A Comparison of Moissanite Brands

We’re excited to be able to offer beautiful moissanites from three different companies! Two brands of white moissanite are available: Forever One™ by Charles & Colvard, and Supernova™ by Moissanite International. Both are great companies, offering gorgeous stones in a range of white color grades and price points. The third company, Iconic Moissanite, is my own brand of grey moissanite. Which brand you choose is truly a personal choice — you’ll have to weigh which factors are most important to you. Below is a summary and background of each white moissanite option: 

Forever One (colorless, D-E-F)

The Forever One is by North Carolina based company, Charles & Colvard. Their stones are made in the USA, which may or may not be of importance to some clients. They were also the original creators of gem-quality moissanite, and have been producing it for over 20 years. Because they were the originators, they have greater brand name recognition. Their colorless stones grade in the D-E-F range, according to the diamond color grading scale. (If you’re unfamiliar with color gradings or how the scale works, read The 4 C’s to learn more. 

The round shape of Forever One is also available in two faceting styles: their classic Round Cut, as well as the newer Hearts & Arrows cut. The difference between these two round cuts is discussed in greater detail in this blog post.

Supernova (colorless, D-E-F)

The Supernova is by Australian based company, Moissanite International. In decades past, Charles & Colvard was the only maker of moissanite since they held the patent. In 2016 their patent expired, thus opening the gates for other competitors. Moissanite International has been developing and fine-tuning their stones in anticipation of the patent ending. Their stones are stunning, and are truly on par with those from Charles & Colvard. The Supernovas also grade in the colorless D-E-F range, so they’re comparative to the Forever One D-E-F. However, the Supernovas come in at a lower price point than those from C&C. To learn more about the cut of the round Supernova and how it compares to the Forever One round, see this blog post. 

Forever One (near colorless, G-H-I)

In addition to their colorless D-E-F moissanite, Charles & Colvard also offers a near-colorless option that grades in the G-H-I range of the color scale. It’s less expensive than Supernova, making it budget friendly. Unlike their older Forever Brilliant line (which was supposedly also G-H-I, but often was more like I-J-K for some shapes), the new Forever One Hearts & Arrows GHI are truly in the G-H-I color range. Most of the oval and rounds I’ve seen so far are even the higher “G” color grade, and honestly look nearly identical to the D-E-F to the untrained eye. The vast majority of diamonds you see don’t even grade as colorless; most are near-colorless, just like the new GHI moissanite. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting the new GHI to be that different from their old FB, but the whiteness is really incredible. I’m a believer. 

Ask yourself these questions when choosing a white moissanite:
 ◇  Do you only like an icier/bluer stone, or do you prefer a little warmth?
 ◇  Are you working within a budget? 
 ◇  Does it matter to you where the moissanite was made? 
 ◇  Does brand recognition matter to you? 
 ◇  Does cut matter to you more than color and/or brand name?
 ◇  Prefer a non-white stone? Skip below to “Grey Moissanite” section!  

Forever Brilliant (near colorless G-H-I — but really closer to I-J-K)

Before C&C introduced the newer Forever One GHI, their near-colorless option used to be the Forever Brilliant, or FB for short. The FB’s were cut from a different material than the new GHI and were visibly warmer/yellower. Although C&C claimed the FB also graded in the G-H-I range, I actually think the fancy shapes (such as radiants, emeralds, pears, etc.) graded more in the I-J-K color range. Color isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it’s just something to be aware of. In fact, many clients actually prefer a warmer stone. Many antique rings from the Art Deco, Victorian, etc. periods are faintly yellow. 

Iconic Moissanite (Fancy Grey color)

I founded my own brand, Iconic Moissanite, after realizing that not all couples are looking for a white stone ring. The Iconic line features rare fancy greys, a hue that occurs naturally during the moissanite crystal growing process. Iconic grey moissanites are perfect for those wanting something a bit less traditional. The wonderful thing about grey is that it’s still a neutral that goes with everything, but the grey shade lends a little something different and edgier. Iconic greys can range in shade from a warmer dove grey, to a medium smoky grey, to a dark steel-hued grey. Learn more about the Iconic Grey Moissanite here. 

I plan expand the Iconic brand to include white moissanites in the near future, so stay tuned! I already have a few white Iconic moissanites cookin’ — a gorgeous Hearts & Arrows, and some insanely beautiful antique cuts of white moissanite as well, such as Old Mine cuts, and more. Keep an eye on my Instagram, where I always post sneak peeks of new offerings first!

