Charles & Colvard Moissanite: The Complete Guide (2026)

Charles & Colvard did not simply start selling moissanite — they invented it. In 1995, the company’s founders discovered a way to recreate the rare silicon carbide gemstone first found in a meteorite crater in 1893. By 1998, they had brought the world’s first moissanite gemstone to market. Today, Charles & Colvard remains the original and most trusted source for moissanite in fine jewellery.

This guide answers every question you might have: what moissanite actually is, how it compares to lab diamonds and mined diamonds, why it matters ethically, and a full review of every jewellery category Charles & Colvard makes.

All pieces available at charlesandcolvard.com with free shipping on orders over $100 and a limited lifetime warranty.

#1 — What is Moissanite? Answered by Its Creators, Charles & Colvard

The science, the origin story, and why Charles & Colvard moissanite is different from every other brand.

The Origin: Moissanite from a Meteorite

Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan inside a meteorite crater in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. He initially believed he had found diamonds — but the crystals were silicon carbide (SiC), a compound so rare in nature that it is almost never found on Earth outside of meteorite impact zones. Moissan won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1906, and the mineral was later named moissanite in his honour.

Charles & Colvard’s breakthrough was figuring out how to grow silicon carbide crystals in a laboratory environment — a process that took years of research and resulted in the world’s first gem-quality moissanite in 1998. Every Charles & Colvard moissanite stone is lab-created, not mined — making it genuinely conflict-free and environmentally responsible.

QUICK FACTS — WHAT IS MOISSANITE

Charles & Colvard Forever One™ vs Forever Brilliant® — What is the Difference?

Charles & Colvard produces two main grades of moissanite:

• Forever One™ — their premium, colourless grade (DEF colour equivalent). The most brilliant and white moissanite available. Recommended for engagement rings and fine jewellery.
• Forever Brilliant® — near-colourless (GH colour equivalent). Slightly warmer tone, still stunning, and available at a lower price point.

Both grades carry Charles & Colvard’s limited lifetime warranty and come with a certificate of authenticity.

Is Moissanite a Real Gemstone?

Yes — moissanite is a genuine gemstone with its own distinct chemical composition, optical properties, and hardness. It is not an imitation diamond. It is a different stone entirely. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it is the second-hardest gemstone commercially available, behind only diamond (10). Its refractive index of 2.65 is actually higher than diamond’s 2.42 — meaning moissanite produces more fire (rainbow light dispersion) than diamond.

#2 — Charles & Colvard Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: Full Comparison

The honest, detailed comparison — so you can choose with confidence.

Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: Price

This is the most significant difference. A 1-carat lab diamond of VS1 clarity and G colour costs approximately $800–$1,500. A comparable Charles & Colvard Forever One™ moissanite costs approximately $300–$600. For a 2-carat stone, the savings are even more dramatic — moissanite runs $600–$900 versus $3,000–$6,000 for lab diamond. The larger the stone, the greater the savings.

Brilliance: Which Sparkles More — Moissanite or Lab Diamond?

Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65) than diamond (2.42), which means it bends light more aggressively and produces more fire — the rainbow flashes of colour you see when light hits the stone. Under direct sunlight or bright lighting, moissanite sparkles more intensely than diamond. Under softer or indoor lighting, the difference is minimal. Whether you prefer moissanite’s more colourful sparkle or diamond’s white brilliance is a matter of personal taste.

Hardness and Durability: Moissanite vs Lab Diamond

Diamond scores 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale — the hardest natural material on Earth. Moissanite scores 9.25 — the second hardest commercially available gemstone. In practice, this means moissanite is suitable for daily wear in an engagement ring and will not scratch under normal conditions. The difference in scratch resistance between 9.25 and 10 is negligible for everyday jewellery use.

Which is Better for an Engagement Ring?

If budget allows a larger stone without compromise, moissanite is the compelling choice — you can get a 2-carat Forever One™ for the price of a 0.5-carat lab diamond. If the name ‘diamond’ matters to the recipient for sentimental reasons, lab diamond is the appropriate choice. For buyers who prioritise brilliance, ethics, and value, Charles & Colvard moissanite is widely considered the best choice in this price category.

#3 — Charles & Colvard Moissanite vs Blood Diamonds: The Ethical Choice

Why choosing Charles & Colvard moissanite is one of the most ethical decisions in fine jewellery.

What are Blood Diamonds? The Truth

Blood diamonds — also called conflict diamonds — are mined diamonds that are used to finance armed conflict and civil wars, primarily in parts of Africa. The trade has been linked to the funding of rebel movements responsible for atrocities including forced labour, mutilation, and displacement of civilian populations. Despite the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) introduced in 2003, significant concerns about the effectiveness of these controls remain in the industry.

The issue extends beyond direct conflict financing. Even diamonds not classified as ‘conflict’ diamonds are often mined under dangerous working conditions, with minimal worker protections and significant environmental destruction in ecologically sensitive regions.

Why Charles & Colvard Moissanite is 100% Conflict-Free

Charles & Colvard moissanite is grown entirely in controlled laboratory environments in the United States. There is no mining involved — no land is excavated, no communities are displaced, and no conflict funding is possible. Every stone comes with a certificate of authenticity and a full chain of custody from creation to delivery.

