What is Moissanite

What is Moissanite?

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, silicone carbide. Moissanite is named for Nobel Prize winner Dr. Henri Moissan. In 1893, Dr. Moissan discovered hard, diamond-like deposits in a 50,000 year old meteor found in Diablo Canyon, Arizona. The mineral he found is silicon carbide. In 1905 this compound was named Moissanite in his honor.

Does your jewelry come from natural Moissanite?

Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare and found only in microscopic crystals that are too small to use in jewelry. Our moissanite jewelry is created by Charles & Colvard, the sole producer of moissanite in the world. Charles & Colvard is a publicly listed company on NASDAQ [CTHR] Each moissanite jewel is grown in the laboratory from a moissanite seed crystal. It takes months from start to finish to grow a single jewel. Created diamonds are grown by a similar process.

How does moissanite compare to diamonds and cubic zirconias?

Moissanite has more brillliance, fire and luster than diamonds and cubic zirconias. The only jewel harder than moissanite is diamond. Moissanite will never fade, cloud, change color nor look different from the day you purchased it. Moissanite is at 9.25 on the hardness scale. Diamond is 10.

GEMSTONE COMPARISON CHART	BEAUTY			DURABILITY		SPECIFIC GRAVITY
GEMSTONE COMPARISON CHART	BRILLIANCE Refractive Index	FIRE Dispersion	LUSTER	HARDNESS Mohs	TOUGHNESS	SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Moissanite	2.65-2.69	0.104	20.4%	9.25	excellent	3.21
Diamond	2.42	0.044	17.2%	10.00	excellent*	3.52
Sapphire	1.77	0.018	7.4%	9.00	excellent*	4.00
(CZ) Cubic Zirconia	2.15	0.060	13.6%	8.50	good	5.80
* except good in cleavage direction

What size moissanite stones compare to a specific equivalent diamond carat weight?

Since moissanite is slightly less dense than diamonds, it is better to refer to moissanite stones in terms of size. However, we understand that most people understand gemstones by carat rather than mm. Here is a chart:

3.0mm round: 0.10 ct tw
3.5mm round: 0.15 ct tw
4.0mm round: 0.25 ct tw
5.0mm round: 0.50 ct tw
5.5mm round: 0.66 ct tw
6.0mm round: 0.75 ct tw
6.5mm round: 1.00 ct tw
7.0mm round: 1.25 ct tw
7.5mm round: 1.50 ct tw
8.0mm round: 2.00 ct tw
8.5mm round: 2.50 ct tw
9.0mm round: 3.00 ct tw
9.5mm round: 3.50 ct tw
10.0mm round: 4.00 ct tw
10.5mm round: 4.50 ct tw
11.0mm round: 5.00 ct tw
12.5mm round: 5.50 ct tw
12.0mm round: 6.00 ct tw
13.0mm round: 8.00 ct tw
14.0mm round: 10.00 ct tw
15.0mm round: 12.00 ct tw
16.0mm round: 15.00 ct tw

Note: For the list of corresponding carat weights to mm sizes for other moissanite stone shapes, please visit our loose moissanite stonespage.

The "Three C's: cut, color and clarity that apply to diamonds, are they the same for moissanite?

In some cases yes, and some no. The cutting for any given shape of moissanite is done in slightly different proportions than those for a diamond. Each Moissanite jewel is hand cut to specifications that maximize the appearance and beauty of Moissanite. This special hand-cut faceting gives each Moissanite jewel an unbelievable brilliance and fire. The color of Moissanite compares to diamonds of I-J color. The clarity of Moissanite is clean to the eye and can be generally compared to a VS1 diamond. It's very important to note, each Moissanite jewel is unique and no two are identical.

Some of our moissanite competitors claim that they offer the "whitest moissanite" - but this claim is impossible to support without 3rd-party certification. Since no labs will grade moissanite, these claims remain in the realm of marketing! If moissanite grows in popularity, perhaps the gem labs will begin offering certificates.

When will I receive my order?

The "ships in time" refers to the manufacturing and handling time that our factories require to prepare the jewelry. Then add 5-7 business days for Standard Shipping, 2 days for 2nd-day air, and 1 day for next business day delivery.

How can I be assured of the quality of moissanite?

To ensure the highest quality, all created moissanite jewels are evaluated to exacting standards by specially trained gemologists, quality control personnel, and automated video imaging equipment.

