Moissanite FAQ | GRA Certified Jewelry — Paradise Gems
About Moissanite
Q: What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone made from silicon carbide. Originally discovered inside a meteorite crater in 1893, it is now grown in laboratories. It closely resembles diamonds in appearance but has even more brilliance and fire (rainbow sparkle). Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale — just below diamonds at 10 — making it one of the most durable gemstones available for everyday wear.
Q: Is moissanite a real gemstone?
Yes! Moissanite is a real, genuine gemstone — not a fake or imitation. It is composed of silicon carbide and has its own unique chemical properties. It is NOT cubic zirconia (CZ), glass, or any other cheap substitute. Moissanite is a premium gemstone in its own right.
Q: How does moissanite compare to diamonds?
Moissanite actually outshines diamonds in several ways: It has a higher refractive index (2.65 vs 2.42 for diamonds), meaning it produces more sparkle and fire. It ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale vs diamonds at 10. It costs up to 90% less than a comparable diamond. It is lab-created, making it 100% conflict-free and environmentally friendly. To the untrained eye, moissanite is virtually indistinguishable from a diamond.
Q: Will moissanite get cloudy or lose its sparkle over time?
No! Unlike cubic zirconia which can become cloudy over time, moissanite retains its brilliance, color, and clarity for a lifetime. It is resistant to oil, dirt, heat, and daily wear. Your Paradise Gems moissanite will sparkle just as brilliantly in 20 years as the day you receive it.
GRA Certification
Q: What is GRA certification?
GRA (Gemological Research Association) certification is a documentation report that confirms the authenticity and specifications of your moissanite stone. Each GRA certificate includes: the stone shape, measurements, carat weight equivalent, color grade (D Color = Colorless), and clarity grade (VVS1 = Very Very Slightly Included). Every Paradise Gems piece comes with GRA certification included.
Q: Why is GRA certification important?
GRA certification gives you peace of mind that you are receiving genuine, high-quality moissanite — not cubic zirconia or glass. It confirms your stone's exact specifications and serves as an authenticity record for your purchase. At Paradise Gems, we include GRA certification with every piece so you always know exactly what you're getting.
Diamond Tester
Q: Does your moissanite pass the diamond tester?
Yes! All Paradise Gems moissanite passes the standard thermal diamond tester — GUARANTEED. This is because moissanite has very similar thermal conductivity to diamonds. When a diamond tester pen touches our VVS D Color moissanite, it reads as diamond every time. This confirms it is genuine moissanite and NOT cubic zirconia or glass.
Q: Why does moissanite pass the diamond tester?
Diamond testers measure thermal conductivity — how quickly a stone transfers heat. Diamonds are excellent heat conductors, and moissanite (made of silicon carbide) has almost identical thermal conductivity. This is why standard diamond testers identify moissanite as diamond. This test also proves your stone is genuine moissanite — cubic zirconia (CZ) fails this test.
Q: Can experts tell the difference between moissanite and diamond?
Advanced multi-testers that measure both thermal AND electrical conductivity can distinguish between moissanite and diamond. However, to the naked eye, even trained jewelers have difficulty telling them apart. Moissanite's brilliance and fire actually exceed that of diamonds, making it an incredibly beautiful and convincing stone in its own right.
Our Products
Q: What metal do you use in your jewelry?
We use genuine 925 Sterling Silver in all our pieces. 925 Sterling Silver means the metal is 92.5% pure silver — the highest quality standard for sterling silver. Some pieces feature 14K or 18K gold plating over 925 sterling silver for a luxurious gold finish. Our metals are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.
Q: What VVS D Color means?
VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included — this is the highest clarity grade for moissanite, meaning the stone is nearly flawless with minimal inclusions visible only under 10x magnification. D Color means the stone is completely colorless — the highest color grade, giving maximum brilliance and sparkle. All Paradise Gems moissanite is VVS1 D Color — the absolute top quality.
Q: Do your pieces come with a box?
Yes! Every Paradise Gems purchase comes beautifully packaged in our signature Paradise Gems LED light box — perfect for gifting. The box illuminates your jewelry to showcase its brilliant sparkle. Your GRA certificate is also included in the package.
Q: Can I get a custom piece?
Yes! We offer custom moissanite jewelry. Contact us via WhatsApp or email at contact@theparadisegems.com with your design idea, preferred stone size, metal type, and budget. Our team will work with you to create your dream piece. Most custom orders are completed within 7-14 business days.
Shipping and Returns
Q: Where do ship from?
We ship from our Atlanta, GA showroom. Being based in Atlanta means fast, reliable shipping for all US customers. We offer Free Shipping on all orders over $100.
Q: how long does take shipping?
Standard shipping: 3-5 business days. Express shipping: 1-2 business days (additional fee). All orders are carefully packaged and insured. You will receive a tracking number as soon as your order ships.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
Currently we primarily ship within the United States. For international shipping inquiries, please contact us at contact@theparadisegems.com or via WhatsApp and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Q: What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day hassle-free return policy. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, contact us within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in their original condition and packaging. We will process your refund or exchange promptly. Your satisfaction is our priority.
Q: What if my item arrives damaged?
If your item arrives damaged or defective, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the issue. We will arrange a replacement or full refund at no additional cost to you. We take full responsibility for the quality of every piece we ship
Care & Maintenance
Q: How do I clean my moissanite jewelry?
Cleaning your moissanite jewelry is simple: Soak in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 5-10 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Dry with a soft lint-free cloth. For extra sparkle, you can use a commercial jewelry cleaner. Clean every 2-4 weeks for maximum brilliance.
Q: Can I wear my moissanite jewelry every day?
Absolutely! Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale — second only to diamonds — making it extremely durable for daily wear. It is resistant to scratches, chips, and breakage. You can wear your Paradise Gems jewelry while showering, washing hands, and during normal daily activities. We recommend removing jewelry during intense physical activity or when using harsh chemicals.
Q: Will my 925 silver jewelry tarnish?
925 Sterling Silver can develop a slight tarnish over time with exposure to air and moisture — this is normal for all sterling silver. To minimize tarnishing: store your jewelry in the provided box when not wearing it, avoid exposure to perfume, hairspray, and cleaning chemicals, clean regularly with a soft cloth. Any tarnish can easily be removed with a silver polishing cloth.
Our Store
Q: Do you have a physical store?
Yes! We have a showroom in Atlanta, Georgia where you can view and try on our jewelry in person. Visit us a 250 Spring Street Americas Mart Atlanta Georgia
Q: How do I contact Paradise Gems?
You can reach us through: Email:contact@theparadisegems.com, WhatsApp: available on our website, Instagram: @theparadisegems, Facebook: Paradise Gems, TikTok: @theparadisegem. We typically respond within 24 hours on business days. For urgent inquiries, WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us.t our Atlanta showroom or shop online 24/7 at theparadisegems.com. Contact us via WhatsApp or email to schedule a showroom visit.
Q: Are you an authorized seller?
Yes! Paradise Gems is a legitimate, established jewelry business based in Atlanta, Georgia. All our products come with GRA certification, our pieces are genuine 925 Sterling Silver with real VVS D Color moissanite, and we have 40+ verified customer reviews. We have been serving customers locally and online with pride.