MOISSANITE ENGAGEMENT RING GUIDE Welcome to a World Made Brighter with Moissanite

MOISSANITE ENGAGEMENT RING GUIDE Welcome to a World made brighter with moissanite

At MoissaniteBridal.com, we understand the level of commitment and thoughtful research that comes with choosing the right engagement ring. That’s why we created our new Moissanite Engagement Ring Guide™. This invaluable resource provides you with essential insight into the vast world of engagement and wedding jewelry; conflict-free diamonds; sustainable materials, like recycled gold; and diamond alternatives, including Charles & Colvard® moissanite.

We hope you’ll find this guide helpful in your decision-making process. Like Charles & Colvard, MoissaniteBridal.com proudly stands behind our moissanite jewels and guarantees that each one will maintain its fire and brilliance, without fading or changing color.

If you have any questions about moissanite wedding jewelry, please visit us at www.MoissaniteBridal.com today.

©2015 MoissaniteBridal.com Call toll-free 1-888-345-8725 (US) Contact [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 2 ©2015 MoissaniteBridal.com Call toll-free 1-888-345-8725 (US) Contact [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 3 Table of Contents

p 5 Who Discovered Moissanite?

p 6 A Brief History of Moissanite

p 7 14k Gold, Platinum and Palladium

p 8 More About Conflict Diamonds

p 9 The Five Cs of Moissanite

p 11 Anatomy of a Moissanite and Diamond

p 12 Popular Cuts of Moissanite

p 13 Cuts and Weights of Moissanite

p 17 Moissanite vs. Diamond

p 18 Moissanite vs. CZ

p 19 Commonly Marketed Jewels

p 20 Integrity, Trust and Quality

p 21 DesignYour Own Engagement Ring

FERDINAND FREDERIC HENRI MOISSAN as found in the journal of Gems & Gemology, 1999

Henri Moissan was born in Paris on September 28, 1852. His advanced education began in the Collège de Meaux and later in Edmond Frémy’s laboratory at the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, where he attended lectures by E.H. Sainte-Claire Deville and Henri Debray. A year later, Moissan removed to Pierre Paul Dehérain’s laboratory in the École Pratique des Haute Études and, subsequently, directed a small laboratory of his own before joining Debray and Troost in the laboratories of the Sorbonne. In 1899, he took the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry and, in 1900, was appointed Assessor to the Director of that School. In the same year, he succeeded Troost as Professor of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Paris.

In 1892, Moissan theorized that diamonds could be synthesized by crystallizing carbon under pressure from molten iron. He designed and developed the electric-arc furnace, attaining temperatures of up to 3,500°C, to assist him in work that led to the production of tiny artificial stones. Moissan subsequently used the furnace to volatilize many substances that had been regarded as infusible and to prepare many new compounds, particularly carbides, silicides and borides.

Moissan, a Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur, was elected member of the Académie de Médecine (1888), Académie des Sciences (1891), Conseil d’Hygiène de la Seine (1895) and the Comité Consultatif des Arts et Manufactures (1898). He was awarded the Prix Lacaze in 1887, was a Davy medalist in 1896 and a Hofmann medalist in 1903. Moissan was honored by the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, was awarded Fellowships of the Royal Society of London and The Chemical Society (London) and held honorary memberships of many other learned societies. Dr. Moissan died suddenly in Paris on February 20, 1907, soon after receiving his Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Discovered more than 100 years ago in particles taken from an Arizona meteor crater by Dr. Henri Moissan, silicon carbide begins its journey through a transformational process to become moissanite—a spectacular jewel of the 21st century. Now, through the combination of advanced technology and proprietary process, moissanite is carefully created by Charles & Colvard®. Cherished worldwide, the moissanite jewel is acclaimed for its exceptional brilliance and dispersion (fire)—properties that in moissanite exceed most popular gemstones, including diamond. Moissanite is also harder than ruby, sapphire or emerald—second in hardness only to diamond. Moissanite’s history truly showcases the feats of modern science and artisan skill in creating a jewel so universally appealing.

