How Much is a 2 Carat Moissanite Worth? A Jeweler’s Head-to-Head Comparison

A high-quality 2-carat moissanite is worth between $1,900 and $2,600 for a complete engagement ring, with the final price depending on the brand of the moissanite, the complexity of the setting, and the retailer you choose.

You’ve decided on a beautiful, impressive 2-carat moissanite—a fantastic choice. But now you’re seeing prices that can vary by hundreds of dollars, and it’s confusing. Is the more expensive one better? What’s the real difference between a famous brand like ‘Forever One’ and a top retailer like James Allen? You want to know what your money is really buying you.

As your friend in the business, we are going to find the answer to that question together, right now. I’m taking you on a virtual shopping trip. We are going to build two top-of-the-line, 2-carat pear-shaped moissanite rings from two of the best names in the business: Charles & Colvard and James Allen. We will analyze every detail, compare the specs, and see exactly what you get for your money.

Charles & Colvard vs. James Allen: What You Need to Know

Before we dive into the specific rings, you need to understand the two heavyweights we’re dealing with. They represent two different, but equally powerful, approaches to selling moissanite.

Charles & Colvard: The Original Creator

You cannot talk about moissanite without talking about Charles & Colvard. Think of them as the inventors, the pioneers who first perfected the process of growing gem-quality silicon carbide and held the original, now-expired, patent on it for years. For a long time, if you were buying a moissanite, you were buying a Charles & Colvard moissanite.

Their legacy and most important contribution to the market today is their flagship brand: “Forever One.” When you see this name, it is Charles & Colvard’s guarantee that you are getting their absolute best quality stone.

“Forever One” represents their premium, colorless grade, ensuring your moissanite falls within that coveted D-E-F color range and is of exceptional clarity. When you buy a Forever One, you are buying into the history, the reputation, and the powerful brand name of the company that started it all.

James Allen: The Online Titan

On the other side of the ring, you have James Allen. They didn’t invent moissanite, but you could argue they perfected the way it’s sold online. They are a titan in the online jewelry world, and their business is built on a foundation of absolute transparency and cutting-edge technology.

Their key advantage is their industry-leading presentation. They are famous for their high-definition, 360-degree videos of every single stone, which allow you to inspect a moissanite from every angle, just as you would in a physical store.

But here is their biggest secret weapon: their in-house experts. While Charles & Colvard provides their own warranty card, James Allen provides a “Gemstone Identification Certificate” that has been reviewed and signed by their own GIA-trained gemologists. 

This adds a powerful layer of trust and third-party expertise that is deeply familiar to anyone from the diamond world. Their online experience is world-class, something we cover in exhaustive detail in our Things to Know About James Allen Before You Buy guide.

Charles & Colvard: The “Forever One” Build

First, we’ll start with the heritage brand: Charles & Colvard. They were the original pioneers of moissanite, and their “Forever One” brand is their guarantee of top-tier quality. Let’s build a ring on their site and see exactly what they’re offering.

The Stone: An Analysis of the “Forever One”

Right away, we see the power of the brand name. The center stone is a Forever One™ Moissanite. But as an expert, I need to look past the brand and break down the specific details for you.

Carat Weight: 2.10 Ct. Tw. DEW

This is a crucial and often confusing point. “DEW” stands for Diamond Equivalent Weight. Moissanite is about 15% less dense than a diamond. This means a moissanite that is the exact same size as a 2.00-carat diamond (in this case, 10.0mm x 7.0mm) will actually weigh a little less.

Charles & Colvard uses DEW to make it easy for you to understand the visual size of the stone in the diamond terms you’re already familiar with. It’s a very user-friendly approach.

Color Grade: Near-Colorless (GH)

This is a critical detail. The “Forever One” brand became famous for representing the absolute best, D-E-F “colorless” moissanite. In this specific ring, they are using their Near-Colorless (GH) grade.

Let me be clear: a GH moissanite will still look beautifully white to the naked eye, especially in a white gold setting. However, this is likely a strategic choice by the retailer to offer this ring at a more competitive price point.

You are still getting a top-tier brand, but not their absolute highest color grade.

