- What is Moissanite? (top)
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.
- Does your jewelry come from natural Moissanite? (top)
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? (top)
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 |
|
- What size Moissanite stones compare to a specific
equivalent diamond carat weight? (top)
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
- The "Three C's: cut, color and clarity that
apply to diamonds, are they the same for Moissanite? (top)
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.
- When will I receive my order? (top)
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.
- How can I be assured of the quality of Moissanite? (top)
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.
- What are the warranty terms on Moissanite? (top)
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.
- How should I clean and care for my Moissanite
jewelry? (top)
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.
- What is your return policy on Moissanite? (top)
We will accept all Moissanite items for return and refund (less $15
restocking fee) within 30 days except for sized Moissanite rings.
|
