopes (40x–200x): Affordable USB models connect to laptops and reveal inclusions invisible to the naked eye.
• Portable Diamond/Moissanite Testers: Devices like the DMond Master distinguish between diamond, moissanite, and other simulants using thermal and electrical conductivity.
• Jeweler Consultation: Many local jewelers offer inspection services for a small fee. Bring your certificate and ask them to cross-check findings.

Tip: Save digital copies of certificates and test results. Store them securely in case you resell or insure the piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VVS moissanite the same as VVS diamond?

No. While both use the VVS clarity designation, the grading standards differ. Moissanite is lab-grown and typically has fewer inclusions than mined diamonds. A VVS moissanite may appear visually identical to an IF (Internally Flawless) diamond but at a fraction of the cost.

Can VVS moissanite degrade over time?

No. Moissanite is chemically stable and highly resistant to scratching, chipping, and discoloration. With proper care, it retains its brilliance indefinitely. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach during cleaning.

Does every VVS moissanite come with a certificate?

Not automatically. Reputable brands include certification, but many smaller vendors do not. Always ask for proof of grading before purchasing, especially for stones over 1 carat.

Final Checklist Before You Buy

1. ✅ Seller provides a verifiable lab certificate (IGI, GCAL, etc.)
2. ✅ Stone has been tested or can be returned for independent inspection
3. ✅ Photos show the actual stone, not a stock image
4. ✅ Return policy allows at least 30 days
5. ✅ Price aligns with market averages for VVS-grade moissanite
6. ✅ Customer reviews mention clarity and authenticity satisfaction

Take Confidence in Your Purchase

Choosing VVS moissanite is a smart, sustainable decision—but only if you’re getting what you pay for. Armed with the right knowledge, tools, and skepticism, you can navigate the market with confidence. Never hesitate to ask questions, demand documentation, or walk away from a deal that feels unclear. Your engagement ring, anniversary gift, or self-purchase deserves authenticity and transparency. Make informed choices, and your moissanite will shine just as brightly as your intentions.

💬 Have a moissanite buying story or tip? Share your experience in the comments to help others avoid pitfalls and celebrate smart purchases.