How To Spot Authentic Vvs Moissanite In Iced Out Jewelry A Practical Identification Guide

In recent years, iced out jewelry has surged in popularity—especially pieces set with moissanite marketed as “VVS” clarity. While many designs feature genuine high-quality stones, the market is flooded with misleading claims and counterfeit materials. Understanding how to distinguish real VVS moissanite from imitations isn’t just about protecting your investment—it’s about ensuring you’re getting the brilliance, durability, and value you paid for.

VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) refers to a gemstone clarity grade typically used in diamonds, but it's now commonly applied to moissanite to signal near-flawless appearance. However, unlike diamonds, moissanite is lab-created and naturally inclusion-free, making \"VVS\" more of a marketing term than a standardized grading. This ambiguity opens the door for misrepresentation. With some basic knowledge and inspection techniques, you can confidently verify authenticity and avoid being misled.

Understanding Moissanite: What Makes It Unique

Moissanite is a silicon carbide gemstone first discovered in meteorites by Dr. Henri Moissan in 1893. Today, all commercial moissanite is lab-grown, offering exceptional brilliance, fire (dispersion of light), and hardness—ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. Its optical properties often surpass those of diamonds, especially in terms of sparkle under natural and artificial light.

When set in \"iced out\" jewelry—pieces fully pavé-set with stones—moissanite delivers a dazzling, high-end look at a fraction of the cost of diamond-studded items. But because of its visual similarity to diamonds and rising demand, unscrupulous sellers may pass off cubic zirconia (CZ), glass, or low-grade synthetic stones as premium VVS moissanite.

“Moissanite has double the fire of a diamond. That rainbow sparkle is a telltale sign—but also something fakers try to mimic with coated glass.” — Dr. Lena Reyes, Gemologist & Materials Scientist

Key Visual and Physical Identification Techniques

Authentic moissanite exhibits distinct characteristics that can be observed with careful inspection. You don’t need expensive tools to begin identifying red flags.

• Fire and Brilliance: Moissanite disperses light more aggressively than diamond, creating vivid flashes of rainbow-colored light, especially in sunlight. If the piece looks dull or overly white without strong color play, it may be CZ or glass.
• Double Refraction: A defining trait of moissanite is birefringence. Look through the top of the stone at an angle. If you see doubled facet lines or a doubling effect on edges, it’s likely moissanite. Diamonds and CZ do not show this.
• Weight and Density: Moissanite is lighter than diamond. A 6.5mm round stone weighing significantly less than a comparable diamond is consistent with moissanite; if it feels unusually light, it could be glass.
• Hardness Test (Caution Advised): Moissanite scratches only materials softer than 9.25 on the Mohs scale. However, scratch testing can damage both the stone and setting—best left to professionals.

Tip: Use a simple flashlight test in a dark room. Genuine moissanite will reflect intense, colorful sparkles. Cubic zirconia tends to shine bright white with less fire.

Step-by-Step Guide to Authenticating Your Iced Out Jewelry

1. Inspect Under Natural Light: Observe the jewelry outdoors during daylight. Watch for excessive rainbow flashes—this is typical of moissanite. Lack of fire suggests CZ or glass.
2. Use a 10x Loupe or Jeweler’s Magnifier: Examine the surface and interior of the stones. Real moissanite should appear internally flawless (no visible bubbles or cracks). Bubbles are a dead giveaway of glass imitations.
3. Check for Double Facets: Look down through the crown (top) of a single stone at an angle. If facet lines appear doubled, it’s strong evidence of moissanite.
4. Conduct a Fog Test: Breathe on the stone. Authentic moissanite disperses heat quickly—fog should clear within 1–2 seconds. CZ and glass retain fog longer (3+ seconds).
5. Verify Certification or Brand Markings: Reputable moissanite brands like Charles & Colvard, Harro Gem, or Fire & Ice laser-inscribe their stones with a serial number. Ask for documentation or use a loupe to check for micro-engravings.
6. Consult a Professional Appraiser: For peace of mind, get a gemological assessment. They can use refractometers and conductivity testers—tools that definitively differentiate moissanite from other simulants.

Spotting Red Flags: Common Signs of Fake “VVS Moissanite”

The term “VVS moissanite” is largely unregulated. Since moissanite is lab-created and nearly always internally flawless, claiming “VVS” is redundant at best and deceptive at worst. Be wary of these indicators:

Red Flag	What It Likely Means	Action to Take
Extremely low price for “VVS iced out” piece	Uses CZ, glass, or low-grade synthetics	Avoid unless verified by independent appraisal
No brand logo or certification offered	Untraceable origin; possibly mass-produced imitation	Request proof of authenticity or walk away
Stones yellowing after weeks of wear	Low-quality moissanite or coated glass	Reputable moissanite does not discolor
Bubbles or swirl marks inside stones	Indicates glass manufacturing process	Definitive sign of fake—do not purchase
Overly bright white sparkle, minimal fire	Possibly cubic zirconia	Compare side-by-side with known moissanite

Real Example: How One Buyer Avoided a Costly Mistake

Jamal, a jewelry enthusiast from Atlanta, was shopping online for a custom iced out Cuban link bracelet advertised as “VVS Forever One Moissanite.” The price seemed too good—$380 for 10 carats of “premium” stones. He requested high-resolution photos and a video in sunlight. In the footage, the stones showed little fire and no double refraction when rotated. Suspicious, he asked for a certificate. The seller provided a generic PDF with no QR code or lab details. Jamal passed on the deal. Later, he learned the same listing had been flagged on a consumer forum for using glass stones with a reflective coating. His diligence saved him hundreds on a worthless piece.

Essential Checklist Before Buying “VVS Moissanite” Jewelry

• ✅ Confirm the brand (e.g., Charles & Colvard, Harro, Stella) and request proof
• ✅ Insist on a magnified photo showing laser inscriptions on stones
• ✅ Ask for a third-party grading report if available
• ✅ Perform the fog and flashlight tests upon receipt
• ✅ Verify return policy and authenticity guarantee
• ✅ Purchase from authorized retailers or reputable jewelers with reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VVS a real grading for moissanite?

No. VVS is a diamond clarity grade. Moissanite is lab-created and typically free of inclusions, so “VVS moissanite” is a marketing term, not a scientific classification. Focus on brand reputation instead.

Can moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Yes—most moissanite conducts heat similarly to diamond and will pass traditional diamond testers. However, advanced testers distinguish between the two using electrical conductivity. Always use a dual-tester device for accuracy.

Does real moissanite change color over time?

No. High-quality moissanite remains color-stable under normal conditions. If your jewelry turns yellow or cloudy, it’s likely low-grade material or a fake with a degrading coating.

Final Thoughts: Empower Your Purchase with Knowledge

The allure of iced out jewelry lies in its bold luxury and radiant finish. But true value comes not just from appearance, but from authenticity. By learning to recognize the optical and physical traits of genuine moissanite—and understanding the marketing tactics used to inflate perceived quality—you gain control over your buying decisions.

Don’t rely solely on flashy descriptions or influencer endorsements. Arm yourself with inspection techniques, demand transparency, and never hesitate to walk away from a deal that feels off. Whether you're treating yourself or investing in a gift, authentic moissanite offers lasting beauty and ethical sourcing without the premium price tag of diamonds.

💬 Have you encountered fake “VVS moissanite” jewelry? Share your story or tips in the comments to help others stay informed.