FAQs

Frequently asked Questions

What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is the most brilliant jewel in the world. It has more brilliance, fire and lustre than any other gemstone including diamond. Moissanite comes with a lifetime warranty against its brilliance. It will stay brilliant and fiery forever.

Do people buy Moissanite rings for engagements and weddings?
Absolutely. Engagement rings form more than half of our sales. Some couples even choose to design their own dream ring, which we custom make in our workshop. 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.

Is Moissanite a diamond simulant or a diamond imitation?
NO! Diamond simulants or imitations are Cubic Zirconia, which are commonly called CZ. These simulants are disguised and marketed under many branded names. Consumers are confused, as some dishonest jewellers would call it a simulant but would not disclose it as CZ even when asked directly. CZ can be distinguished easily as it is glass-like and has a "transparent" look about it which will go cloudy over time. Moissanite is a jewel in its own right with its own unique properties.

Does Moissanite become cloudy like CZ (cubic zirconia)?
No. CZ or zirconium oxide is unstable at room temperature and because of its instability it has a tendency to change its appearance and colour over a short time. CZ is also porous and once it is filled with cosmetics, lotion, perfume or dirt it will become cloudy, and its cloudiness is irreversible. Moissanite will never become cloudy.

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.

Why do you say Moissanite is better than diamonds?
Gemologically, Moissanite has more brilliance, more fire, and more luster than any jewel, including diamond. This is what defines the beauty of a stone.