Clarity Grade: IF to VS1

This is spectacular. IF (Internally Flawless) to VS1 (Very Slightly Included 1) is an elite clarity range. This guarantees your stone will be 100% “eye-clean,” with no visible inclusions whatsoever. It’s a testament to the quality control of the Forever One brand.

The Setting: A Look at the Details

The setting is a “Pear Claw Prong Hidden Detail Engagement Ring” in 14k White Gold. Let’s translate that.

• Claw Prongs: These are a more elegant, refined type of prong. Instead of rounded beads, they are shaped into delicate, pointed claws that create a more seamless and stylish look.
• Hidden Detail: This is a touch of secret sparkle. The “hidden detail” refers to the 14 tiny accent diamonds set into the basket beneath the main stone.
  It’s a detail you’ll mostly see from the side profile, adding an extra layer of luxury that feels like a personal secret for the wearer.

The Final Price & My Expert Take

The total price for this complete ring is $2,031.20 (on sale from $2,539).

My Mehedi Analysis: With this ring, you are paying a premium for two things: the unparalleled brand recognition of “Forever One” and a more intricate setting with beautiful diamond details.

You are making a small, and in my opinion, very smart compromise on the color (GH vs. DEF) to get those features at an excellent price. It’s a fantastic choice for someone who values brand heritage and a touch of extra sparkle.

James Allen: The Certified Beauty Build

Next, we move to the online titan, James Allen. Their approach is less about a proprietary brand name and more about providing a transparent, data-driven buying experience, backed by their in-house experts.

The Stone: An Analysis of the Certified Gemstone

James Allen’s product pages look very similar to their diamond pages, with a focus on the specifics from the certificate.

Carat Weight: 2.00 ct.

Here, they list the actual carat weight of the moissanite (2.00 carats), which corresponds to the 10.60mm x 6.88mm measurements. It’s a slightly different way of presenting the information, but the final visual size is nearly identical to the Charles & Colvard stone.

Color: “White”

This is an important difference. The certificate doesn’t give a GIA letter grade, but simply states “White.” In my experience with a top-tier retailer like James Allen, “White” is used to signify that the stone falls within the premium D-E-F “colorless” range. So, you are likely getting a slightly higher color grade here compared to the GH of the C&C ring.

Treatment: Heated

You might see the word “Heated” on the report and feel a moment of panic. Don’t. As an expert, I’m here to tell you that this is a completely standard and expected process for almost all gem-quality moissanite.

This gentle heat treatment is part of the final stage of the crystal’s creation and perfects its color and clarity. It has no negative impact on the stone’s quality or value.

The Certificate:

This is a key part of the James Allen value proposition. The stone comes with a “Gemstone Identification Certificate” which is reviewed and physically signed by a GIA Graduate Gemologist. 

While this is not a full GIA diamond report, that signature brings a powerful level of diamond-world authority and third-party verification to the purchase.

The Setting: A Look at the Details

The setting is a “Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring” in 14k White Gold.

• Solitaire: A timeless classic. This setting is all about simplicity and letting the magnificent 2-carat pear-shaped stone be the one and only star.
• Comfort Fit: This is a high-quality feature that you can feel but not see. The inside of the ring band is slightly rounded, which makes it much more comfortable for everyday wear. It’s a subtle but significant sign of quality craftsmanship.

The Final Price & My Expert Take

The total price is a combined $1,910 ($960 for the setting + $950 for the stone).

My Mehedi Analysis: With the James Allen ring, the value is in its transparency and the quality of the center stone. You are getting a simpler, classic solitaire setting, but in exchange, you are likely getting a higher D-E-F color grade for your moissanite.

You are also paying for the peace of mind that comes with a report that’s been reviewed by a GIA-trained expert. It is a fantastic choice for someone who prioritizes the gemological specs of the stone and a timeless, classic design.

What Do You Get for Your Money?

Alright, we’ve built our two rings. They’re both stunning 2-carat pear-shaped moissanites from two of the best in the business. On the surface, they look quite similar, with a price difference of only about $120. But as your friend in the business, I’m here to tell you that the details matter immensely.

