Most companies sell lower-grade stones to keep costs down. We only use D VVS1 grade because the difference is dramatic - and in necklaces, where the stone sits prominently and moves constantly, quality matters even more.
Why Most Moissanite Necklaces Look Cheap
Walk into most jewellery stores and the moissanite you'll see ranges from H-J colour with SI clarity. H-J grades have warmer, more vintage tones that some people love, but if you want that brilliant white diamond look that catches light beautifully as your necklace moves, you need D grade.
Here's what D VVS1 actually means and why it matters for necklaces specifically:
D Colour: The Highest Grade Possible
D Grade = Completely Colourless
- No yellow, brown, or grey tinting whatsoever
- Identical to the finest diamonds in colour
- Brilliant white appearance that's universally flattering
- Looks stunning against all skin tones and clothing colours
Other colour grades you'll see:
- H-J grades have warmer, more yellow tones - great if you prefer that vintage, warmer look
- D grade offers that crisp, brilliant white that most people associate with premium diamonds
What you'll see with D grade: Crystal clear stones with that bright white sparkle that looks identical to the finest diamonds, especially important in necklaces where the stone is highly visible and constantly catching different angles of light.
VVS1 Clarity: Virtually Flawless
VVS1 = Very Very Slightly Included (Grade 1)
- Any inclusions only visible under 10x magnification by experts
- Appears perfectly clear to your naked eye
- Most companies sell SI grade (visible inclusions)
What you'll see: No cloudy, murky, or spotted appearance that cheaper clarity grades have. In necklaces, this matters because the pendant moves as you walk and talk, constantly changing how light hits the stone and potentially revealing flaws in lower grades.
Why This Grade Combination is Uncommon
Most jewellers don't offer D VVS1 because:
- It costs more to produce
- Takes longer to source
- Requires strict quality control
- Many customers don't know the difference
We only use D VVS1 because once you see the difference in a necklace - where the stone is prominently displayed and moves throughout the day - there's no going back.
Why Quality Matters More in Necklaces
Visibility Factor Necklaces sit right in your line of sight and others'. Unlike earrings that are viewed from the side, necklace pendants are front and centre. Any colour tinting or clarity issues become obvious.
Movement and Light Play As you move throughout the day, your necklace constantly changes position, catching light from different angles. Lower grade stones can look dull or off-colour in certain lighting that D VVS1 stones handle beautifully.
Prominence in Styling Necklaces often serve as the focal point of an outfit. A cloudy or tinted stone undermines the entire look, while D VVS1 quality enhances everything you wear.
Moissanite Quality vs Other Options
D VVS1 Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamonds Both are lab-created and ethical, but here's the breakdown:
Moissanite advantages:
- More fire and rainbow flashes (2.65-2.69 refractive index vs diamond's 2.42)
- Significantly less expensive for equivalent visual impact
- Never needs professional cleaning to maintain sparkle
- Superior performance in necklaces due to constant movement showcasing the fire
Lab diamond advantages:
- Universally recognised as "real diamonds"
- Some prefer the pure white light vs rainbow fire
- Don't have to explain what a moissanite is
Both are excellent quality, but moissanite gives you more sparkle for less money, with the movement in necklaces particularly showcasing moissanite's superior fire.
D VVS1 Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia Not even close:
- CZ clouds over time, quality moissanite never does
- CZ is much softer (8.5 vs 9.25 hardness) and scratches easily
- CZ looks obviously fake, D VVS1 moissanite gets mistaken for expensive diamonds
- In necklaces, the difference is particularly obvious due to constant visibility
Why Grade Actually Matters for Necklace Durability
The grade affects more than just appearance in necklaces:
D VVS1 moissanite:
- Maintains brilliance indefinitely despite constant movement
- Safe for ultrasonic cleaning
- Heat resistant for jewellery repairs
- Never clouds or fades even with daily wear
Lower grade moissanite:
- Can develop a cloudy appearance over time, especially noticeable in necklaces
- Inclusions can become more visible with wear and light exposure
- Less resistant to oils and dirt buildup from skin contact
Quality Control: What We Actually Do
We're quite obsessive about quality:
- Every stone is hand-selected for perfect cut proportions
- We reject stones that other companies would happily sell
- Only D VVS1 grade, no exceptions
- Detailed inspection before any setting
- Special attention to stones destined for necklaces due to their prominence
The difference: maintaining these standards means our customers consistently get compliments on their sparkle, especially from necklaces where the quality is most visible.
Metal Quality That Matches Your Stones
Your beautiful D VVS1 stones deserve quality settings. We offer:
Sterling Silver: Hypoallergenic, durable, perfect for everyday wear Gold Plated: Affordable luxury look with solid silver base
Solid Gold: Ultimate luxury and longevity
Each option is high-quality - choose what fits your style and budget. For necklaces, proper chain construction and secure clasps are essential since they handle more movement than other jewellery pieces.
Real-World Quality Test
Want to know if moissanite necklaces are good quality? Here's what actually happens:
With D VVS1 stones: People assume they're diamonds, you get compliments on the extra sparkle as it moves, they pass diamond testers, and look amazing in all lighting conditions throughout the day.
With lower grades: It's more obvious they're not diamonds, you get fewer compliments due to duller appearance, they may not pass diamond testers consistently, and can look cheap in certain lighting - particularly noticeable in necklaces.
The Quality Difference in Action
Quality moissanite necklaces are absolutely excellent - when you get the right grade. D VVS1 gives you:
- Maximum fire and brilliance that showcases beautifully with necklace movement
- Lifetime durability without clouding
- Appearance identical to finest diamonds
- Professional quality that gets noticed
The difference between D VVS1 and lower grades isn't subtle - it's dramatic. In necklaces, where the stone is constantly visible and moving, this quality difference becomes even more apparent.
Ready to see what exceptional D VVS1 quality looks like in necklaces?
Our complete moissanite necklace collection showcases the brilliance that proper grading delivers, with pieces like the Carmen radiant pendant and Daisy trillion pendant demonstrating how D VVS1 quality makes every movement sparkle.
