Charles and Colvard is the most established name in moissanite — they invented the Forever One brand and have been selling lab-created moissanite since the 1990s. Mapple Gems is a newer, made-to-order brand handcrafting rings in Surat, India. So which one should you choose — and is the significant price difference justified?
Quick summary
- Mapple Gems — from $95, custom made, free CAD preview, D-color VVS standard
- Charles and Colvard — from $600+, established brand, Forever One patent, US-based
Stone quality
Charles and Colvard created the Forever One moissanite — a proprietary grade that is colorless and cut to their own specifications. It is an excellent stone. Their brand name carries significant weight in the moissanite community.
Mapple Gems uses D-color VVS moissanite — chemically and optically equivalent to the highest grade stones on the market. The difference in day-to-day appearance between Forever One and Mapple Gems moissanite is not visible to the naked eye.
Verdict: Charles and Colvard wins on brand recognition and patent heritage. Mapple Gems offers equivalent visible quality at a fraction of the price.
Pricing — the biggest difference
Charles and Colvard: A 1-carat round solitaire in 14K gold typically starts at $600-$900. A 2-carat oval runs $1,200-$2,000+.
Mapple Gems: A comparable 1-carat oval in 14K gold starts at approximately $300-$400. A 2-carat equivalent is around $500-$700.
The price difference is 40-60% in favour of Mapple Gems for comparable designs and stone sizes. The quality difference does not justify the premium for most buyers.
Customisation
Mapple Gems: Fully custom — any shape, any setting, any metal. Free 3D CAD preview before production. Custom from photos or sketches.
Charles and Colvard: Choose from their existing collection. Limited customisation through their build-a-ring tool.
Verdict: Mapple Gems is significantly more flexible for custom designs.
Who should choose Charles and Colvard?
- Brand name and resale value matter to you
- You specifically want the Forever One certification
- You want a US-based company with a physical presence
- Budget is not a primary concern
Who should choose Mapple Gems?
- You want equivalent stone quality at 40-60% less
- You want full custom design with CAD preview
- You want handcrafted artisan quality from the diamond capital of the world
- You want D-color VVS moissanite from $95
The bottom line
If brand heritage and the Forever One name are what you are paying for, Charles and Colvard is the right choice. If you want the best stone quality and craftsmanship your money can buy — at a fair price, with full customisation and a 3D preview before you commit — Mapple Gems delivers more value.
Browse Mapple Gems moissanite rings · See our free CAD preview process · Moissanite vs diamond comparison
Leave a comment