The Uniqueness of Moissanite A STANDOUT JEWEL FOR GOOD REASON

Creating an entirely new and unique category of jewel and jewelry, moissanite—chemically known as silicon carbide—is both exceptionally brilliant and amazingly unique. Believed to have been carried to earth by a meteorite 50,000 years ago in trace amounts, silicon carbide is now created in a painstaking laboratory process and then hand-faceted by master diamond-cutters to bring out its exceptional natural brilliance. Set into a fine piece of jewelry, moissanite produces the most fire you’ve ever seen—it’s unlike anything found naturally on earth.

RECYCLED PRECIOUS METALS

We’re in a business where all of our products come from the earth. The jewelry industry, in particular, relies heavily upon mining companies to generate source materials for their products.

The fact is—mining is a very “dirty” business. The production of one beautiful gold ring will generate five tons of environmental waste, contaminating water and lands that endanger the health and lives of humans and animals.

The negative impacts of mining have forced people and businesses alike to take a long, hard look at where their products come from, how they’re made and to what extent they’re impacting the earth, its lands and its people.

MoissaniteBridal.com is a truly earth-minded retailer of fine jewelry and partners only with refiners and manufacturers who provide socially and environmentally responsible products and services. We believe it’s our moral obligation to continually respect basic human rights around the world and to protect the environment by conserving energy and recycling.

CONFLICT DIAMONDS AND THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS From the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

Diamonds are small, valuable and easily concealed—the perfect target for smugglers. In the late 1990s, the world learned that smuggled diamonds were funding murderous rebel armies in Angola and Sierra Leone. These stones became known as “conflict diamonds” or “blood diamonds.” Even though the vast majority of rough diamonds were going through legitimate channels, immediate action was needed to end the distribution of these blood diamonds.

In 2000, industry organizations began working with world governments, human rights groups and the United Nations to create the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, aimed at removing undocumented rough diamonds from the marketplace. According to this system, all rough diamonds had to be accompanied by a diamond certificate of origin issued by an approved agency. From that point and all the way to the consumer, it became mandatory that each diamond be accompanied by a document confirming its legitimate pedigree.

Unfortunately, the place where a diamond’s found—and the fact that it can travel hundreds of miles from its true point of origin—makes it virtually impossible to know where a specific diamond originated. Because the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) only reports on what it knows, it doesn’t report on point of origin.

The Kimberley Process took effect on January 1, 2003 and, by all accounts, it appears to be working. With the end of civil war in Angola and Sierra Leone, peace and stability have returned to those countries.

KNOWING QUALITY WHEN YOU SEE IT Charles and Colvard, Ltd.

CUT From crystal formation to the final polish, moissanite stones are hand-faceted to maximize each created gem’s exceptional fire, brilliance and sparkle.

CLARITY Moissanite has only the finest clarity, and on most diamond scales, its rating would rival the nicest VS diamond. Moissanite’s exceptional fire and brilliance are enhanced by the consistent quality of Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite®.

COLOR Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® is produced near colorless and carries the highest refractive index and dispersion. As a result, it has greater fire, brilliance and scintillation than that of any other gemstone.

CARAT Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® is produced within exact specifications, making it visually proportionate to typical diamond carat weights. The advantage of this technique is that the size you select is the size you receive. It also allows you to see equivalent pricing when compared to a diamond, so you can see the true value this unique jewel offers.

COMMITMENT Each Charles & Colvard Created Forever Family Moissanite® gemstone is backed and warranted with Charles & Colvard’s® exclusive Limited Lifetime Warranty.

©2015 MoissaniteBridal.com Call toll-free 1-888-345-8725 (US) Contact [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 9 ©2015 MoissaniteBridal.com Call toll-free 1-888-345-8725 (US) Contact [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 10 Anatomy of a Diamond and Moissanite

Diameter Crown Table

Girdle Depth

Pavillion

Cutlet

Moissanite is that the Charles & Colvard master diamond cutters have chosen the unique double refraction cut on the pavillion of a Moissanite. This technique helps to provide the renowned fire and brilliance the Moissanite is so well known for.

