Charles and Colvard, formerly known as C3, is telling the Morion Co. of Brighton, Mass., to stop selling synthetic moissanite crystals. Charles and Colvard owns the patent to the synthetic jewel.

Charles & Colvard’s legal representatives, Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge, & Rice, issued a letter telling the Morion Co. to stop selling the crystal. Part of the letter states: ‘We hereby require Morion Company by February 5, 2001, to (1) cease all sales and offers for sale of synthetic moissanite crystals for use as gemstones within the United States and other countries and 2) confirm in writing that all advertising and offers for sale of synthetic moissanite gemstones have been withdrawn. Please be advised that this firm will take all appropriate action to protect the patent position of Charles & Colvard, Ltd.’

Morion, better known for selling CZ, synthetic diamond, and forsterite (a tanzanite look-alike), has been selling synthetic moissanite crystals for ‘gemological studies.’

Moissanite’s former CEO, Jeff Hunter, resigned early last year, as marketing efforts were beginning to stall.

JCK