History
Over a century ago, Nobel Prize winning scientist Dr. Henri
Moissan began studying fragments left behind by an ancient
meteorite. After close inspection, Moissan discovered qualities
of a shimmering new mineral, with fire and brilliance never
seen before.
Years later, this mineral was named moissanite in his honor.
But despite his efforts and the extreme rarity of naturally
occurring moissanite, it would take another century before
moissanite would emerge as the brilliant jewel it is today.
Only after years of research, a breakthrough discovery
by Charles & Colvard enabled the production of moissanite
crystals large enough to cut into gemstones, inspiring us
to create the finest moissanite jewelry, such as our three-stone
rings, hoop earrings and pendants.
Charles & Colvard created moissanite was introduced
in the summer of 1998, and, because of its superior hardness
and brilliance surpassing even a diamond, self-confident
women in over 60 countries now wear this stunning new jewel.
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. |
Comparison
Cart
|
Refractive Index |
Dispersion (Fire) |
Luster Index |
Mohs Hardness |
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 |
good |
3.52 |
| Ruby: |
1.77 |
0.018 |
7.4% |
9 |
excellent |
4.00 |
| Sapphire: |
1.77 |
0.018 |
7.4% |
9 |
excellent |
4.00 |
| Emerald: |
1.58 |
0.014 |
4.8% |
7.5 |
good to poor |
2.72 |
Durability
The durability of a gemstone is determined by the following
three characteristics:
- Hardness: resistance to scratching
- Toughness: resistance to chipping or cleaving
- Stability: resistance to chemicals and temperature
changes
|
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.
The following pictures demonstrate the superior heat-resistance
of created moissanite jewels compared to diamond.
 |
|
A moissanite jewel and a diamond are placed in a high
temperature oven. The temperature in the oven is increased
and a flow of oxygen is introduced. |
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
As the oven reaches 1100° C, the diamond catches
fire and begins to vaporize. At this point, the heat
to the oven is turned off and the diamond will continue
to burn until... |
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
...the diamond has completely vaporized. The moissanite
jewel remains intact and as brilliant as the day it
was created. |
|
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
These photographs demonstrate why we feel Charles &
Colvard created moissanite's superior brilliance and fire
make it a jewel whose stunning beauty is unmatched by any
other. Below, we compare a moissanite jewel's brilliance
and fire to a diamond.
 |
|
A one carat diamond
in water with a high intensity light shining on it.
The brilliance or refractive index (RI) of a diamond
is its capacity to slow and bend light. Notice the length
of the light specks and the size of the ring of specks
around the diamond in proximity to the center.
The fire or dispersion is the separation of white light
into its spectral colors.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
A one carat moissanite
jewel in water with a high intensity light shining on
it.
The high refractive index (RI) which yields moissanite's
superior brilliance, is clearly displayed by the increased
length of the light specks and the larger size of the
ring of specks in comparison to the diamond in photo
1.
The excellent fire or dispersion is clearly displayed
by the deep, intense spectrum of color associated with
each speck.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
A one carat moissanite
jewel side-by-side with a one carat diamond in water
with a high intensity light shining on them.
Notice the superior brilliance and fire of the moissanite
stone by comparing the extended length of its light
specks in comparison to the light specks of the diamond.
|
|
Superior brilliance and fire make moissanite created by
Charles & Colvard unlike any other jewel.
Rarity
Charles & Colvard created moissanite is by far the rarest
precious jewel on earth. Naturally occurring quantities
of moissanite are so minute that they are not suitable for
use in jewelry. After a century of research, only one company
in the world is capable of growing moissanite crystals suitable
for use as a precious jewel. Still the process is so complex,
that it is as much an art as a science.
Charles & Colvard, Ltd. uses an uncommon combination
of art and science to turn these rare jewel-quality crystals
into a very limited quantity of created moissanite jewels.The
chart shows the number of carats of Charles and Colvard
created moissanite produced in 1999 in comparison to the
millions of carats of the other four precious jewels imported
into the United States.
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.
Quality
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.
Warranty
All Charles & Colvard created moissanite jewels come
with the following 'Certificate of Authenticity and Limited
Lifetime Warranty' card.
|