There is a moissanite jewelry world out there full of exciting possibilities for anyone wanting that diamond look without the price tag! Moissanite has become a popular alternative to diamonds over the years due to not only its beauty but also its cost-effectiveness and commitment to sustainability. But with brands continuing to enter the moissanite realm, it is difficult to discover which would be the best moissanite brand.
In this guide, we go through the best brands including top sellers such as James Allen, Amazon, and Aliexpress but also some other brands that have actually made a place for themselves in the industry.
In this ultimate guide, we will arm you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We cover everything from quality criteria to brand reviews (pros and cons) to useful buying tips so that you get the best moissanite for your requirements. If you are even more curious about the properties of moissanite, we also suggest reading our Moissanite vs. Diamonds article for a better perspective.
Why Choose Moissanite? Understanding the Basics
A Lot of Background — Before we get into specific brands and styles, it’s helpful to know a little about what moissanite is and why it’s become such a popular choice for rings, earrings, etc. Moissanite was found by scientist Henri Moissan in 1893 and is primarily composed of silicon carbide with the majority of it being synthetically made today.
Moissanite boasts the highest levels of fire and brilliance, displaying a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means they are generally more sparkly than standard diamond jewelry.
Top Reasons Why People Like Moissanite
- Cost: Moissanite is only a fraction of the cost of diamonds and makes for an inexpensive option for real jewelry.
- Simply Eco-Friendly: Lab-made moissanite reduces the need for mining, which is a more environmentally sustainable option.
- Durability: Due to its high ranking on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is a great stone for everyday wear.
- Options: Different cuts, colors, and settings mean that moissanite suits every need.
For moissanite newbies, see The Anatomy of a Moissanite Ring: A Beginner’s Guide to the Gem.
Background Considerations for Selecting the Ideal Moissanite Brand
Bear these factors in mind when searching the different brands, which can serve as a guideline to choose correctly:
- Certifications and Authenticity: Brands that sell high-quality moissanite will provide certifications of the authenticity and quality of their stones.
- Color and Clarity: High-quality moissanite is either near-colorless or colorless, looking very much like diamonds.
- Cut and Allure: A stone with a superb cut radiates more light as it reflects more brilliance. Look for options that provide a selection of shapes such as round, oval, cushion, and emerald.
- Warranty and Customer Service: Trustworthy manufacturers offer good warranties as well as responsive customer service departments.
- Price and Value: Although moissanite is priced lower than diamonds, prices among brands differ. Quality comes at a price, and it is necessary to judge whether the price matches the quality and value of a product.
We review each brand in this guide according to these criteria, which allows you to compare and select a moissanite brand that best meets your needs.
Charles & Colvard: The Original Moissanite Gemstone Brand
Charles & Colvard is the pioneer of lab-grown moissanite and offers some of the best quality stones available. They offer Forever One Moissanite with superior-grade stones, exceptional brilliance, and clarity.
Pros:
- Near-Colorless and Minimal Inclusions: The Forever One collection features nearly colorless, high-quality stones with few inclusions, making it a cost-effective yet high-end option similar to diamonds.
- Lifetime Warranty: Charles & Colvard provides a lifetime warranty against any manufacturing defects, assuring customers.
- Eco-Friendly and Conflict-Free: As a lab-grown gemstone, moissanite from Charles & Colvard is ethical and environmentally friendly.
- Variety: Charles & Colvard offers multiple shapes, sizes, and designs, giving customers a range of options.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: Their moissanite stones come at a higher price due to their premium quality.
- Limited Customization Options: Custom design services are not as extensive as those from some other brands.
Ideal For: Those seeking a superior-quality, ethical, and long-lasting stone that offers a slightly higher-end appearance. Best for engagement rings or high-end jewelry.
Where to Buy: Available on Charles & Colvard’s website and through authorized retailers like Amazon.
MoissaniteCo: Styles for Every Preference
MoissaniteCo offers a broad selection of moissanite jewelry, including engagement rings, earrings, and pendants. They also have multiple quality offerings from Forever One to their own MoissaniteCo branded stones, making it affordable for all budgets.
Pros:
- Diverse Selection: MoissaniteCo provides various cuts and settings and offers custom design services for unique pieces.
- Affordable Pricing: Their in-house label offers a price-conscious alternative for quality moissanite.
- Customer Support: Known for responsive customer service, MoissaniteCo provides a 30-day return policy and flexible financing options.
Cons:
- Online-Only Retailer: They do not operate physical locations, which can be a disadvantage for buyers who want to try on jewelry before purchasing.
- Warranty Limitations: Warranty terms vary depending on the product, so be sure to check the details before buying.
Ideal For: Those looking for affordable, high-quality moissanite in a variety of styles, with custom options starting at $399.
Where to Buy: Exclusively at MoissaniteCo.
James Allen: High-Quality Moissanite with 3D Viewing
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Get 25% off engagement ring settings at James Allen!
