No. The standard GIA diamond color grading scale is not designed to rate Moissanite. Unlike diamonds, which range from colorless to brownish to fancy yellow, Charles & Colvard created Moissanite can have slight undertones from green to yellow to gray. It is a beautifully brilliant, highly dispersive jewel that stands on its own, creating a unique jewelry category.

Allow us to explain about certificates. The simple fact is all jewelers cannot sell the same diamond for the best price, but they still must make it appear that way. Thus many other certificates exist that are far from accurate, and it appears you are getting the same grade diamond, for much less money.

Using a 10x loupe, each individual jewel is examined for inclusions that may affect the optical performance of the jewel.

A diamond which was examined and graded by GIA, the Gemological Institute of America. The results of the examination are printed onto certified document and accompany the stone for verification of quality.

Scoring rubrics are in the back of the Coaches Handbook (black and orange book from FIRST). But think carefully if and how you want to use them. You do not want to find yourself "teaching to the test". Unless the instructions specifically call for it, you don't have to build a robot for the research project.

No. There are no known situations in which the color of Moissanite has been permanently changed. A temporary color change will occur when Moissanite is exposed to heat (torch) during jewelry repair techniques. However, with proper bench techniques, there is no resulting damage and Moissanite returns to its normal color after the jewel cools to room temperature.

Like the most precious and rare natural diamonds, LifeGem diamonds can currently be created in light, medium, and intense shades of yellow or blue. Due to the unique nature of our scientific process, every single LifeGem will be a different shade, like a sunset captured in time or a wave upon the ocean. The elements and unique makeup of your loved one's carbon directly affect the resulting color of your LifeGem diamond(s).

Wow! Am I ever asked this question a lot. Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t ask me if they got the real thing. This question has been so popular I’ve devoted a whole article to all the tests and tricks you can perform on your stone to know if you got the “Real McCoy.” to be magically transported to the article. Hands down cubic zirconia (c.z.)is the most popular simulant on the market. There are two types: machine-manufactured and hand-cut.

A diamond grading report or a certificate, as it sometimes is known, is a document prepared by a team of accredited gemmologists who measure the various components of the polished diamond, diamonds-namely carat-weight, clarity, cut and colour and assign a value to each. It also judges finish and symmetry. Today, much of the process is accomplished using sophisticated and extremely accurate electronic equipment.

Well, it's worth 80 points, and it's roughly 72-80 is an A/A-, 64-71 is a B+/B/B-, 56-63 is a C+/C/C-, 48-56 is a D, and below 48 is an F.

The answer is a resounding NO – Moissanite is not a substitute for diamond scientifically or emotionally. Charles & Colvard created Moissanite is a unique near-colorless jewel (SiC) that stands on its own when it comes to superb fire and brilliance. From a scientific standpoint, the Moissanite used in jewelry today is a created jewel that was originally discovered in its natural state in the Canyon Diablo meteor crater located in Arizona.

Natural color diamonds are so beautiful, but yet so rare and therefore so expensive. With today's technology it is possible to take colorless diamonds and permanently add colors to them.

This will vary by company. Some are not detailed and are very ambiguous. Great care should be taken to insure that the grades listed are the grades received. To insure the best results specify that you receive a certificate from one of the following, (GIA, EGL, HRD, IGI). The first three will identify the grade of the diamond but do not address value. Generally, these three are used for loose stones.

MCNY will have grades ranging from "A" through "F" and effective Spring 2005, will also include minus grades. Click here to download a Transcript Explanation form.

Each teacher has different breakdowns for how grades are determined (ie weight of tests, quizzes, etc.). Specific information will be provided by each teacher.

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

Answer: Moissanite has very close characteristics to diamond. The refractive index or brilliance of Moissanite is 2.65 as compared to 2.42 for diamond. The dispersion or fire of Moissanite is 0.104 as compared to 0.044 for diamond. Moissanite is the second hardest jewel after diamond with a hardness rating of 9.25 as compared to 10 for diamond.

Answer: Yes. It is quite difficult to tell the two apart especially when both have very similar properties. Even many professional jewelers find it hard to distinguish the two. Answer: Yes, most definitely. As seen on 20/20, Moissanite is the only other jewel that will test “positive” as a diamond when tested using a standard diamond tester.

A diamond is made entirely of carbon (just like the graphite in a pencil). But, while graphite is very soft, the carbon atoms in diamond form in such a way as to create the hardest known substance. This special structure allows diamonds to take a superior polish and project more brilliance than any other natural colorless gemstone.