This is not a marketing position — it is a structural fact. Lab-created moissanite cannot be a conflict diamond because it does not come from the earth.

Environmental Impact: Charles & Colvard Moissanite vs Mined Diamond

Mining a single carat of diamond disturbs approximately 100 square feet of earth and produces nearly 6,000 pounds of mineral waste. The energy required for diamond mining is substantial. Lab-created moissanite requires no mining, produces no mineral waste, and uses a fraction of the energy — particularly at Charles & Colvard’s US manufacturing facilities.

Mining required:  None — 100% lab-created
Conflict risk:  Zero — structural impossibility
Mineral waste per carat:  None (vs ~6,000 lbs for mined diamond)
Land disruption:  None
Manufacturing location:  United States
Certificate included:  Yes — authenticity and origin guaranteed

#4 — Charles & Colvard Moissanite Tennis Bracelet Review

Their #1 ranking product — 5,400 monthly searches, position #1.

What is the Charles & Colvard Moissanite Tennis Bracelet?

A tennis bracelet is a single-line bracelet of identically matched stones set in a continuous line around the wrist. The name comes from 1987 when tennis star Chris Evert’s diamond bracelet snapped off her wrist during the US Open, and she stopped the match to find it — and the style has been associated with tennis and luxury ever since.

Charles & Colvard’s moissanite tennis bracelet replaces mined diamonds with Forever One™ moissanite — delivering the same visual effect at a dramatically lower price. A comparable diamond tennis bracelet would cost $8,000–$25,000+. The Charles & Colvard version starts at under $1,000.

QUICK FACTS — CHARLES & COLVARD TENNIS BRACELET

RATINGS

Charles & Colvard Tennis Bracelet: Which Carat Weight to Choose?

3ctw — delicate and versatile, suits smaller wrists and everyday wear. 5ctw — the most popular option, substantial presence without being heavy. 7ctw — a statement piece, maximum visual impact. 10ctw — red carpet level, the fullest look available.

Moissanite vs Diamond Tennis Bracelet: The Price Difference

A 5ctw diamond tennis bracelet in 14K white gold typically costs $15,000–$25,000. The equivalent Charles & Colvard Forever One™ moissanite version costs approximately $1,500–$2,500 — a saving of over $13,000 for a bracelet that looks identical to the untrained eye.

#5 — Charles & Colvard Moissanite Earrings Review

14,800 monthly searches — the most searched moissanite jewellery category after rings.

Charles & Colvard Moissanite Stud Earrings: Every Size Reviewed

Moissanite stud earrings from Charles & Colvard are their most accessible entry point into the brand — and the most gifted item. The round brilliant cut Forever One™ stone is the most popular, available in sizes from 0.5ct (approximately 5mm) to 3ct (approximately 9.4mm) per ear.

Moissanite vs Diamond Earring Studs — Which Looks Better?

Side by side, moissanite studs and diamond studs are indistinguishable to the naked eye at normal conversational distance. The moissanite will show slightly more fire (rainbow flashes) under direct light. Diamond will show slightly whiter brilliance. Neither looks ‘better’ — they look different. Most buyers prefer moissanite’s fire; some purists prefer diamond’s whiter light. The price difference is significant: a 1ct diamond stud pair costs $4,000–$8,000; the equivalent moissanite stud pair costs $400–$800.

Charles & Colvard Drop Earrings vs Studs — Which to Choose?

Stud earrings are the versatile, every-occasion choice — they work with everything from jeans to a gown. Drop earrings (including Charles & Colvard’s halo drops and geometric drops) are more dramatic and suit formal occasions, parties, and evenings out. The brand’s stud earrings outsell drops by approximately 3:1.

#6 — Charles & Colvard Moissanite Necklace Review

3,600 monthly searches — elegant pendant necklaces in moissanite.

Charles & Colvard Moissanite Pendant Necklace: Solitaire vs Halo

The solitaire pendant — a single round brilliant Forever One™ stone on a delicate chain — is the most classic and best-selling necklace style. It reads as a diamond solitaire to everyone who sees it and suits every neckline and occasion. The halo pendant adds a ring of smaller moissanite stones around the centre stone, creating a larger visual presence without the higher price of a bigger centre stone.

Moissanite Necklace as a Gift — What Carat to Choose?

• For a first fine jewellery gift: 0.5ct solitaire — delicate, appropriate, meaningful
• For an anniversary or significant occasion: 1ct solitaire or 1ct halo — substantial but not overwhelming
• For maximum impact: 2ct solitaire or 2ct halo — genuinely impressive presence

Final Verdict — Why Charles & Colvard is the Right Choice

Here is the quick summary:

• Best for: anyone who wants the look and durability of diamond at a fraction of the cost
• Best stone grade: Forever One™ — colourless (DEF equivalent), maximum brilliance
• Best product for gifting: moissanite stud earrings (1ct, 14K white gold)
• Best single-purchase value: moissanite tennis bracelet (5ctw)
• Most ethical choice: Charles & Colvard — 100% conflict-free, 100% lab-created
• Best engagement ring stone: Forever One™ moissanite — same look, same durability, 90% less cost

All products available at charlesandcolvard.com — free shipping over $100 and a limited lifetime warranty on all moissanite.

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