Round Cut Oval Cut

Square Cut Radiant Cut

Pear Cut Heart Cut

Marquise Cut Cushion Cut

* Top and Bottom Views

©2015 MoissaniteBridal.com Call toll-free 1-888-345-8725 (US) Contact [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 12 The VariousCuts Cuts of Moissanite of Moissanite Available at MoissaniteBridal.comBrought to you by MoissaniteBridal.com

TheThe Most Most Brilliant Brilliant Jewel Jewel in in the the W orld™World™ Carefully Carefullyand precisely and precisely hand-faceted, hand-faceted, each each Charles Charles & & Colvard Colvard jeweljewel is is cut cut according according to exact to exactangles anglesand proportions, and proportions designeddesigned especially especially for moissanite for moissanite to tomaximize maximize itsits brilliancebrilliance and and enhance enhance its incredible its incredible fire. fire. Captivating Shapes All CaratAll Weights carat weights expressed are expressed in comparable in comparable millimeter millimeter (mm) (mm) sizes to to scale scale and and approximate approximate diamond diamond weights. weights. *Custom shapes and sizes available upon request.

ROUND BRILLIANT 57 Facets (2.5mm-15mm available; smaller sizes available in bulk quantities) 2.5 3 3.25 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 m m s ize

Diamond Equivalent Weight .06 .10 .13 .16 .23 .33 .50 .60 .80 1.00 1.20 1.50 1.90 2.20 2.70 3.10 3.60 4.20 11 11.5 12 12.5 13 13.5 14 14.5 15 m m s ize

Diamond Equivalent Weight 4.75 5.37 6.13 7.00 7.75 8.75 9.75 10.34 12.00

SQUARE BRILLIANT 69 Facets (2mm-12mm available) 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 m m s ize

Diamond Equivalent Weight .05 .12 .18 .27 .41 .60 .80 1.00 1.30 1.70 2.10 2.50 3.10 3.60 4.30 5.10 5.97 6.92 11 11.5 12

8.25 9.09 10.32

CUSHION 81 Facets (2mm-10mm available) 10 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10.5 m m s ize

Diamond Equivalent Weight .08 .08 .13 .22 .33 .50 .60 .80 1.10 1.30 1.70 2.00 2.40 2.80 3.30 4.20 5.02 5.81 11 11.5 12 m m s ize

Diamond Equivalent Weight 6.68 7.63 8.67

HEART 56 Facets (3mm-10mm available) 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 m m s ize

Diamond Equivalent Weight .06 .09 .15 .23 .34 .50 .60 .80 1.00 1.20 1.50 1.80 2.20 2.70 3.10 3.70

* Custom shapes and sizes available upon request. [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 1-888-345-8725 (US) All carat weights are expressed in comparable millimeter (mm) sizes to scale and approximate diamond weights.

OCTAGON 73 Facets (2.5mm-9.5mm available) 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 m m size

Diamond Equivalent Weight .04 .07 .12 .19 .28 .39 .50 .70 .90 1.10 1.40 1.70 * 2.10 2.60 2.90 3.35

OVAL 69 Facets (4x2mm-14x10.5mm available) 12x10 14x10 14x10.5 4x2 5x3 6x4 7x5 8x6 9x7 10x8 11x9 m m size

Diamond Equivalent Weight .10 .26 .50 .90 1.50 2.10 3.00 4.20 5.80 7.22 7.83

PEAR 71 Facets (5x3mm-12x8mm available) 5x3 6x4 7x5 7.5x5 8x5 9x6 10x7 10.5x7 12x7.5 12x8 m m s ize

Diamond Equivalent Weight .21 .43 .77 .85 .94 1.50 2.10 2.40 3.13 3.57

RADIANT 53 Facets (4x2mm-14x12mm available) 4x2 5x3 6x4 7x5 8x6 9x7 10x8 11x9 12x10 14x10 14x12 m m size

Diamond Equivalent Weight .11 .33 .70 1.20 1.80 2.70 3.90 5.30 7.20 9.30 13.00

TRILLION 43 Facet s (2mm-11mm available) 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11 m m size

Diamond Equivalent Weight .03 .05 .09 .14 .20 .30 .40 .50 .70 .80 1.00 1.30 1.60 1.80 2.40 2.78 3.24 3.75 4.31

CASTLE 57 Facets (2.5mm-8mm available) 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 m m size

Diamond Equivalent Weight .06 .10 .16 .24 .34 .45 .60 .80 1.00 1.20 1.50 1.80

ROSETTE 25 F acet s (3mm-15mm available) 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11 12 m m size

