Charles & Colvard® has been creating beautiful moissanite jewelry for over twenty years. Established in 1995, Charles & Colvard® continues to refine their patented method for growing pure, brilliant moissanite in a way that is both sustainable and ecologically responsible.

But the story of moissanite actually begins a century earlier. In 1893, moissanite was discovered when small, brilliant crystals were unearthed at a meteorite impact site in Arizona. Dr. Moissan, the chemist who found them, initially thought they were diamonds due to their hardness and reflective brilliance. After careful testing, however, the gemstones were identified as something new, natural silicon carbide, and were named “Moissanite” in Dr. Moissan’s honor.

Natural moissanite crystals are extremely rare, which is why these remarkable gemstones are created in a controlled environment. This patented process mimics the natural process of gem formation, allowing for the sustainable creation of high-quality gemstones with minimal ecological impact. The resulting manmade gems have a high refractive index and excellent light dispersion, which gives them exceptional brilliance and fire. Moissanite is also hard and durable, more so than ruby, sapphire, or emerald.

Although moissanite is a gorgeous engagement-ring gemstone, it is not a diamond imitation. It is a synthetic gem, which is a manmade gemstone with essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and properties as natural moissanite.

Selecting an engagement ring is an important personal decision. Many couples are drawn to the tradition associated with classic diamond engagement rings. Other couples, however, prefer the comfort that comes with knowing that their unique moissanite gem was created in the USA, under conditions that are conflict-free and sustainable.

Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® is also an excellent choice for value-conscious couples seeking a truly brilliant gem, similar to diamond, but available at a price point closer to morganite or sapphire.

The beautiful Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® ring featured below has a center stone of approximately 1/3 carat, set in a field of glittering accent stones.

Photo Gallery (click to enlarge): Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite Engagement Ring. Photos six and seven: diffuse sunlight. Photo eight: direct incandescent light.

Because the refractive index of moissanite is higher than that of diamond, moissanite gems have a bit more sparkle and their own unique beauty. Charles & Colvard®’s exquisite pieces do an excellent job of showcasing these beautiful characteristics.

Charles & Colvard® has refined the innovative technologies that allow for the creation of moissanite. In doing so, they now offer three color categories of Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite®: Forever One™ (D-E-F color), Forever Brilliant® (G-H-I color), and Forever Classic™ (J-K color).

Every Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® is hand-faceted by a master gem cutter to maximize its brilliance and fire. Because moissanite is created with organic elements, the stones have tiny, needle-like inclusions. However, only eye-clean stones that pass stringent quality standards are made available for purchase by Charles & Colvard®.

Scroll down for a sample of enchanting engagement rings from Girls' Guide to Glitz's fabulous affiliate: