LANSING, MI — Springtime has arrived and love is in the air. Taking the next step and getting engaged or expressing that love is important. But buying that special ring or jewelry is more important says Bobbie Maxwell, owner of Gems and Jewels, located at 3308 S. Cedar, Suite 3. He has been selling Moissanite jewelry for the past 18 months. Maxwell has been in the jewelry business since 1985 and is currently one of few who sells the brilliant jewel.
He had a request for a moissanite stone and he ordered it and discovered that it was an excellent value for the money.
Maxwell said, “moissanite beats out 3 of 4 of the diamond’s characteristics. The jewel has more brilliance, fire and luster. The only difference is that a diamond is harder. A diamond is a 10 and moissanite is a 9.25, which is harder than a ruby or a sapphire stone.”
Maxwell also added that moissanite is a fraction of the cost of a diamond.
In his store, he has engagements rings and he able to order other items from a catalog.
Fifty thousand years ago a meteorite crashed into the Arizona desert creating what is now known as "Meteor Crater." Fragments of this meteorite were scattered across the desert.
In 1893, Nobel-Prize winning scientist Henri Moissan began studying fragments of this meteorite from nearby Diablo Canyon. In these fragments Dr. Moissan discovered minute quantities of a shimmering new mineral, with fire and brilliance never before seen on earth.
After extensive research, Dr. Moissan concluded that this mineral was made of silicon carbide. In 1905, this mineral was named moissanite, in his honor.
Despite this amazing discovery, since naturally occurring quantities of moissanite are so minute, it would be another century before this stunning mineral would emerge as the jewel it is today.
In the late 1980’s, inspired by Dr. Moissan’s discovery, a North Carolina company named CREE developed a proprietary process for producing large single crystals of moissanite.
In the summer of 1995, a master diamond cutter observed samples of moissanite and suggested that properly cut crystals would make a brilliant new jewel.
Within days, scientists from CREE and Charles & Colvard began a three year research project to make moissanite jewels.
Moissanite jewels created by Charles & Colvard are rapidly becoming the symbol of the smart, savvy and fashionable worldwide.
Destiny’s Child said, “Moissanite looks beautiful. We love the quality of the jewelry and wearing it makes us feel elegant!"
Hailing from Houston, Texas, Destiny’s Child is one of the best-selling female groups of all time. Led by founding members Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland, Destiny’s Child burst onto the music scene in 1997 with the multi-platinum single, "No, No No," from their self-titled debut album. Michelle Williams joined the group in February 2000.
Other celebritities who now sport moissanite are Brooke Shields, Blair Underwood, Holly Robinson-Peete, Vivica Fox and many others.
News For, By and About People
