Moissanite Education

CHARLES & COLVARD’S HISTORY

 

In a vast tract of pine forest in central North Carolina lies Research Triangle Park, founded in the late 50’s by state and local governments, world-renowned universities, and private businesses. It is home to over 200 firms engaged in some of the most significant scientific research and development in the world. Out of this hotbed of innovation there emerged a new kind of company, one that blended science, commerce, and ingenuity. After years of experimentation, certain researchers in RTP perfected and patented a process for creating pure silicon carbide (SiC) – a long-sought-after breakthrough which made possible significant advances in the development of diverse products that included semiconductors, LED lighting, and extremely hard drilling tools and abrasives. Some of those same researchers recognized the potential for marketing this pure silicon carbide as a new and unique type of gemstone. Its hardness rivaled that of any mineral on Earth, and its refractive properties exceeded that of diamond. Here was a new type of gemstone, and Charles & Colvard® delivered it to a world yearning for elegant jewelry which was free of environmental and ethical issues. To finally perfect the process of creating pure silicon carbide was a supreme achievement. This elemental material is so rare in nature that even locating enough to test was a monumental challenge. But with the advent of Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite®, that barrier to progress has been overcome. Today we continue to pursue further refinements of this unprecedented gem. With ongoing innovation in research, perceptive consumer outreach, and inventive channel marketing, Charles & Colvard® continues to bring about change to the jewelry Industry with its fresh ideas and forward-thinking insights.

 

 

 Moissanite Engagement Ring 

 

Twenty years ago, Charles & Colvard® patented a sustainable, socially responsible method for growing pure, nearly perfect gem-quality moissanite. The advent of what is now globally known as Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® opened up electrifying new possibilities within the jewelry industry. More brilliant than diamond at a fraction of the cost, Moissanite Created by Charles & Colvard® is among the hardest minerals on the planet, more durable than sapphire, ruby, or emerald. Its beauty and brilliance is guaranteed to last Forever. Forever is not just a promise, it’s a mission: A mission to refine the processes and technologies we pioneered to ensure that we continue producing moissanite with ever-greater purity.

 

THE 5 C’S OF MOISSANITE

There are four C’s jewelers use when grading gemstones…and they tell you everything you need to know about moissanite to achieve the fifth C – which is Confidence. The quality and enduring value of moissanite jewelry can be expressed in those 5C’s and every Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® gem is strictly examined by our experienced Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologists.

CUT

Every Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® gem is precisely calibrated and hand-faceted by master gem cutters to maximize brilliance and spark its ultimate fire that increases the refractive index of moissanite.

COLOR

The past two decades have seen ongoing research and development aimed at expanding the color range of Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® to meet market demand. In the faint color, J-K designation, the original Forever Classic™ collection provides an array of options. Near-colorless Charles & Colvard Forever Brilliant® is visibly whiter, intensifying each gem’s brilliance and brightness in a broad selection in the G-H-I range. The crowning achievement in gem innovation is the Charles & Colvard Forever One™ an unfailingly pure, white colorless gem in the premium D-E-F range.

CLARITY

Moissanite’s clarity grading is “eye-clean”. Charles & Colvard® creates moissanite using organic elements, mimicking nature in a controlled environment, therefore moissanite gems have tiny, needle-like inclusions that invariably develop during the growing process of moissanite. However, only moissanite gemstones that pass Charles & Colvard’s stringent quality standards are made available for distribution.

CARAT SIZE

Moissanite is visually proportionate to typical diamond carat weights but is approximately 10% lighter. Most jewelers find it easier to sell moissanite by size rather than weight. A 6.5mm round brilliant natural diamond would have a carat weight of approximately 1.0 compared to a moissanite of the same dimension (6.5mm) which has a carat weight of approximately 0.88. Simply put, to the eye they appear to be the same size, although the weight of the two stones may be slightly different. Like other gems, large sizes of moissanite are rare. However, the premium for large sizes is much less, making moissanite a particularly good choice for bold jewelry designs.

CONFIDENCE

Known to many as “The World’s Most Brilliant Gem®”, with unsurpassed fire and brilliance, this unique created gemstone is the ultimate in affordable luxury. All Charles & Colvard® created gemstones are backed by a Charles & Colvard Certificate of Authenticity and Limited Lifetime Warranty. Additionally each piece of MoissaniteRings.com jewelry comes with a 12 month limited warranty. This winning combination delivers the quality and confidence you deserve while empowering you to express your keen sense of style and great taste. Charles & Colvard® ensures that your moissanite gemstone is an original of exceptional quality & craftsmanship.

Grown in an American laboratory, Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® is a responsible alternative to mined gems, providing jobs without damaging the environment. Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite’s durability means that its beauty and value will endure forever. Moissanite is one of the hardest minerals on earth and is extremely resistant to scratching, abrasion, breaking, or chipping. Charles & Colvard’s promise to you is that its fire and brilliance will last forever.

GEMSTONE COMPARISON