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite is an exquisitely beautiful gemstone, and is an excellent choice for an affordable engagement ring. It’s nearly as hard as diamond and will last a lifetime, guaranteed. With more fire and brilliance than a diamond, it’s an eye-catching center stone that will light up a room.

MOISSANITE IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GEMSTONES IN THE WORLD

Many see more sparkle, fire and brightness from a moissanite than from a diamond.

Moissanite is more brilliant than a diamond on the Brilliance Refractive Index (which measures a gem’s sparkle).

Moissanite has a greater dispersion and iridescence (commonly referred to as “fire”) than a diamond.

Moissanite has double the brightness of a diamond: It’s twice as refractive as a diamond. Refractivity is how many times light is “bent” when it passes through a gemstone.

NOW A LAB-CREATED STUNNER

The naturally occurring mineral moissanite was discovered by Henri Moissan while examining rock samples from a meteor crater located in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. Henri mistakenly identified moissanite as a diamond, but later he correctly identified the crystals as silicon carbide. This mineral form of silicon carbide was named “Moissanite” in honor of Henri, later on in his life.

While moissanite is a naturally occurring material, it is incredibly rare to find. In 1998, the lab creation of moissanite was perfected through a sophisticated, scientific process and then offered widely to the consumer market.

AN AFFORDABLE, DURABLE, AND ECO-CONSCIOUS ALTERNATIVE TO A MINED DIAMOND

The moissanite gemstones we offer are exclusively lab created. Moissanite gemstones are colorless (graded D, E, or F), of high clarity (VS1 or better), and are manufactured to an Excellent Cut, Polish and Symmetry.

Moissanite is extremely durable and can be set and finished into all types of fine jewelry.

Moissanite ranks on the Mohs hardness scale at 9.25 or better.

Moissanite is less susceptible to cracking and chipping than a diamond as it has greater tensile strength and is less brittle than diamond.

What are the Pros and Cons of Moissanite?

What is a moissanite stone if not the best very of both worlds: decidedly premium quality and genuine affordability. With more than twice the fire of a diamond at a fraction of the cost, durable moissanite gemstone combines luxury and accessibility. 

According to the International Gemstone Society, by spending less than $1,000, you can receive a moissanite stone the size of a one-carat diamond for three times less than the standard cost—and all without compromising on color or clarity. In fact, our lab-created diamond simulants cost up to 90% less than mined diamonds while featuring sparkling brilliance, long-lasting durability, and unique premium cuts. A stunning gemstone at a stunningly low price point? It’s no wonder that so many modern couples choose to commemorate their love with moissanite jewelry and engagement rings.

Pro: Ethical Origins

Every aspect of a moissanite stone shines, including its origins. Ethically sourced, lab-grown moissanite gemstone is renowned for its conflict-free nature and environmentally friendly processes, removed from unethical mining practices and engineered by scientists with sustainable practices in mind. Look and feel your best in diamond alternatives crafted with conscientious care and the utmost attention to clarity, color and cut. With eco-friendly simulants that dazzle just like diamonds—but don’t compromise your comfort or arrive with hidden costs—you can sparkle with confidence and enjoy beautiful peace of mind. 

Pro: Irresistibly Sparkly

If you’re looking to turn heads and win hearts, it’s hard to find a more eye-catching or radiant stone than moissanite. This eco-friendly diamond alternative may even compete with the cut, clarity, and brilliance of comparable mined diamonds measured on the standard diamond carat size chart. But unlike mined diamonds which emit colorless flashes when exposed to light, silicon carbide is double-refractive, creating a multi-hued rainbow of shimmer with every turn of the stone or encounter with light. What does this mean for your premium Nexus Diamond™ jewelry? More fire, more brilliance and more sparkle in your go-to pendant, engagement ring or custom design. 

Pro: Seriously Durable

Moissanite ranks a 9.25 out of 10 on the industry-standard Mohs Scale of Hardness, just a touch under the ranking of mined diamonds. The serious durability of moissanite makes it a perfect choice for the center stone in your fine jewelry pieces. Given their top-notch brilliance and incredible tensile strength, our lab-grown diamond simulants deliver elegance and dazzle, without the worries about breaks, chips and cracks. Keep in mind, however, that certain gemstone cuts and shapes may require more delicate handling than others. Pear cuts and other elegant shapes may benefit from special settings that can help protect against everyday stress and damage. Speak with one of our experts about your unique needs. 

Pro: Visibly Flawless

Lab-grown moissanite will certainly make an appealing option if your gemstone’s clarity is a top priority. Our moissanite diamond alternatives must achieve a clarity grade of VS or higher to be sold on the market. In other words, when you choose moissanite, you’re guaranteed a gorgeous stone with no visible flaws, perfect in appearance to the naked eye. And, when it comes to this gemstone, good things do last forever. This sparkly stone keeps its brilliance over time, so your fine jewelry can live on as a stunning heirloom piece that dazzles for generations to come. 