Diamond Equivalent Weight .06 .09 .13 .19 .26 .34 .44 .56 .70 .87 1.05 1.26 1.50 1.76 2.05 2.38 2.73 3.55

13 14 15 m m size

Diamond Equivalent Weight 4.08 5.10 6.27 ©2015 MoissaniteBridal.com Call toll-free 1-888-345-8725 (US) * Custom shapes and sizes available upon request. [email protected] Contact [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 1-888-345-8725 (US) www.MoissaniteBridal.com 14 All carat weights are expressed in comparable millimeter (mm) sizes to scale and approximate diamond weights.

MARQUISE 57 Facet s (4x2mm -14x7mm available) BAGUETTE (baguettes are sold in 3.0 carat bags only ) 4x2 5x2.5 6x3 7x3.5 8x4 9x4.5 10x5 11x5.5 12x6 13x6.5 14x7 S T RAIGHT T APERED m m size 4x2 5x2.5 5x2.5x 2 mm siz e m m s i z e

Diamond Equivalent Weight Diamond Equivalent Weight Diamond Equivalent Weight .07 .13 .23 .35 .50 .70 1.00 1.40 1.80 2.20 2.80 .11 .21 .19

TRIANGLE 37 Facet s (2mm–9.5mm available ) 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 m m size

Diamond Equivalent Weight .02 .06 .10 .16 .23 .33 .44 .60 .70 .90 1.20 1.40 1.60 2.00 2.30 2.64

PRINCESS 57 Facet s (2mm–13mm available ) 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 m m size

Diamond Equivalent Weight .05 .10 .16 .25 .37 .50 .70 .90 1.20 1.50 1.80 2.30 2.80 3.20 3.90 4.40 5.30

10.5 11 11.5 12 12.5 13 m m size

Diamond Equivalent Weight 6.35 7.31 8.35 9.49 10.72 12.06

* Custom shapes and sizes available upon request [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 1-888-345-8725 (US & Canada Only) ©2015 MoissaniteBridal.com Call toll-free 1-888-345-8725 (US) Contact [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 15 ©2015 MoissaniteBridal.com Call toll-free 1-888-345-8725 (US) Contact [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 16 Moissanite vs. Diamond

Two Distinctly Unique Jewels The Many Similarities of Moissanite and Diamond

Brilliant, durable and near colorless, diamond and moissanite are often compared. However, under closer examination, you can see that these two unique stones have several key differences. The most obvious difference is that moissanite and diamond are two entirely different jewels with distinctly different chemical compositions, physical characteristics and optical properties. Moissanite’s chemical composition is silicon carbide and diamond is composed of carbon. While both sparkle, moissanite actually has a higher brilliance than diamond when you compare refractive indices. Moissanite’s measurement of brilliance or refractive index (RI) of 2.65-2.69 is about 10% higher than diamond’s RI of 2.42. Not only does moissanite have a higher refractive index than diamond, but also its dispersion (fire) measured at 0.104 is nearly two and a half times more than diamond’s (0.044). Interestingly, diamond has a natural affinity to grease, which builds up on diamond’s surface and can reduce its luster appearance. Moissanite is less likely to attract grease, sparkling brightly even when it hasn’t been cleaned in a long time. Moissanite is also more durable than diamond and less likely to cleave into two pieces when force is applied. What’s more, today’s commonly promoted engagement ring diamond is lower in quality, and moissanite’s exceptional cutting is evident by the way moissanite outshines many diamonds. In every way, moissanite is a superior choice for beautiful, unique jewelry.

Distinct and Different Why Moissanite Is Superior to Cubic Zirconia

At first glance, moissanite resembles diamond and might be mistaken for diamond, a synthetic diamond or diamond substitute. In fact, moissanite isn’t a diamond look-alike or a ‘me-too’ simulant like cubic zirconia. Moissanite is an entirely unique jewel with highly desirable qualities. And when compared with cubic zirconia or CZ (perhaps the world’s most popular diamond simulant), the differences are obvious, and moissanite’s uniqueness becomes even more desirable. CZ is an inexpensive simulated diamond look-alike and is inferior in almost every gemological property to moissanite. CZ is mass produced under a myriad of trade names and promoted with various brand names (see chart on following page). Compared to moissanite, CZ has a lower Mohs hardness. It scratches and abrades easily, which causes many consumers to say that CZ loses its surface luster after just a few years. Although CZ claims to scratch glass, many gemstones and jewels are ranked above glass in hardness and can easily scratch glass. Truly, there is no comparison between moissanite and CZ. Moissanite continually stands out as superior.

