Education

In The year 1893, Nobel-Prize winning scientist Henri Moissan began studying fragments of this meteorite from nearby Diablo Canyon. In these fragments, Dr. Moissan discovered minute quantities of a shimmering new mineral, with fire and brilliance never before seen on earth. After extensive research, Dr. Moissan concluded that this mineral was made of silicon carbide. In 1905, this mineral was named moissanite, in his honor.
Despite this amazing discovery, since naturally occurring quantities of moissanite are so minute, it would be another century before this stunning mineral would emerge as the brilliant jewel it is today.

The Creators

Charles & Colvard, hold exclusive rights to produce moissanite, it is an extremely tough process and requires significant expertise. Moissanite grows from a "seed" in a high-tech crystal grower.  The finished crystal takes about half a year or even more, for unique jewel called Moissanite. All these exceptional jewels are cut by master cutters (like diamonds) to extract the maximum brilliance and beauty.

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Unique Properties

Charles & Colvard created moissanite has unique physical properties that truly make it unlike any jewel ever seen. It is generally accepted that the most important characteristics of determining a diamond's value are based on the 4C's.

Beauty:
The beauty of a jewel is determined by its color, cut, clarity and carat.

Cut:
In order to maximize the fire and brilliance of a diamond, the cutter must place the angles and uniformity of facets in exact geometric relation to one another. This determines the diamond's ability to handle light which leads to brilliance.

All moissanite is cut to exact proportions where polish and symmetry are excellent. In addition, table percentages, crown angles and pavilion depths are ideal, which is a result of sharp, highly polished facets.

When moissanite is moved in various lighting conditions its excellent cut and symmetry results in superior fire.

Color:
The color in most diamonds is very subtle and only trained gemologists can detect those variances. The D - to - Z scale describes the color range of diamond from absolutely colorless to light yellow. All moissanite is rated at "near-colorless" which is between the H - to - J range. While trace color can sometimes detract from the brilliance of a diamond, the combination of moissanite's high refractive index and excellent clarity and cut results in a jewel with superior brilliance.

Clarity:
All moissanite stones are rated at a VVS2-VS2 clarity rating, which is very, very slightly included to very slightly included. Minute inclusions are very difficult to see under 10x magnification and are absent to the naked eye. The high clarity grading of moissanite results in consistent, superior brilliance.

Carat:
Charles & Colvard created moissanite is offered in a range of sizes from 0.03 carats to over 7 carats.

The table below compares the physical properties of Charles & Colvard created moissanite and four of the most popular natural gemstones.

Durability
The durability of a gemstone is determined by the following three characteristics

Charles & Colvard created moissanite, at 9.25 Mohs, is incredibly tough and second in hardness only to diamond. During the development of moissanite jewels, extensive real-world wear tests were performed by many women in a variety of professions. These wear tests confirmed that moissanite jewels out-perform most precious gemstones in terms of durability, especially when set in precious metals such as platinum or gold.

Charles & Colvard created moissanite has heat resistance properties superior to many other jewels, offering the following distinct advantages for using moissanite in fine jewelry.

Moissanite jewels can be cast in place, allowing us to offer you intricate yet classic designs, such as our beautiful Signature Collection. Moissanite jewels are less likely to experience heat damage during jewelry repair operations than most natural gemstones and can survive the extreme temperatures of typical house fires better than a diamond.


Brilliance and Fire
Superior brilliance and fire make moissanite created by Charles & Colvard unlike any other jewel.

Science and Art

After a century of research, only one company in the world is capable of growing moissanite crystals suitable for use as a precious jewel. Charles & Colvard uses our own uncommon combination of art and proprietary science to turn these rare jewel-quality crystals into stunning moissanite jewels.
Computer Modeling

The cutting specifications for moissanite jewels are designed to maximize the brilliance and fire inherent in the material. To maximize the light reflecting from a faceted moissanite jewel requires the design of shapes with proportions and angles unlike any other jewel.
Using computer modeling, we create proprietary designs to display the maximum light reflection based on the optical properties (i.e. fire, brilliance and luster) of moissanite jewels. A unique version of the round brilliant cut was the first shape developed applying these computer models. Recently we designed new fancy shapes that eliminate dark areas commonly found in other gemstones with these fancy cuts. We believe these proprietary designs enhance moissanite's physical properties for the superior optical performance observed in faceted moissanite jewels.