Beware of Fake "GRA" Certificates for Moissanite

Beware of Fake "GRA" Certificates for Moissanite

Beware of Fake "GRA" Certificates for Moissanite: Don't Get Scammed

Moissanite, a stunning and more budget-friendly gemstone compared to diamonds, has seen a surge in popularity. However, with this rise comes a concerning number of scams, particularly involving fake certificates.

A common scam involves fake certificates claiming to be from the "Gemological Research Association" (GRA). However, there is no such organization. This name is likely chosen to mimic the highly respected Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which certifies diamonds and other gemstones, but doesn't typically certify moissanite.

GRA Certificate
As you see in this image, it showcases a fake "GRA" certificate. Here's why it raises red flags:
  • The GIA doesn't typically certify moissanite.
  • The website listed www.gra-moissanites.com, is not a legitimate gemological institute website. 
A simple Google search reveals the Contact Us address listed on the website's contact information belongs to a New York City hotel.

Important Tips for Safe Moissanite Purchase:

  • Reputable jewelers only: When buying moissanite, stick to established, trustworthy jewelers like Huerta Jewelry.
  • Genuine certificates: While moissanite typically doesn't have certificates, if one is presented, ensure it's from a reputable gemological institute like the GIA.
  • Be wary of unbelievable deals. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Avoiding Scams:

  • Look for errors: Check for typos or grammatical mistakes in the certificate.
  • Quality matters: Ensure the certificate is printed on high-quality paper.
  • Unique identifiers: Verify the presence of a unique ID number on the certificate.
  • Detailed information: The certificate should include detailed information about the moissanite, like carat weight, cut, color, and clarity etc...

When unsure about a certificate's authenticity, consult a professional jeweler for verification.

Remember, moissanite generally doesn't come with certificates. If you encounter one, especially a "GRA" certificate, exercise extreme caution and prioritize established jewelers like Huerta Jewelry who source their moissanite from reputable dealers and verify their moissanite in-house for peace of mind.

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4 comments

Our scam was a little different as we didn’t just receive the ring without purchasing it. It was by SCHEIN when my wife ordered clothes. She ordered $150.00 worth of clothes and we received this junky thing. They would not allow us to return it for the clothes, either. At Christmas, I ordered large gaming tablets for our grandchildren from another Chinese company, spent $400.00 and received a pair of earmuffs in the mail. Problem was it had an American name for the company. Long story short, we don’t do ANY purchases directly from China anymore.

Lance Flood

GRA are specialist in moissanite diamonds which are meteorite diamonds which were discovered by a chemist Henry Moissan. The diamonds weren’t put in circulation until 1990 due to radiation. If these jewellers bothered to read a GRA CERTIFICATE they are anti counterfeit. Your pink, blue, red, green, yellow, turquoise and clear diamonds are moissanite diamonds not natural you idiots.

STEVEN

These are the exact same rings, that Amazon are selling.

Geoffrey Harding

I received this exact ring today !! Be aware people, it’s a SCAM!

Tracy Jones

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