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Moissanite Jewelry FAQ
Last updated: June 30, 2005
Here's a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding
Moissanite jewelry.
What is Moissanite?
Does your jewelry come from natural Moissanite?
How does Moissanite compare to diamonds and cubic zirconias?
What size Moissanite stones compare to a specific equivalent
diamond carat weight?
The "Three C's: cut, color and clarity that apply to diamonds, are they the same
for Moissanite?
When will I receive my order?
How can I be assured of the quality of Moissanite?
What are the warranty terms?
How should I clean and care for my Moissanite jewelry?
Q. What is Moissanite?
A.
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, silicone
carbide. Moissanite is named for Nobel Prize winner Dr.
Henri Moissan. In 1893, Dr. Moissan discovered hard,
diamond-like deposits in a 50,000 year old meteor found in
Diablo Canyon, Arizona. The mineral he found is silicon
carbide. In 1905 this compound was named Moissanite in his
honor.
Q: Does your jewelry come from natural Moissanite?
A. Naturally occurring Moissanite is extremely rare
and found only in microscopic crystals that are too small to
use in jewelry. Our Moissanite jewelry is created by
Charles & Colvard, the sole producer of Moissanite in the
world. Charles & Colvard is a publicly listed company on
NASDAQ [CTHR] Each Moissanite jewel is grown in the
laboratory from a Moissanite seed crystal. It takes months
from start to finish to grow a single jewel. Created
diamonds are grown by a similar process.
How does Moissanite compare to diamonds and cubic zirconias?
A. Moissanite has more brillliance, fire and luster than diamonds and cubic zirconias.
The only jewel harder than Moissanite is diamond. Moissanite will never fade, cloud, change color
or look different from the day you purchased it. Moissanite is at 9.25 on the hardness scale. Diamond is 10.
GEMSTONE
COMPARISON
CHART |
BEAUTY |
DURABILITY |
SPECIFIC
GRAVITY |
BRILLIANCE
Refractive Index |
FIRE
Dispersion |
LUSTER |
HARDNESS
Mohs |
TOUGHNESS |
| Moissanite |
2.65-2.69 |
0.104 |
20.4% |
9.25 |
excellent |
3.21 |
| Diamond |
2.42 |
0.044 |
17.2% |
10.00 |
excellent* |
3.52 |
| Sapphire |
1.77 |
0.018 |
7.4% |
9.00 |
excellent* |
4.00 |
| (CZ) Cubic Zirconia
|
2.15 |
0.060 |
13.6% |
8.50 |
good |
5.80 |
| * except good in cleavage direction |
|
*Total Weight. Registered logo and trademarks are property of Charles & Colvard.
Q. What size Moissanite stones compare to a specific equivalent diamond carat weight?
A. 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:
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
Q. The "Three C's: cut, color and clarity that apply to diamonds, are they the same for
Moissanite?
A. In some cases yes, and some no. The cutting for any given shape of Moissanite is done
in slightly different proportions than those for a diamond. Each Moissanite jewel is hand cut to
specifications that maximize the appearance and beauty of Moissanite. This special hand-cut faceting
gives each Moissanite jewel an unbelievable brilliance and fire. The color of Moissanite compares to
diamonds of I-J color. The clarity of Moissanite is clean to the eye and can be generally compared to
a VS diamond. It's very important to note, each Moissanite jewel is unique and no two are identical.
Q. When will I receive my order?
A. Please allow 2 weeks for manufacturing. Then add 3-5 business days for UPS Ground, 2 days for 2nd-day air, and 1 day
for next-day delivery.
Q. How can I be assured of the quality of Moissanite?
A. 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.
Q. What are the warranty terms?
A. Your Moissanite is warranted for a lifetime against any manufacturing defects. In the unlikely event
that there is ever a problem with the optical qualities of the Moissanite jewel, simply return the jewelry and
Daniel's Jewelers will either (at our option) repair or replace the jewel at no charge. Chipped or broken stones
are excluded from the warranty.
All Charles & Colvard created Moissanite jewels come with the following 'Certificate of Authenticity and Limited Lifetime Warranty' card.
Q. How should I clean and care for my Moissanite jewelry?
A. Your Moissanite jewelry requires the same simple care and handling as any other jewel.
Just like fine diamonds, clean with steam, solution or ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid cleaning with harsh chemicals.
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