FAQs

Frequently asked Questions

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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 create this unique and near-colorless jewel by producing large, gem-quality crystals using the exact same natural mineral, silicon carbide. Moissanite is truly a unique and beautiful blend of art and science.

Why would I buy Moissanite?
Moissanite is a must have in the world of fashion and jewellery as it is a unique jewel, unlike any other. In fact, women around the world are attracted to the big bold beautiful look of Moissanite. Moissanite has more brilliance, fire and lustre than any other gemstone including diamond.

Is Moissanite a "simulated" diamond or a diamond substitute?
NO! - Though Moissanite looks like a fine diamond, it is not a diamond simulant or diamond substitute. Moissanite is a jewel in its own right with its own unique properties.

Do people buy Moissanite rings for engagements and weddings?
Absolutely. We have sold many many rings to couples wanting a unique piece of jewellery which offers incredible value. They are lifetime pieces that will be passed down the generations.

How do the Diamond's 4 C's rate with Moissanite?
Moissanite is a different jewel than diamond. While it might initially look like diamond, Moissanite has a different chemical composition and its visual properties of fire and brilliance are different than diamond. As such, Moissanite is not graded using the diamond grading system. All Moissanite is near-colourless and it is a beautifully brilliant, highly dispersive jewel that is eye-clean and stand on its own.

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

Does my Moissanite jewellery come with a certificate?
Yes. Charles & Colvard provides an International Limited Lifetime Warranty that the jewel will maintain its brilliance and fire for the lifetime of the owner.

Will Moissanite ever lose its brilliance, become cloudy or will it change colour?
No. This is covered in the Certificate. Because Moissanite is made from a natural mineral, it will never lose its brilliance.

How is Charles & Colvard created Moissanite made?
Single-crystal Moissanite is manufactured through a patented thermal growing process, the specifics of which are proprietary. Made from the natural mineral Silicon Carbide, the process is very difficult and expensive, thus preventing mass production.

Who are the suppliers of Moissanite?
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. Moi Moi Fine Jewellery are Australia's exclusive distributors.

Where does 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 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.

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.

Why is the price higher than Cubic Zirconia (CZ)?
CZ comes disguised with many different brand names, however, their properties are the same. They are made from a synthetic material known as Zirconium Oxide. There is no comparison between these brands of CZ and Moissanite. Moissanite is a much higher quality product.

What gives Moissanite its fire?
A gemstone's "fire" is caused by dispersion - the property by which light is spread out 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 Moissanite scratch or break easily?
No. Moissanite is durable and tough and a great jewel for every day wear. It is extremely resistant to scratching and abrasion. Diamond is the hardest gemstone used in jewellery, followed closely by Moissanite which is harder than all other gemstones including ruby and sapphire.

Can Moissanite test positive as a diamond using conventional testing equipment?
Yes. Near-colorless created Moissanite has many 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.

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.

For more FAQ's, visit our article in the Daily Telegraph.