Con: Slightly Different Sparkle Than Diamonds

While lab-grown moissanite offers greater brilliance than mined diamonds, differences in composition between the two gemstones result in slightly distinct sparkle patterns. Moissanite’s superior clarity—free of the inclusions and color variations in its mined counterparts—comes from a shift in light refraction properties. Moissanite is doubly refractive, which means that it sparkles much more—and much more colorfully—than the single refractive diamond. 

While many delight in the dramatic blaze of this lab-grown dazzler, moissanite’s rainbow shimmer is distinctive—it does not perfectly match the white sparkle of real diamonds. The difference can be extremely subtle, especially with smaller stones, but experts with a trained eye can identify a diamond vs moissanite center stone based on sparkle alone.

Con: Hints of Warm Undertones

Colorless moissanite makes a fantastic alternative for those looking to simulate the versatility of the diamond. To attain its prized colorless quality, each gem undergoes a whitening process during its development. However, the ultimate degree of moissanite’s colorlessness may vary slightly from stone to stone. Some gems closely compare to near-colorless diamonds, while others may be slightly warmer in color with hints of yellow and green. 

If you’re concerned about the hue of your gemstone, our experts can help you find your perfect diamond simulant. Each of our carefully crafted moissanite stones earns D, E, or F grades on the color scale of D to Z, with D being colorless.  

Con: Less Access to Repairs, Resizing, and Resetting

While moissanite is one of the most promising additions to the world of fine jewelry, its innovative nature may make it more challenging to find jewelers that specialize in your stone in the event that you’re interested in resizing or resetting—at least compared to the many jewelers who work with mined diamonds. 

Additionally, certain critics of moissanite argue that the stone does not retain its value over time. But this critique is not unique to moissanite; the same has been said of mined diamonds and other diamond alternatives within the retail space. It’s even possible that—given its durable quality and forever brilliance—moissanite boasts unparalleled longevity. If you have questions about caring for your moissanite jewelry through the years, our experts are happy to share insights and resources. 

The Best Places to Buy Moissanite Engagement Rings Online In 2022

Purchasing a Moissanite engagement ring online is a wise choice, as there are a plethora of high-quality retailers, some of which even offer the opportunity to design your own ring! In this article, we will review the top three.

  • 1. Forever Moissanite

Forever Moissanite is a top option to consider for moissanite rings as they are dedicated specifically to this category. They are also highly rated on TrustPilot, which is a key consideration with some of the questionable jewelry retailers out there. 

Forever Moissanite offers a wide variety of engagement cuts and styles, including:

Side Stone Round Cut

Side Stone Princess Cut

Side Stone Cushion Cut

Solitaire Round Cut

Solitaire Princess Cut

Solitaire Cushion Cut

hey also offer fully customizable ring designs here. with custom consults, from concept design, CAD models, and your final approval and delivery. 

Forever Moissanite also has separate offerings for Moissanite Bridal Sets and Moissanite Weddling Bands, so it can be used as a one-stop-shop. 

Forever Moissanite Offers:

30 Day Return Policy

Free Shipping

Lifetime Warranty

  • 2. Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth is a well-established name in the ethically & sustainably sourced diamond industry, so it’s no surprise that they have an extensive moissanite diamond collection here.

Brilliant Earth Moissanite Cuts & Designs

Best of all, Brilliant Earth has a full complement of popular ring types, including:

Moissanite Solitaire Rings

Moissanite Accent Rings

Moissanite Luxe Rings

Moissanite Halo Rings

Moissanite Nature Themed Rings

Moissanite Vintage Style Rings

  • 3. Charles and Colvard

When searching online for Moissanite engagement rings, one of the first results you will likely come across is Charles & Colvard.

They have a solid reputation and exist since 1995. They are unique in selling Moissanite as a diamond alternative, so you don’t need to worry about sifting through other kinds of jewelry. Their website is elegant, succinct and makes shopping a simple, lovely experience. It has three sections:

Shop

Why Moissanite?

Blog

If you hover your mouse on the shop option, you will see several categories including:

Engagement rings, divided by sets and styles

Loose gems, in over a dozen styles including unique ones like radiant, heart and trillion

Featured, which includes their rare green Moissanite collection.

If you click on Why Moissanite? You will be directed to a page which includes a highly educational video on Moissanite as well as a table which compares Moissanite to Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds.

