Here's a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding 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 nor 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:

3.0mm round: 0.10 ct tw
3.5mm round: 0.15 ct tw
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
12.5mm round: 5.50 ct tw
12.0mm round: 6.00 ct tw
13.0mm round: 8.00 ct tw
14.0mm round: 10.00 ct tw
15.0mm round: 12.00 ct tw
16.0mm round: 15.00 ct tw


Note: For the list of corresponding carat weights to mm sizes for other moissanite stone shapes, please visit our loose moissanite stones page.

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 VS1 diamond. It's very important to note, each Moissanite jewel is unique and no two are identical.

Some of our moissanite competitors claim that they offer the "whitest moissanite" - but this claim is impossible to support without 3rd-party certification. Since no labs will grade moissanite, these claims remain in the realm of marketing! If moissanite grows in popularity, perhaps the gem labs will begin offering certificates.

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 Joy 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 care and handling as any other jewel. Just like fine diamonds, clean with steam, solution or ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid cleaning with harsh chemicals.