Moissanite is named for Dr. Henri Moissan, a Nobel prize-winning scientist who discovered natural silicon carbide in 1893. Dr. Moissan identified these unique crystals while studying the Diablo Canyon meteorite from Diablo Canyon, Arizona. Silicon carbide was dubbed Moissanite in his honor by the scientific community in 1905.

Diamonds are valued not only for their hardness and beauty, but also for their industrial applications. While diamonds have represented great wealth throughout the ages, modern technology has unlocked part of the power of carbon by utilizing diamonds in tools, lasers, and other devices. More perfect diamonds are certainly more valuable both as manifestations or icons of wealth as well as industrial tools and components.

Hence, the quest for the perfect diamond has led to scientific experimentation in the production of artificial diamonds and diamond-like substances. The most promising technologies "grow" crystals in high-pressure environments. Cubic Zirconia are the most widely recognized artificial diamond-like crystals to have been developed, but Moissanite is gaining in popularity, especially because of the fiery beauty of Moissanite gems and Moissanite jewelry. Many couples lovingly purchase Moissanite rings simply because they possess diamond-like radiance and strength at a much lower price.

In 1987, Cree Research, Inc. developed a process for economically producing large silicon carbide crystals in quantity, and thus was born the Moissanite jewelery industry. Charles and Colvard (formerly known as C3, Inc.) exclusively produce gem-quality Moissanite crystals.

Julie's Jewels carries a broad selection of Moissanite Jewelry, including Moissanite Bracelets, Moissanite Earrings, Moissanite Pendants, and Moissanite Rings.

Moissanite jewelry may be the perfect gift for that special someone who wants a genuine high quality diamond-like ring, pendant, bracelet, or ring. Cost does not have to be a determining factor when these naturally engineered Moissanite crystals bring the beauty, radiance, and strength of diamond-like crystals into your reach. Moissanite rings, Moissanite pendants, Moissanite bracelets, and Moissanite earrings are wonderful gifts for Valentine's Day, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and all special occasions.

Diamonds have traditionally been separated from other high-strength crystals, especially industrially grown crystals, through a thermal identification process. Moissanite returns the same results as natural diamond, so Cree Research has developed a special tool that distinguishes between Moissanite and diamond.

The tool works by measuring relative transparency in the near ultraviolet range of the light spectrum. Diamond naturally absorbs light in this part of the spectrum, but Moissanite transmits light in these wavelights. Potential industrial applications may impact communications and information processing technology some day.

Moissanite looks more like natural diamond when the gem stones are small. Large Moissanite stones have a slightly grey or greenish tint to them. Using a loupe or microscope, it is possible to examine the crown facets of Moissanite gems to identify facet doubling due to double refraction. Trained gemologists should also be able to notice surface polish and inclusions that are not characteristic of natural diamonds.

Nonetheless, Moissanite gems are rated second on the hardness scale only after diamonds, a significant accomplishment. Hardness ranges from 9.25 to 9.5 (diamond is graded at 10 on the scale).

Because of Moissanite's close resemblance to natural diamonds, there have naturally been cases of reported fraud. While a couple may legitimately want to purcahse Moissanite jewelry, no one should buy Moissanite thinking it's a natural diamond. Some jewelers reportedly display Moissanite under pink lighting to hide the fluorescent brilliance that is natural to Moissanite (Moissanite is 2.5 more brilliant than natural diamond). Julie's Jewels identifies Moissanite jewelry as just that on product pages.