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We have been
carrying Moissanite since 1998 & are one of the first & oldest Moissanite dealers
in the world !
We have two "Charles & Colvard Certified Moissanite Jewelers"
on staff.
We carry only the top-quality Charles & Colvard stones, no seconds, imperfect
stones, etc... Since all the gem quality Moissanite is lab-created, by Charles &
Colvard, the stones currently being released are all almost identical in quality.
While
the diamond grading scale does not technically apply to Moissanite, for
the purpose of comparison most experts compare Moissanite to diamonds in the I-J Color
range & VS1-VVS Clarity. Round & Cushion
cut stones seem to be more
consistent & generally appear slightly whiter than fancy cuts.
Similar quality diamonds would cost ten times
this!!! To further insure only the finest stones, ours are hand-picked
from "parcel" selections. Moissanite is virtually undetectable as a simulant by standard diamond
testers & even by most jewelers.
All stones come with a Certificate of Authenticity & Guarantee
from Charles & Colvard
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Charles & Colvard developed the JFIRE Unit to demonstrate the
superior optical properties of Moissanite. Using a relatively simple
technique of shining a light source through a similar sized moissanite
jewel and diamond placed in water, the JFIRE Unit dramatically
demonstrates the superior fire and brilliance of moissanite.
See the virtual JFIRE Unit below to see the obviously superior
fire and brilliance of moissanite for yourself. |
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Moissanite
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Diamond
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Moissanite
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Diamond
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Click here
To see prices
While diamond grading scale does not technically apply to
moissanite, for
the purpose of comparison most experts compare moissanite to diamonds in the I-J Color
range & VS1-VVS Clarity.
(Round & Cushion cut stones seem to be more consistent & generally appear whiter
than fancy cuts)
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lab-created Moissanite has the closest physical properties to that of a diamond, it
tests as a "diamond" on conventional diamond testers. Many jewelers cannot tell
the difference from a diamond!!! |
Moissanite actually has a higher "refractive index" than
diamond, which gives it MORE sparkle & "fire" than
diamonds !!!
| Gemstone |
Mohs
Hardness |
Refractive Index |
Dispersion |
Specific
Gravity |
Toughness |
| Diamond |
10 |
2.42 |
0.044 |
3.52 |
Good-Excellent |
| Moissanite |
9 1/4 |
2.65 |
0.104 |
3.21 |
Excellent |
| Ruby &
Sapphire |
9 |
1.77 |
0.018 |
4.00 |
Excellent |
| Cubic Zirconia |
8 1/2 |
2.23 |
0.066 |
5.80 |
Good |
| Emerald |
7 1/5 |
1.58 |
0.014 |
2.72 |
Good -Poor |
Unlike CZs which are totally flawless &
colorless, Moissanite does have a slightly darker (I-J) color & some very slight flaws
(VS1-VVS) visible only under magnification... All of our stones are hand-picked to
meet these specifications !! Beware of "bargains" on lower quality stones
(especially stones released over a year ago).
Moissanite's very high refractive index
("fire") also allows Moissanite to better retain it's fire if it gets
dirty, oily, or smudged, (unlike CZs that look very dull when dirty).
These color/clarity characteristics are
another reason that Moissanite looks like a diamond & not like a Cubic Zirconia
(CZ). Average diamonds in these grading ranges cost 10 times more than Moissanite!!
Many jewelers can easily tell identify a CZ, although most cannot distinguish between a
Moissanite and a diamond, without careful, magnified inspection and/or formal training in
stone identification. Colorless & flawless diamonds are VERY rare (virtually
non-existent to consumers). You might ask, "How rare?".... The current
market value of a colorless/ flawless 1 carat diamond is about $175,000.00
CLICK HERE for a pictorial on
Moissanite stone cutting
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Moissanite's brilliance,
hardness, weight and scratch resistance rival all other gemstones. This
jewel possesses
all the romance and passion of rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Moissanite is found only in
meteorites and in limited areas beneath the earth's surface. |
HISTORY OF
MOISSANITE....
The history of natural Moissanite can be traced back to the late 1800's, and a man
who later became a Nobel Prize winner. Dr. Henri Moissan discovered natural silicon
carbide in Arizona, while analyzing part of the Diablo Canyon
meteorite, in 1893. The mineral name for silicon carbide, Moissanite, was given in Dr.
Moissan's honor in 1905.
Moissanite's essence was
the potential for an absolutely shimmering brilliance, fire, luster, and incredible
hardness. Unfortunately, the supply of natural moissanite wasn't large enough even to
create a pair of earrings.
Naturally
occurring moissanite is extremely rare and found only in microscopic crystals that are too
small to use in jewelry. Only after years of research a breakthrough discovery enabled the
production of moissanite crystals large enough to produce an uncommon combination of
science and art.
Natural sources of silicon
carbide are rare, and only certain atomic arrangements are useful for gemological
applications. Recently, single-crystalline silicon carbide, in certain forms, has been
used for the fabrication of high-performance semiconductor devices. North Carolina-based
Cree Research, Inc., founded in 1987, has developed a commercial process for producing
large single crystals of silicon carbide. Cree is the world leader in the growth of single
crystal silicon carbide, mostly for electronics use. Gem quality Moissanite is created,
exclusively by Charles & Colvard, inc.
More info from the Charles & Colvard
website: www.moissanite.com
CLICK HERE for a pictorial on
Moissanite stone cutting
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For more of our jewelry mounted
with the finest Cubic Zirconia,
Please visit our sister site www.E14k.com
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For a HUGE manufacturers catalog
of over 40,000 styles of
Gold, Diamond, & Gemstone Jewelry, Please visit www.2nice.com
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