Moissanite: Brighter than Diamond, Stronger than Sapphire and Ethically Produced

MORRISVILLE, N.C., Jan. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Moissanite has a fascinating history. In 1893, Dr. Henry Moissan, a French chemist, examined rock samples from Meteor Crater in northern Arizona, and at first mistakenly identified what he found as diamonds. In 1904, he correctly identified the crystals as silicon carbide. The mineral form of silicon carbide was named moissanite in his honor. Until the 1950s, no other source for moissanite other than meteorites had been encountered.

Moissanite is one of the hardest substances known—it is 9.25 on the Mohs scale, with diamond being a 10. Since naturally occurring moissanite is so rare, laboratory-grown moissanite is the only commercially viable version of the mineral.

In 1998, moissanite was introduced to the jewelry market with some fascinating optical properties that exceed even those of diamonds. Considering its lower price and ethical production—many are finding this new class to be a popular choice.  

Thanks to Charles & Colvard, Ltd. of Morrisville, NC, Forever Brilliant® moissanite jewelry is fast becoming an attractive alternative to not just natural diamonds but many other favorite gems for a wide range of customers. The company, led by President and CEO Randall N. McCullough, who is highly regarded in the jewelry industry for his acumen and integrity, produces gem-cut moissanite in rings, bracelets, necklaces, pins and other jewelry.

Charles & Colvard is the exclusive worldwide marketer and distributor of moissanite jewels. With origins in the stars, every gem is grown slowly, subjecting silicon and carbon to tremendous heat and pressure. Each gem is then oriented for maximum brilliance and hand-polished to perfection. The Forever Brilliant^® gems are up to four shades whiter than conventional moissanite, exploding with light, perfect in platinum, gorgeous in gold and beautiful in silver. Better yet, Forever Brilliant^® gems are guaranteed to permanently maintain brilliance and fire without fading or changing color.

Thanks go to the initial team of explorers at Meteor Crater—and to Dr. Moissan for his work on the crystals found in that crater. And thank you, Mr. McCullough, for producing a gem that can hold its own with any valuable jewel made by nature.

For more information, visit www.charlesandcolvard.com, who paid for the writing and dissemination of this release.

Contact: Laura Radocaj, Dian Griesel Int'l. 212.825.3210

SOURCE Charles & Colvard, Ltd.