What are the warranty terms?

Your moissanite is warranted for a lifetime against any manufacturing defects. In the unlikely event that there is ever a problem with the optical qualities of the Moissanite jewel, simply return the jewelry and Joy Jewelers will either (at our option) repair or replace the jewel at no charge. Chipped or broken stones are excluded from the warranty.

All Charles & Colvard created moissanite jewels come with the following 'Certificate of Authenticity and Limited Lifetime Warranty' card.

Charles & Colvard Certificate Charles & Colvard Warranty Card

How should I clean and care for my moissanite jewelry?

Your moissanite jewelry requires the same care and handling as any other jewel. Just like fine diamonds, clean with steam, solution or ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid cleaning with harsh chemicals.

Can you set moissanite in one of my rings if I send it to you?

We recommend that you purchase a loose moissanite stone and work with a local jeweler for setting. As a rule, we do not set moissanite in rings provided by customers.

THE FIVE C'S OF MOISSANITE

There are four C’s jewelers use when grading gemstones…and they tell you everything you need to know about moissanite to achieve the fifth C – which is Confidence. The quality and enduring value of moissanite jewelry can be expressed in those 5C’s and every Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® gem is strictly examined by our experienced Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologists.

BRILLIANCE GUARANTEED TO LAST FOREVER

Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® is a result of rigorous scientific research and development, attention to detail, and adherence to a standard of quality which is unyielding. And it’s a process that is continually evolving; as learning grows and improvements are introduced, the quality and purity of the stones becomes more refined.

This focus on quality extends to the work of dedicated gem cutters, who have developed techniques which highlight the high surface luster and extremely reflective nature of moissanite, increasing its already intense brilliance as they craft finished gems into the popular shapes and sizes needed for the most elegant rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. These finished jewels are more durable than any diamond, sapphire, ruby, or emerald, ensuring that moissanite’s beauty will last forever.

1. CUT

Every Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® is hand-faceted by a master gem cutter to maximize brilliance and spark the ultimate fire. The angles and proportions are precisely calculated to be ideal for the refractive index of moissanite.

2. COLOR

Moissanite is graded as near-colorless, with faint undertones of green to yellow to gray, and a few rare green gems. The premium quality moissanite available is Forever Brilliant®, a Charles & Colvard® brand. Forever Brilliant® is up to four shades whiter, intensifying its brilliance and brightness.

3. CLARITY

Moissanite’s clarity grading is “eye-clean”. Charles & Colvard® creates moissanite using organic elements, mimicking nature in a controlled environment, therefore moissanite gems have tiny, needle-like inclusions that invariably develop during the growing process of moissanite. However, only moissanite gemstones that pass Charles & Colvard’s stringent quality standards are made available for distribution.

4. CARAT SIZE

Moissanite is visually proportionate to typical diamond carat weights but is approximately 10% lighter. Most jewelers find it easier to sell moissanite by size rather than weight. A 6.5mm round brilliant natural diamond would have a carat weight of approximately 1.0 compared to a moissanite of the same dimension (6.5mm) which has a carat weight of approximately 0.88. Simply put, to the eye they appear to be the same size, although the weight of the two stones may be slightly different.

Like other gems, large sizes of moissanite are rare. However, the premium for large sizes is much less, making moissanite a particularly good choice for bold jewelry designs..

5. CONFIDENCE

Known to many as “The World’s Most Brilliant Gem®”, with unsurpassed fire and brilliance, this unique created gemstone is the ultimate in affordable luxury. The exclusively patented process produces a superior created gemstone that is confidently backed by a Charles & Colvard® Limited Lifetime Warranty. This winning combination delivers the quality and confidence you deserve while empowering you to express your keen sense of style and great taste.

The Charles & Colvard® Certificate of Authenticity ensures that your moissanite gemstone is an original of exceptional quality & craftsmanship.

Because it is grown in an American laboratory, Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® is a responsible alternative to mined gems, providing jobs without damaging the environment.

Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite’s durability means that its beauty and value will endure forever. With this gem’s hardness second only to diamond, it’s extremely resistant to scratching, abrasion, breaking, or chipping. Charles & Colvard® stands behind each moissanite gem with a Limited Lifetime Warranty which assures that its brilliance and fire will never fade.