This is where we go deeper than the marketing photos and analyze the specs like a pro. I’ve compiled everything we learned into this simple, scannable table. Then, we’ll break down each line item, one by one.

Feature	Charles & Colvard Ring	James Allen Ring
Stone Brand	Forever One™ (The Original)	James Allen Certified
Color Grade	Near-Colorless (GH)	“White” (Implied Colorless D-E-F)
Clarity Grade	Eye-Clean (IF to VS1 Guaranteed)	Not specified, but visually eye-clean & expert inspected
Certificate	C&C Warranty Card & Certificate	Gemstone Identification Certificate
Setting Style	Intricate Solitaire (w/ Hidden Accents)	Classic Solitaire (w/ Comfort Fit)
Final Price	$2,031.20	$1,910.00

The Mehedi Breakdown: A Deeper Look at the Data

That table gives you the hard facts. Now, let’s have the real conversation about what it all means.

1. Stone Brand: The Power of a Name vs. The Power of a Retailer

• With the Charles & Colvard ring, you are absolutely buying the power of a brand name. “Forever One” is the original, the heavyweight champion of the moissanite world. For many, owning the original brand carries a prestige that is worth paying for.
• With the James Allen ring, you are buying the trust and authority of a premier online retailer. The stone isn’t branded, but it’s backed by the James Allen reputation and verified by their own GIA-trained experts.

The Verdict: This is a choice between product-focused brand prestige (C&C) and retailer-focused trust and transparency (James Allen).

2. Color Grade: The Critical On-Paper Difference

• The Charles & Colvard ring specifies a Near-Colorless (GH) grade. To be perfectly clear, this stone will look beautifully white to the naked eye, and it is still a very high-quality grade.
  
• The James Allen certificate simply says “White.” In my professional experience with top-tier vendors, this term is used for stones that fall within the premium D-E-F “Colorless” range.
  
• The Verdict: On paper, the James Allen stone has a significant advantage in color quality. While the visual difference between a G and an F might be subtle, you are technically getting a higher grade for a slightly lower price.

3. Clarity Grade: A Guarantee vs. Visual Proof

• Charles & Colvard guarantees an elite clarity range of IF to VS1. This is spectacular. You are getting a written promise that your stone is essentially flawless.
  
• James Allen does not list a specific clarity grade on their certificate, instead relying on their visual inspection to ensure the stone is eye-clean and brilliant. Their high-resolution 360° video is your tool to verify this yourself.
  
• The Verdict: Charles & Colvard offers a powerful on-paper guarantee of flawlessness. James Allen offers you the tool to be your own expert and verify the clarity with your own eyes. Both are excellent, just different approaches.

4. The Setting: Extra Flair vs. Timeless Simplicity

• The Charles & Colvard setting is objectively more intricate. Those 14 hidden accent diamonds in the basket are a beautiful touch of luxury that you’ll see every time you look at the ring from the side.
  
• The James Allen setting is the definition of a timeless solitaire, but with the added quality feature of the “Comfort Fit” band, which is a subtle but significant upgrade for daily wear.
  
• The Verdict: The price difference of about $120 is largely explained right here. With Charles & Colvard, a good portion of that extra cost is paying for those beautiful little diamonds and the craftsmanship to set them. It’s a clear win if you love that extra bit of sparkle and detail.

The Final Word: So, what are you getting for your money? The choice is incredibly clear and balanced. With Charles & Colvard, you are paying a slight premium for the prestigious “Forever One” brand name and a more complex, diamond-accented setting.

With James Allen, you are getting a simpler, classic setting, but likely a higher-color stone backed by the authority of a retailer-certified gemological report. There is no wrong answer here; it’s a direct choice between branding and intricacy vs. simplicity and on-paper specs.

Understanding these subtle differences is the most crucial part of mastering the 4Cs of Moissanite when you’re shopping at this high level.

Choosing Between The Brand and The Build

So, we’ve gone deep into the weeds, and we’ve emerged with two spectacular, top-of-the-line rings that are separated by just over $100. This is the best possible position to be in as a buyer—two excellent choices, each with a distinct personality.