Hacking My Engagement Ring with Moissanite

I’ve been engaged for 4 months, showed my ring to dozens of people, and that nightmare scenario that has played out in my mind many times has never happened. Not even once.

My fiancé and I chose a moissanite stone for my engagement ring and it is among the best decisions we have ever made.

Why I chose a diamond alternative for my engagement ring?

Two years into dating I knew my fiancé was the one. Like many girls, I started dreaming about what type of engagement ring I wanted.

I played around on sites that allow you to custom design your engagement ring.

I liked jeweler’s Facebook pages in order to enter contests to win expensive engagement rings. (Facebook awkwardly started displaying that I liked those pages to my friends, who then messaged me about it. Thanks, Facebook!)

Given my success with travel rewards and my optimism about life hacking, I was convinced that there was a way to hack the engagement ring as well.

I.  What is moissanite?

Moissanite, or natural silicon carbide, was discovered over a century ago when Nobel prize-winning French chemist, Dr. Henri Moisson found tiny particles of the substance at the site of a massive meteorite strike in Arizona.

The stone was named moissanite in his honor.  Years later, scientists created the gemstone that we know as moissanite today.

II.  What does moissanite look like?

Although moissanite may look like a diamond, its higher rate of refraction and dispersion make it much sparklier than a diamond. It actually bends light more than twice as much.

The brilliance and fire make moissanite stones stand out compared to other gemstones.

III.  How does moissanite compare to a diamond?

First, Moissanite is much less expensive than a diamond.  A 1ct moissanite goes for $300 retail whereas a 1ct diamond could run anywhere from $4,000 to $25,000 depending on cut, color, and clarity.

Secondly, moissanite is more refractive than a diamond as mentioned above, which gives it more fire and sparkle.

Third, moissanite is not as hard as a diamond (about 9 to 10 on the mohr scale) but the difference is negligible. I’ve banged mine against hard surfaces many times and it’s fine.

Like diamonds, moissanites can range from colorless to some color and you pay more as you get closer to colorless – although the cost for a colorless moissanite is much less than the highest grade of diamond comparatively.

Where is the best place here in Chicago Illinois or United States to buy or order a good moissanite 1 carat stone diamond and is moissanite better than Diamond Nexus for engagement ring purposes like being worn every day on a woman’s finger?

If you decide to order a 1 carat moissanite, or a large moissanite engagement ring online, two of our top recommendations include:

Moissanite Wedding Rings by Brilliant Earth: Here you will find ready-made moissanite rings in variety of styles, you can choose which ring metal you would like (platinum, 14k gold, 18k gold, rose gold) and Brilliant Earth also maintains a selection of Loose Moissanite Stones that you can select for a custom designed ring.

Moissanite Rings by Gemvara: At Gemvara you’ll find an extensive selection of Moissanite Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands in styles that can be modified by moissanite gemstone size and metal (platinum, gold, rose gold, silver).

Another reliable resource for quality moissanite jewelry and rings is Charles & Colvard moissanite. Private retailers sell this designer’s brand, you can also find a wide selection of Charles & Colvard moissanite rings on Overstock – many on sale.

On our Man Made Diamonds page you can see a comparison of moissanite to stones like Diamond Nexus (or Asha or Miadonna).

It’s important to understand that these are two very different products. Moissanite is a real gemstone (synthetic lab-created moissanite has the exact same properties as natural moissanite) which has it’s own characteristics. Typically it has more fire and flash than a diamond, moissanite sometimes has a slight color tint too which is why moissanite by reputable sellers is the best choice.

Stones like Asha, Miadonna and Diamond Nexus are made with re-enforced cubic zironia that is usually treated with a strong carbon-particle coat. These stones can have a flash and fire that is more similar to diamonds.

Which is best in terms of strength? That is still debatable considering that carbon-coated CZ has not be around as long as moissanite, so it’s difficult to know if this type of stone can hold up to long-term durability compared to moissanite.

Moissanite rings are known to stand up to daily-wear, especially when combined with strong metals like platinum and gold.

High Quality Men’s T-Shirts of Our Store

Come to us and choose from our wide range of men’s t-shirts. They are made of top quality. We have them in all sizes and in all colors and color combinations. If you want them, visit our store and choose the ones you like the most. We will be glad if you order at least some of them.

We offer many types of products

One of the most popular products in our store is high-quality men’s t-shirts. However, you will also find many other products on our shelves that will surely catch your eye. Come and choose the product that best meets all your expectations. All of them are original and modern. Our people will love them. They are comfortable. They are suitable for leisure. We are looking forward to all your orders.

