Moissanite Jewelry FAQ

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 recreate 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.

Is Moissanite a “simulated” diamond or a diamond substitute?
That 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 a diamond. Women don’t buy Moissanite instead – they buy it because they love it.

Is it true that created Moissanite can test positive as diamond using conventional testing equipment?
Yes. Near-colorless created Moissanite has very similar physical properties to those of diamond. Consequently, prior to Moissanite’s initial release in the market, Charles & Colvard developed handheld testing equipment (Tester Model 590) specifically designed to easily distinguish Moissanite from diamond by testing for the absorption of ultraviolet light. This Moissanite tester is available for sale through Stuller Settings.

Does Moissanite retain its value over time?
Because of its rarity, unmatched beauty, and patent protection, Charles & Colvard created Moissanite is expected to retain or increase its value over time.

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.

How do you clean Moissanite?
You can clean Moissanite the same way you would diamond. As with any fine jewelry item, you would not want to dump all of your jewelry into an ultrasonic cleaner at once to guard against possible chipping, but your Moissanite jewel is perfectly safe under normal ultrasonic cleaning.

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