Marketed True Chemical Hardness Refractive Name Identity Composition (MOHS) Scale Index

Diamond diamond C - Carbon 10 2.417

Moissanite moissanite SIC - Silicon Carbide 9 1/2 2.2 - 2.24

Diamond Aura® cubic zirconia Zr02 - Zirconium Oxide 8 1/2 2.15

Briolite® cubic zirconia Zr02 - Zirconium Oxide 8 1/2 2.15

Carat*® cubic zirconia Zr02 - Zirconium Oxide 8 1/2 2.15

Asha cubic zirconia Zr02+C+Optical Layer 8 1/2 2.15 Diamond® - Zirconium Oxide

Diamond Essence® cubic zirconia Zr02 - Zirconium Oxide 8 1/2 2.15

Diamond cubic zirconia Zr02 - Zirconium Oxide 8 1/2 2.15 Nexus Labs®

Diamonique® cubic zirconia Zr02 - Zirconium Oxide 8 1/2 2.15

Russian Brilliants® cubic zirconia Zr02 - Zirconium Oxide 8 1/2 2.15

*Above information provided by Charles & Colvard, Ltd.

Charles & Colvard LTD. A Few Words From The Makers Of Moissanite

Integrity, trust and quality are words we at Charles & Colvard® believe in and strive to embody each day. These words define our reputation and have helped to shape our position as a leader in the jewelry world. We are proud to be the sole distributor of moissanite jewels, so with every jewel we sell, Charles & Colvard makes a promise to you.

We ensure that each and every hand-faceted Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® jewel meets the most stringent quality-control specifications and standards. We proudly stand behind our moissanite jewels and provide you with a Certificate of Authenticity and Limited Warranty guaranteeing you that your moissanite jewel will maintain its fire and brilliance, without fading or changing color.

Every piece of jewelry you wear tells a story. In truth, it speaks volumes about your signature style.

At MoissaniteBridal.com, we specialize in helping our customers create custom fine jewelry that’s simply irresistible—and utterly individual. We’ll work closely with you to develop a unique design that reflects your vision and your budget. And we’ll help you choose the finest conflict- free diamonds and hand-selected moissanite to illuminate your setting. With a little inspiration and a lot of passion, our expert designers and jewelry craftsmen will transform your vision into custom moissanite and diamond jewelry of pristine quality and flawless beauty to last forever.

What begins as a dream becomes a timeless expression of your iconic style—a beloved object d’art that grants a lifetime of enjoyment and an heirloom for generations to come. The possibilities are infinite. And it’s so much easier than you imagine.

The next page shows just how easy it is.

Step 1 – You inspire it 1 Start by sending us a picture or design and choosing your precious metal type, gemstones and ring size (if applicable). Then we provide you with a complimentary price quote from one of our custom design jewelry experts. Contact us today to get started.

Step 2 – We design it Start by sending us a picture or design and choosing 2 your precious metal type, gemstones and ring size (if applicable). Then we provide you with a complimentary price quote from one of our custom design jewelry experts. Contact us today to get started.

Step 3 - You love it 3 After you approve your wax or CAD images, our designers create a model of your design and send it to our production team to be cast in the precious metal of your choice, such as gold, platinum or palladium. Next, our expert craftsmen polish the metal and meticulously set your selected diamonds, moissanites and gemstones. Lastly, our Quality Assurance team thoroughly inspects all finished elements before your custom jewelry piece is presented to you.

CALL US TODAY and Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True

©2015 MoissaniteBridal.com Call toll-free 1-888-345-8725 (US) Contact [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 23 ©2015©2015 MoissaniteBridal.comMoissaniteBridal.com CallCall toll-freetoll-free 1-888-345-87251-888-345-8725 (US)(US) Contact [email protected] www.MoissaniteBridal.com 24