Create Your Dream Garden Together

You know exactly what your desired plot should look like, and you won’t stop looking until you find exactly what you imagine. Because nothing in life is more disappointing than forced compromises. For when a man decides to deny his wishes and conform to a comfortable reality, nothing but sheer disappointment will befall him, of that you are absolutely certain. So you won’t stop searching through estate agents’ offers until you find your coveted Art Nouveau villa on the outskirts of town, surrounded by a solid plot of land where you can create your ornamental dream garden.

And you won’t budge an inch

And if you’re talking about a garden, then you certainly don’t intend to grow carrots and cabbages or build swimming pools and other nonsense. Your garden will be a flower paradise. It will be filled to the brim with the various rose cultivars you have been breeding for years. So it goes without saying that it will be surrounded by an equally ornate and pleasing to the eye fence, which you will create from concrete fence posts supplemented by boards with holes. Everything will form a nice harmonious whole.

The Benefits of High Chairs

How can you make it as easy as possible to feed a little baby who needs food other than a bottle? Having him sit at the table, even with three pillows under his bottom, is not the most convenient solution. If he eats by himself, the porridge will be everywhere, not on the table. Babies have their own little tables and seats with special raised feeding stools designed for little rascals who struggle to sit still for a while and parents who sit well so they don’t have to bend over. After all, not all babies lick everything their mothers bring in the bowl. Some have to force spoons into their mouths, and a lunch can stretch to an hour. Parents have to bend over and their backs get sore after just a few minutes. They set the bowl aside on a table so they don’t have to hold it in their hands, or they leave it there when they teach their little ones to eat independently.

Slide the high chair into place of the old high chair so you can eat together. The most comfortable high chairs will serve babies for years to come!

Oval vs. Emerald, Which Should You Choose?

When picking engagement rings, consider the cut of the center stone. True, every cut is unique and reflects the wearer’s personality, but oval cut and emerald cut moissanite looks particularly beautiful on almost all hand shapes and sizes.

OVAL CUT MOISSANITE RING

Similar to a round diamond, an oval cut moissanite is round but slightly elongated. It is a beautiful fusion of two diamonds with a flanked center and is most commonly sought in three-stone rings. When cut to perfection, the stone’s brilliance shines right through.

MOLLYJEWELRYUS OVAL CUT MOISSANITE ROSE GOLD ENGAGEMENT RING

Its ideal curvature makes it timeless and enhances the ring’s overall appeal. Oval cut moissanite rings are ideal for short or small hands, giving the illusion of slender fingers.

YELLOW GOLD OVAL MOISSANITE ENGAGEMENT RING

EMERALD CUT MOISSANITE RING

Also known as a step-cut diamond, an emerald cut moissanite comes with fewer facets (25 to be exact) than a round cut moissanite. The emerald cut is usually in a square or rectangular shape and has tapered corners. Since an emerald cut has fewer facets, the moissanite has a limited surface to reflect light it.

14K ROSE GOLD EMERALD CUT MOISSANITE ENGAGEMENT RING

However, this does not make emerald cut engagement rings less desirable. It is most popular among those looking for something unique and enchanting. Moreover, they are one of the most popular heirlooms in moissanite engagement ring history.

YELLOW GOLD EMERALD MOISSANITE ENGAGEMENT RING TWISTED HALF ETERNITY DIAMOND BRIDAL GIFT

If your significant other is all about glamour and elegance, an emerald cut ring is a style for her! Thanks to its flat surface, lean facets, and extended sides, the stone has more potential to flaunt its clarity. Although it may be limited in terms of brilliance, it surely makes up for it in elegance!

Should You Choose an Oval or Emerald Cut Ring?

Deciding on an oval versus emerald cut engagement ring involves knowing the traits that determine their overall performance as the center stone on a ring.

Here are some guidelines to help you know whether to choose an oval or emerald cut.

You should choose an oval cut if:

  • You want a moissanite that has many qualities in common with round cuts but costs less per carat
  • You’re interested in an alternative to the most popular cuts but don’t want to sacrifice brilliance
  • Its overall shape is appealing to you, and you want a stone that effectively hides blemishes.

You should consider an emerald cut if:

  • You aren’t interested in moissanite with strong light performance
  • You want rectangular moissanite with large facets

By comparing oval and emerald cuts, and pairing them with multiple styles of settings, you can discover the perfect ring for you.

Have you decided which cut of engagement ring to choose by the end of the article? If you have decided and need to buy a ring, we can give you a great suggestion. MollyjewelryUS has a wide range of sizes for you to choose from. Our designers will also provide you with great service and solve all your problems along the way. You are more than welcome to shop with us!