Across South Africa, moissanite has become one of the most desired gemstones for engagement rings and fine jewellery.

Its exceptional brilliance, ethical sourcing, and affordability make it the preferred choice for modern couples seeking both beauty and integrity. But with rising popularity has come an influx of imitations and questionable “certifications.”

Many online sellers issue generic paperwork from so-called “labs” that don’t physically exist ̶ leaving clients without genuine verification of their stone’s origin or quality.

At ApolloGem Cape Town, we believe that every gemstone should come with transparent, traceable certification from a verified gemological authority ̶ ensuring peace of mind with every sparkle.

Understanding What “Certified Moissanite” Really Means

A certified moissanite is a gemstone that has undergone full professional grading by a recognised gemological laboratory.

Certification confirms the stone’s authenticity, quality, and serial registration in a verifiable system. 

A legitimate certificate should include: - Gemstone identification ‒ confirming it is genuine moissanite. - Precise cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. - Exact colour grade such as D, E, F, or G ̶ never vague ranges like D‒F or G‒H. - Laser-inscribed serial number on the girdle of the stone. - Verification through an accessible online database maintained by the issuing laboratory.

ApolloGem works exclusively with verified international gemological authorities, including the Gemological Research Institute (GRI) ̶ one of several reputable, physically verifiable laboratories worldwide that follow professional certification protocols. GRI-certified moissanite ensures that all proper gemological processes of testing, grading, inscription, and online registration have been followed. This distinguishes it from non-verifiable entities such as GRA, whose certificates cannot be traced or matched to any legitimate lab or online record.

How to Identify Genuine Moissanite

Here’s how to recognise a true, certified moissanite versus an imitation:

1. Brilliance and Fire ̶ Authentic moissanite displays a vivid “rainbow fire,” produced by its high refractive index (2.65‒2.69). Cubic zirconia or glass have flat, shallow reflections.
2. Double Refraction ̶ Under magnification, real moissanite shows a subtle double image of its facets ̶ a natural optical signature.
3. Hardness and Durability ̶ Ranging between 9.25 and 9.5 on the Mohs scale, moissanite resists daily wear and scratching. Lower-grade imitations rank between 6 and 8.
4. Laser-Inscribed Serial Number ̶ Certified moissanite stones carry a laser-engraved serial number on the girdle that matches their official certificate.
5. Verifiable Online Record ̶ You can confirm your stone’s authenticity by entering that number on the issuing laboratory’s website ̶ ensuring full traceability.

ApolloGem’s Commitment to Verified Certification

At ApolloGem Cape Town, every moissanite we offer is certified through a recognised, verifiable gemological authority such as GRI ̶ never through untraceable or fabricated “labs.” Each ApolloGem stone has passed professional gemological grading, is laser-inscribed with its unique certificate number, and undergoes a 48-hour oven-baking process after cutting ̶ a proprietary ApolloGem standard that seals the stone, enhancing surface stability, transparency, and environmental resistance. This ensures that your moissanite is genuine, traceable, and compliant with the full certification process ̶ from laboratory grading to public online verification.

Why Proper Certification Matters

Certification is more than a document ̶ it’s proof that your stone has been properly created, processed, and graded to maintain its integrity over time.

Unverified moissanite stones may skip crucial steps during manufacturing, such as the post-cut baking and sealing process, which stabilises the crystal structure and preserves optical performance. Without this essential step, the gemstone’s transparency, brilliance, and hardness can degrade over time ̶ leading to visible dullness, surface wear, or cloudiness.

By contrast, moissanites certified by verified laboratories and supplied by ApolloGem Cape Town have undergone full gemological testing, precise grading, and structural sealing to ensure lasting clarity and shine. When you choose ApolloGem, you’re choosing quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship that endures for generations.

How to Verify Your Moissanite Certificate

1. Find your certificate number on the document.
2. Use a jeweller’s loupe to locate the laser inscription on your stone’s girdle.
3. Visit the official website of the issuing laboratory (e.g., GRI).
4. Enter the serial number to confirm your stone’s details and grading. 
5. For added assurance, visit ApolloGem Cape Town for a complimentary in-person verification.

Confidence, Verified