MOISSANITE KNOWLEDGE & HISTORY

Is Moissanite a "simulated" diamond or a diamond substitute?

The answer is a resounding NO - Moissanite is not a substitute for diamond scientifically or emotionally. Charles & Colvard created Moissanite is a unique near-colorless jewel (SiC) that stands on its own when it comes to superb fire and brilliance. From a scientific standpoint, the Moissanite used in jewelry today is a created jewel that was originally discovered in its natural state in the Canyon Diablo meteor crater located in Arizona. To its prime consumer market, self-purchasing women, Moissanite is an entirely new option in affordable luxury. Charles & Colvard created Moissanite offers the value, quality and fashion that self-purchasing women demand, without the emotional heft of diamond. Women don't buy Moissanite instead - they buy it because they love it.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite, also known as silicon carbide, is a naturally occurring mineral found in limited quantities or as small particles in the earth. The rarity of large natural Moissanite crystals prohibits their use in jewelry making. For years, scientists tried in vain to re-create this extraordinarily brilliant material. Only recently, through the power of advanced technology, Charles & Colvard developed a way to duplicate this unique and near colorless jewel by producing large, gem-quality crystals. Moissanite is truly a unique and beautiful blend of art and science.

Where did the name Moissanite come from?

Discovered in 1893 by French Nobel Prize-winner, Dr. Henri Moissan, the jewel was later named in his honor.

How is Charles & Colvard created Moissanite made?

Single-crystal Moissanite is manufactured through a patented thermal growing process, the specifics of which are proprietary. The process is very difficult and expensive, thus preventing mass production. Today, Charles & Colvard, Ltd. is the sole source and global distributor of created Moissanite, with proprietary patents for the manufacturing process itself, as well as for its use as a jewel.

Are there restrictions and/or guidelines in place that ensure the quality production of created Moissanite?

Every Charles & Colvard created Moissanite jewel is produced within exacting specifications and high quality control standards. The Charles & Colvard Certificate of Authenticity ensures that every Charles & Colvard created Moissanite jewel is an original product which has been manufactured in controlled facilities by highly-skilled specialists using the latest technology. Moissanite jewels are released for sale only after having met stringent quality control specifications.

OPTICAL & PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

What makes Moissanite "sparkle"? What characteristics of Moissanite give it such exceptional brilliance?

The Refractive Index of a gemstone is the most important optical property affecting its potential brilliance (sparkle). With a Refractive Index of 2.65 - 2.69, Moissanite displays more brilliance than diamond (2.42) or any other popular gemstone, such as ruby (1.77) and sapphire (1.77).

Will the brilliance ever fade?

No. Charles & Colvard provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty that every Charles & Colvard created Moissanite jewel will maintain its brilliance and fire for the lifetime of the owner.

Does Moissanite hanve any identifying characteristics such as inclusions?

Though Moissanite is not sold with eye-visible inclusions, needle-like inclusions are inherent to the crystal growth process and can be seen under magnification.

How is Moissanite graded for clarity?

Using a 10x loupe, each individual jewel is examined for inclusions that may affect the optical performance of the jewel.

Is Moissanite available in different colors?

Yes. Most Moissanite sold today is near-colorless. However, a limited quantity of green Moissanite (light, medium and dark) is also available.

Is Moissanite graded on the GIA diamond color grading scale?

No. The standard GIA diamond color grading scale is not designed to rate Moissanite. Unlike diamonds, which range from colorless to brownish to fancy yellos, Charles & Colvard created Moissanite can have slight undertones from green to yellow to gray. It is a beautifully brilliant, highly dispersive jewel that stands on its own, creating a unique jewelry category.

Can the color of Moissaite change?

No. There are no known situations in which the color of Moissanite has been permanently changed. A temporary color change will occur when Moissanite is exposed to heat (torch) during jewelry repair techniques. However, with proper bench techniques, there is no resulting damage and Moissanite returns to its normal color after the jewel cools to room temperature.

Are Moissanite jewels hand-cut or mass produced?

Every Charles & Colvard created Moissanite jewel is precisely hand-cut by a master gem cutter to create maximum brilliance and to spark the ultimate fire.

What Shapes are available?

While round brilliant continues to be the most popular cut for Moissanite, fancy cuts such as cushion, square brilliant, triangle and trillion are also available in limited quantities.

What gives Moissanite its fire?

A gemstone's "fire" is caused by dispersion - the property by which light is spread out according to its wavelengths (colors) as it passes through an object. Moissanite's dispersion is 0.104 and can be calculated scientifically.

How does Moissanite's fire compare with that of other popular gemstones?

Moissanite displays 2.4 times more dispersion or fire than diamond (0.044) and much more dispersion than ruby (0.018), sapphire (0.018) and emerald (0.014).

Will a Moissanite jewel ever lose its fire?

No. Charles & Colvard provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty that every Charles & Colvard created Moissanite jewel will maintain its fire and brilliance for the lifetime of the owner.

Is Moissanite resistant to scratching?

Yes. Moissanite is durable and tough. It is extremely resistant to scratching and abrasion. Diamond is the hardest gemstone used in jewelry but Moissanite, with a hardness of 9 1/4, is harder than all other gemstones including ruby and sapphire.

Can Moissanite break easily?

No. Based on measurable scientific studies in high pressure research, Moissanite is extremely resistant to breaking and chipping. In fact, Moissanite is one of the toughest jewels known to man and can stand the test of time.

Is Moissanite heat tolerant?

Yes. Moissanite has heat resistance properties superior to many other jewels. Tests prove that at 2000 degrees F, higher than the equivalent intensity of a house fire, Moissanite remains intact and as brilliant as the day it was created. High heat tolerance makes Moissanite less likely to experience heat damage during jewelry repair.

Visit our Moissanite jewelry at this link. Thanks for looking. Denise

information supplied by Charles & Colvard