The Moissanite Guide
The stone that outshines diamond.
Discover why moissanite — with a higher refractive index, VVS1 clarity, and D color grading — is redefining what "iced out" means. Every Qureshi piece is independently GRA certified.
9.25
Mohs Hardness
2.65–2.69
Refractive Index
VVS1
Clarity Grade
D
Color Grade
The Discovery
Born from a meteor.
Cut for brilliance.
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr. Henri Moissan inside fragments of a meteorite crater. Natural moissanite is extraordinarily rare — almost all moissanite today is grown in laboratories through a controlled thermal process that produces stones of exceptional purity and optical performance.
Unlike diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia, moissanite is a genuine gemstone with its own distinct chemical structure — silicon carbide (SiC). This molecular architecture gives it optical properties that exceed diamond in both brilliance and fire.
Silicon Carbide (SiC)
The same compound used in aerospace components and high-performance ceramics — grown into the hardest, most optically brilliant gemstone achievable outside of a diamond mine.
Quality Standards
The 4Cs of Moissanite.
We grade every stone on the same four-criteria scale used for fine diamonds. Here's what those grades actually mean — and why they matter to what you wear.
VVS1 Clarity
Virtually flawless
VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included — the highest practical clarity grade. Inclusions are invisible even under 10× magnification. All Qureshi stones are VVS1.
D Color
Perfectly colorless
D is the top grade on the GIA color scale — no yellow, no brown, no grey. Pure, white, icy brilliance from every angle, in every light.
Round Brilliant Cut
Maximum fire & scintillation
57 precisely angled facets engineered to maximize light return. Moissanite's higher RI means this cut unlocks more fire than the same cut produces on diamond.
GRA Certified
Independently verified
Every Qureshi piece ships with a GRA (Gemological Research Academy) certificate verifying your stone's clarity, color, cut quality, and carat weight.
Setting Technology
How each stone is set.
The setting directly determines how much light reaches your stone — and therefore how much brilliance you see. Each Qureshi collection uses the optimal setting for its design.
Setting Type
Claw Setting
Each stone is gripped by four delicate metal claws, exposing the maximum surface area to incoming light. Used in all Qureshi tennis chains and tennis bracelets — this is the setting that produces the most intense, continuous flash of brilliance along the entire length.
Used in: Tennis Chains, Tennis Bracelets
Setting Type
Three-Prong Setting
Three evenly spaced prongs hold the stone at perfect angles, allowing light to enter from multiple directions simultaneously. This produces a uniquely dynamic sparkle that shifts as you move — particularly striking in earrings worn close to the face.
Used in: Stud Earrings
Setting Type
Solitaire Setting
A single center stone elevated on a cathedral-style band, drawing all attention directly to the stone. The raised position maximizes light from above and from the sides, making even a modest carat weight appear significantly larger and more brilliant.
Used in: Solitaire Ring, Engagement Rings
Moissanite vs Diamond
Compare for yourself.
The data tells a clear story. Moissanite outperforms mined diamond in brilliance, fire, and value — while being entirely conflict-free and ethically produced.
| Attribute | Qureshi Moissanite | Mined Diamond | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brilliance (RI) | 2.65–2.69 | 2.42 | Moissanite |
| Fire (dispersion) | 0.104 | 0.044 | Moissanite |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 | Diamond |
| Clarity available | VVS (eye-clean) | VVS (eye-clean) | Equal |
| Color grade | D (colorless) | D (colorless) | Equal |
| Price per carat | ~$300 | ~$15,000+ | Moissanite |
| Conflict free | Lab-created | Varies | Moissanite |
| Eco footprint | Low (lab) | High (mined) | Moissanite |
Maintenance
Keep it brilliant for life.
Moissanite at 9.25 Mohs never clouds, fogs, or loses brilliance over time. A simple cleaning routine every few weeks is all it needs. All Qureshi pieces feature e-coating for corrosion resistance — here's how to keep them performing at their best.
Warm soapy water
Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and add 2–3 drops of mild dish soap.
Soak 3 minutes
Submerge your piece for 2–3 minutes to loosen body oils, lotions, and environmental residue.
Gentle brush
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub stones and settings in small circular motions.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse under clean warm running water until all soap is removed. Dried soap can temporarily cloud moissanite.
Dry & polish
Pat dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Avoid paper towels — they can micro-scratch the e-coating surface.
Your Guarantee
Every piece,
GRA certified.
The GRA (Gemological Research Academy) independently verifies each stone's clarity, color, cut quality, and carat weight. Your certificate ships inside every order — no extra steps, no upsells, no exceptions.
Shop certified piecesGemological Research Academy
FAQs
Common questions.
Is moissanite a fake diamond?
No. Moissanite is a genuine gemstone with its own distinct chemical composition (silicon carbide). It's not a diamond simulant or fake — it's a different stone that happens to have optical properties that exceed diamond in brilliance and fire.
Does moissanite lose its shine over time?
No. Moissanite is a 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamond is 10), making it extremely scratch-resistant. It does not fog, cloud, or degrade over time. Your Qureshi piece is backed by a lifetime brilliance guarantee.
What does VVS clarity mean?
VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included — the highest practical clarity grade. Inclusions (internal imperfections) are virtually impossible to see even under 10x magnification. All Qureshi stones are VVS clarity.
What does D color mean?
D is the highest color grade on the GIA color scale, meaning the stone is completely colorless. There is no yellow, brown, or grey tint. D color moissanite produces the purest, whitest brilliance.
Is the GRA certificate included?
Yes. Every Qureshi piece ships with a GRA certificate of authenticity that independently verifies your stone's clarity, color, and carat weight.