James Allen is a big name in the online jewelry space, offering both high-quality moissanite and diamonds. Their 360-degree viewing tool allows customers to inspect stones from every angle before purchasing.
Pros:
- Exceptional Quality: James Allen’s moissanite stones are colorless and nearly flawless, comparable to high-end diamonds.
- Broad Customization Options: Offers custom design services, allowing customers to create rings and other jewelry items.
- 360-Degree View: Their viewing technology gives a detailed look at every stone in their portfolio, ensuring transparency.
- Flexible Financing: James Allen provides a variety of finance plans, making it easy for customers to budget their purchases.
Cons:
- Higher Price: James Allen’s moissanite stones are more costly than competitors, reflecting their high quality.
- Optional Lifetime Warranty: Their lifetime warranty requires an additional purchase.
Ideal For: Buyers looking for customizable moissanite jewelry of the highest quality and the ability to inspect every stone up-close online.
Where to Buy: Visit James Allen to explore their full collection.
James Allen Review
Check our comprehensive James Allen Review to learn more about their pricing and commitment.
Related Content: For inspiration on engagement rings made of moissanite, check out Eco-Friendly Moissanite Engagement Rings.
Brilliant Earth: Sustainable, Ethically Sourced Moissanite
Description: Brilliant Earth is a leader in ethical and sustainable practices. While primarily recognized for responsibly sourced diamonds, the brand also offers a range of moissanite jewelry for eco-conscious shoppers.
Pros:
- Responsible Sourcing: Brilliant Earth emphasizes responsible sourcing, ensuring all stones are conflict-free.
- Quality Moissanite: They offer high-quality, near-colorless moissanite with outstanding brilliance.
- Customization Options: You can personalize jewelry with Brilliant Earth.
Cons:
- Higher Price Range: Ethical practices and high-quality standards result in higher prices than other brands.
- Limited Moissanite Selection: They have a smaller range of moissanite compared to diamonds.
Ideal For: Shoppers prioritizing sustainability and ethics in their jewelry and are willing to invest a little more.
Where to Buy: Available at Brilliant Earth and select showrooms.
Larson Jewelers: Custom-Cut Moissanite for Unique Looks
Larson Jewelers is known for custom-cut moissanite, with an array of unique colors, cuts, and sizes. They are popular for high-quality craftsmanship among those seeking distinctive pieces.
Pros:
- Precision Cutting: Known for cuts that maximize brilliance.
- Color Options: Offers a range of color varieties, with colorless being the most popular.
- Customization: Allows customers to create truly unique jewelry pieces.
Cons:
- Limited Availability: Available primarily through custom orders or select retailers.
- Premium Price: Custom-cut stones often demand a higher price.
Ideal For: Customers looking for custom-cut moissanite that is high-quality and one-of-a-kind.
Where to Buy: Visit Larson Jewelers or select retailers.
Amazon: Convenient, Budget-Friendly Moissanite
Amazon offers a broad selection of moissanite jewelry from various sellers, providing options for all budgets. It’s a convenient option for those who want quick access to a variety of options.
Pros:
- Wide Price Range: Amazon has everything from affordable to premium options.
- Customer Reviews: Access to numerous reviews and ratings helps gauge quality before buying.
- Fast Shipping: Many items are available with Prime shipping, ensuring quick delivery.
Cons:
- Quality Variation: Quality can vary significantly between sellers.
- Limited Warranty: Warranty terms depend on individual sellers and may be inconsistent.
Ideal For: Budget-conscious buyers looking for affordable moissanite jewelry with quick delivery and a range of options.
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon.
Our Final Thoughts: Which Is the Right Moissanite Brand for You?
Finding the best moissanite brand comes down to weighing quality, ethics, price, and a personal preference. For high-quality premium stones, your place will be Charles & Colvard and James Allen. MoissaniteCo offers the best bang-for-your-buck, and Brilliant Earth is perfect for people who want to shop ethically.
If you want to find cheaper moissanite, do not skip Amazon and Aliexpress. Both platforms offer a diverse moissanite jewelry selection, but be sure to read through reviews and check seller reputations for quality.
For further understanding of simulated diamonds versus moissanite, see our article Simulated Diamond vs. Moissanite for more insights.
James Allen is a top leader in online diamond sales, offering cutting-edge imaging technology that lets you inspect diamonds as if you were using a jeweler's loupe. With the largest exclusive selection of loose diamonds available online and excellent pricing, they also boast one of the finest collections of lab-created diamonds on the market. They currently run a 25% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THEM:
- 30-day no-questions-asked return policy, with a prepaid shipping label provided by James Allen.
- Lifetime warranty on all purchases.
- Free international shipping.
- Complimentary prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating, and cleaning every six months.
- Insurance appraisals included with purchases.
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase.
- Free ring inscriptions available.
- Best-in-class high-quality imagery for every diamond in stock.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Premium, best-in-class packaging.
