If you have been researching Moissanite, you might have read horror stories on old forums about stones looking green or yellow in sunlight.
Let’s set the record straight immediately: That was Moissanite of the past.
In 2026, modern technology allows us to grow Moissanite that is completely chemically pure. However, just like diamonds, Moissanite is graded on a Color Scale. Understanding this scale is the key to choosing a stone that looks crisp, expensive, and matches your ring setting perfectly.
At La Pretti, we grade our stones using the same industry-standard scale used by GRA for gems. Here is how to read the chart and pick the perfect shade.
Scale Breakdown—3 Categories
Moissanite is graded on a letter scale from D (Best/most white) to Z (Yellow). However, for jewelry purposes, you really only need to know two categories.
1. Colorless Grades D-E-F
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The Look: Icy, crisp, and pure white.
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The Vibe: Modern, sharp, and premium.
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Comparison: This is equivalent to the rarest, most expensive diamonds in the world. To naked eyes, there is absolutely no trace of yellow.
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Best For: Platinum or White Gold settings.
2. Near Colorless Grades G-H-I
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The Look: Appears white face-up, but has a microscopic hint of warmth if you look at it from the side against a white sheet of paper.
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The Vibe: Romantic, organic, and natural.
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Comparison: Many people actually prefer this grade because it looks more like a realistic diamond since perfectly colorless natural diamonds are so rare.
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Best For: Yellow Gold or Rose Gold settings.
3. Faint Color Grades J-K Legacy
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The Look: Noticeable yellow or green tint.
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Status: In 2026, reputable jewelers (like us) generally do not sell this grade unless it is a specific Vintage request. It is often associated with older, lower-quality rough material.
How to Choose: Setting Rule
Should you pay extra for D-E-F (Colorless)? Or save money with G-H-I (Near Colorless)?
The answer depends entirely on your ring metal.
Rule #1: If you choose White Gold or Platinum...
Go for Colorless (D-E-F). Since the metal is bright white, any hint of yellow in the stone will stand out. You want the stone to be as icy as the metal holding it.
Rule #2: If you choose Yellow or Rose Gold...
You can choose Near Colorless (G-H-I). Since the metal reflects yellow/pink tones into the stone anyway, buying a perfectly Colorless stone is often a waste of money. A G or H color stone will look perfectly white in a gold setting, and the slight warmth often makes the ring look more coherent and antique.
Green Tint Myth: Is It Still Real?
This is the #1 question we get. Does Moissanite turn green?
History: Before 2015, the patent for Moissanite was held by one company, and the technology wasn't perfect. Those older stones often called Classic Moissanite had a distinct greenish-yellow hue, especially in overcast daylight.
2026 Reality: Today, we use 4H Silicon Carbide crystal growth technology. This produces stones that are biologically free of the impurities that caused the green tint.
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At La Pretti: We guarantee our stones will never turn green, cloudy, or yellow over time. The color you buy is the color it stays forever.
FAQ: Does Size Affect Color?
Yes. This is a pro-tip most jewelers won't tell you.
Moissanite is doubly refractive, meaning it bounces light around intensely.
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Small Stones Under 1 Carat: It is very hard to tell the difference between D color and H color. They all look white.
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Large Stones 3 Carats+: As the stone gets larger, it traps more light. If there is any body color (yellow tint), it becomes more obvious in a large stone.
La Pretti Advice: If you are buying a massive stone (3ct, 4ct, or 5ct), splurge for La Pretti Colorless (D) grade to ensure it looks crisp and clear.
Which Grade is Right for You?
Don't overthink it. Unlike diamonds, where moving from Colorless to Near Colorless saves you $5,000, in Moissanite, the price difference is usually small at often $50–$100.
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The Perfectionist Choice: Choose D-E-F for that icy, flawless, modern luxury look.
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The Natural Choice: Choose G-H-I for a warmer, vintage diamond feel.
At La Pretti, we curate our collection to ensure every stone is bright, white, and beautiful.
Ready to find your perfect shade?