The final decision comes down to what you value most. This isn’t a matter of “good vs. bad”; it’s a matter of personal style and the story you want your ring to tell.

Choose the Charles & Colvard Ring if: 

You are someone who values brand heritage, history, and the power of a name. Choosing the “Forever One” is a nod to the original pioneers of the moissanite world.

This is the right path for you if you love a slightly more intricate and detailed setting—those hidden diamonds are a special touch—and you are perfectly happy with a beautiful Near-Colorless (GH) stone that will look brilliant and white to the naked eye.

For a full breakdown of the company that started it all, our Charles & Colvard Discount Code & Review guide is an essential read.

Choose the James Allen Ring if: 

You are a person who values gemological data and a transparent, modern buying experience. This is the path for you if you prefer a simpler, timeless solitaire look and you appreciate the peace of mind that comes from a certificate reviewed and signed by a GIA-trained expert.

This option offers a slightly better price and gives you what I call a more “diamond-like” buying experience, where the focus is on the stone’s individual report. We do a full deep dive into their customer experience in our James Allen Review.

My Expert Opinion

From my professional standpoint, both of these are A++++, top-of-the-line choices from two of the most reputable vendors in the world. You are looking at two of the best options on the market, and the price difference is minimal.

My honest advice is to put the spec sheets away. You cannot make a mistake here. Your final decision should be based purely on which ring’s style and story speaks more to your heart.

Do you love the intricate detail and heritage of the Charles & Colvard ring, or the clean, classic simplicity and certified expertise of the James Allen ring? Go with the one that you can’t stop looking at.

Your 2 Carat Moissanite Questions, Answered

You’ve seen the stunning examples and you understand the value. Now, let’s clear up some of the final, practical questions that every smart buyer has when considering a beautiful 2-carat moissanite.

The Verdict: A 2-Carat Moissanite is Worth More Than its Price Tag

So, what is a 2-carat moissanite worth? As we’ve seen, you can get a spectacular, top-tier engagement ring from the best names in the business for right around $2,000. But its true worth isn’t just in that incredibly attractive price.

The worth of a 2-carat moissanite is in its incredible brilliance, its lifelong durability, and the financial freedom it gives you to get the ring of your dreams without compromise. Whether you choose the heritage of Charles & Colvard or the certified expertise of James Allen, you are making a smart, savvy, and beautiful choice.

Continue Your Research Journey

You’re now an expert on what a 2-carat moissanite is worth and how the top brands compare. If you’re ready to take this knowledge and become a master of the finer gemological details and styles, these hand-picked guides are the perfect place to continue your journey.

Mastering the 4Cs of Moissanite

• A Visual Deep Dive on Color: The Complete Moissanite Color Chart – (https://moissanitebyaurelia.com/moissanite-color-chart/)
• Understanding ‘Carat’ and Size: Moissanite Weight vs. Diamond Size Explained – (https://moissanitebyaurelia.com/weight-of-moissanite-comparing-to-diamond/)
• The Sparkle Showdown: Why Moissanite Has More Fire Than a Diamond – (https://moissanitebyaurelia.com/which-is-more-sparkly-diamond-or-moissanite/)

Practical Buying Guides & Top Brands

• The Ultimate Starting Point: Where Are the Best Places to Buy Moissanite Jewelry? – (https://moissanitebyaurelia.com/best-place-to-buy-moissanite-jewelry/)
• Beyond Charles & Colvard: An Expert’s Guide to the Best Moissanite Brands – (https://moissanitebyaurelia.com/best-moissanite-brand/)

Style Inspiration & Long-Term Care

• For Lovers of the Pear Shape: A Deep Dive into Pear Cut Moissanite – (https://moissanitebyaurelia.com/moissanite-pear-loose-stone/)
• Long-Term Brilliance: The Truth About Whether Moissanite Gets Cloudy – (https://moissanitebyaurelia.com/best-will-moissanite-get-cloudy-guide/)
• A Perfect Match: Your Guide to Moissanite Bridal Sets – (https://moissanitebyaurelia.com/moissanite-bridal-sets/)