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Moissanite grades explained: what D, E, F colour and VVS1 clarity mean

Moissanite listings borrow the diamond grading scale. Colour runs from D (colourless) through E and F (also colourless) to G, H and I (near-colourless, a faint warmth in larger stones). Clarity grades like VVS1 mean "very, very slightly included", and almost all lab-grown moissanite is that clean. On Amazon these grades are the seller's own claims, so pick D to F for an icy white look, and do not pay extra for a certificate.

Colour

Early moissanite (before about 2015) was visibly yellow-green. Modern growth made colourless stones possible, and the market settled on two bands borrowed from diamond: D to F (colourless) and G to I (near-colourless). The difference shows most in stones over 1.5 carats and in white metal settings.

Clarity

Because it is grown in a controlled process, moissanite is usually very clean. VVS1 and VVS2 are the norm; small needle-like inclusions are the most common feature under a loupe. Clarity rarely affects how moissanite looks to the eye.

Cut matters more than the grade

Moissanite's sparkle depends on the cut. Round brilliant cuts show the most fire. Poorly cut stones can show a dark centre or a see-through window, which no colour grade will fix.

The grades you will see on listings
GradeMeaningWorth it?
D, E, F colourColourlessYes for white metal and larger stones
G, H, I colourNear-colourless, faint warmthFine for yellow or rose gold settings
VVS1, VVS2 clarityVery, very slightly included: clean to the eyeThe normal grade for moissanite
VS clarityVery slightly includedUsually still clean to the eye
"GRA certified"A seller-facing card, not a lab reportDo not pay extra for it

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moissanite colour grade?

D to F reads fully colourless and is what most people want in white gold or silver. G to I can show a faint warmth in big stones, which suits yellow or rose gold.

Is VVS1 moissanite good?

Yes, and it is standard: almost all lab-grown moissanite is that clean. Treat the grade as a seller claim and judge the cut and setting instead.

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