Moissanite Price Per Carat: Your Expert Guide to Understanding Value & Brilliance

The Big Question: What Does Moissanite Cost Per Carat?

Let me put that into real-world terms. A stunning 2-carat moissanite engagement ring will typically run you $600 to $1,300 for the stone itself. A comparable natural diamond? You're looking at $8,000 to $20,000. That's not a typo.

But here's what I want you to understand: that $300-$650 range isn't arbitrary. It reflects genuine quality differences that directly impact how your stone will sparkle under restaurant lighting, camera flashes, and sunny outdoor ceremonies. I've seen customers agonize over saving $100 on a cheaper stone, only to return it because it looked "glassy" instead of brilliant. At Awareness Avenue, our collection sits within this quality range because we've learned—through outfitting over 8,500 engagement rings—that these price points deliver stones that truly perform. The cut precision is there. The colorless quality is guaranteed. The clarity lets light dance through unobstructed.

Beyond Carat Weight: 5 Factors That Influence Moissanite's Price

I'll be honest with you. Most people walk in thinking carat weight is everything. Bigger stone, higher price, end of story. Then I show them two 2-carat moissanites side by side—one priced at $400 per carat, one at $600—and watch their faces when the more expensive stone absolutely blazes with fire while the cheaper one just sits there looking... adequate.

That moment? That's when the education really begins.

Here are the five factors that separate a "good deal" from genuine value:

• 1. Cut: The Master of Brilliance
  Cut quality determines everything. I mean everything. A moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65-2.69 compared to diamond's 2.42, which means it has the potential for even more fire and brilliance than a diamond. But—and this is crucial—only if it's cut correctly. That higher refractive index can work against you if the pavilion angles are off by even a few degrees. You'll get what we call "rainbow disco ball" effect instead of sophisticated sparkle.
  
  I've examined thousands of moissanites over my 25+ years in this industry. The difference between an "excellent" cut and a "good" cut is night and day. We're talking about precise facet alignment, proper depth percentages, and symmetry that allows light to enter, reflect off the pavilion facets, and exit through the crown in that mesmerizing dance of brilliance.
  
  Take The Bliss Oval Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring as a prime example. This piece showcases what happens when cutters understand moissanite's optical properties. The oval cut is engineered to maximize the bow-tie effect minimization while amplifying the stone's natural fire. Available from 1 to 5 carats, it demonstrates how superior cutting maintains value across size ranges.

  Similarly, The Celestine Oval Cut Moissanite Ring illustrates how expert cutting transforms a 2-carat stone into something that catches light from every conceivable angle. The faceting pattern is specifically optimized for moissanite's unique properties.

  

  When you see a moissanite priced toward the higher end of the spectrum, you're paying for master cutting. It's worth every penny.

• 2. Color: The Pursuit of Colorless Perfection
  Now here's where moissanite gets interesting. Unlike diamonds, which formed over billions of years with all sorts of impurities, moissanite is lab-grown. This means we can control the color outcome with remarkable precision. The question becomes: how colorless do you want to go?
  
  We focus exclusively on D-E-F color grades at Awareness Avenue. These are the true colorless grades. No yellow warmth. No grey undertones. No green tints that some lower-quality moissanites develop under fluorescent lighting. Just pure, icy colorlessness that lets the stone's natural fire take center stage.
  
  (Quick sidebar: I once had a customer return a "bargain" moissanite she bought elsewhere because it looked yellowish in her office lighting. The stone was graded J-K. She ended up spending more in the long run to replace it with a D-grade stone. Lesson learned.)
  
  The Adelina Rae 2ct Emerald Cut Moissanite Ring exemplifies why color grade matters, especially in step-cut stones. Emerald cuts have large, open facets that act like windows into the stone. Any color tint becomes immediately visible. This piece features a D-E-F grade stone that remains absolutely colorless even in that revealing cut.

  Now, colored moissanite is a completely different category with its own pricing structure. The Camilla 3ct Emerald Cut Pink Moissanite Engagement Ring shows how intentional color—when done right—creates something spectacular. These fancy colored stones are priced based on color intensity and saturation consistency.

  

  Premium colorless grading typically adds $50-$150 per carat to the cost. It's an investment in timelessness.

• 3. Clarity: The Importance of VVS+
  Here's some good news: clarity is where moissanite really shines (pun intended). Because these gemstones are created in controlled laboratory environments rather than deep in the earth's mantle, they typically have exceptional clarity. We're talking VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) or even internally flawless grades as the standard, not the exception.
  
  What does VVS actually mean? It means even under 10x magnification—the standard for gemological examination—any inclusions are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to see. To the naked eye? Completely invisible. This level of clarity ensures light passes through the stone without any blockage or diffusion, contributing directly to that eye-catching brilliance.
  
  In diamonds, this clarity level would cost you thousands more. With moissanite, it's the baseline. Every piece in our collection features VVS+ clarity because we believe it's non-negotiable for true gemstone quality. Your moissanite should look as flawless on your 50th anniversary as it did the day you received it.
• 4. Carat Weight: Measure of Weight, Not Just Size
  Let me clarify something that confuses people constantly. Carat is a weight measurement. One carat equals 200 milligrams exactly. It's not a size measurement, though obviously, heavier stones are typically larger.
  
  Here's what makes moissanite interesting: it has a specific gravity of 3.22 compared to diamond's 3.52. Translation? Moissanite is slightly less dense, meaning a 2-carat moissanite will be approximately 10% larger in diameter than a 2-carat diamond. You get more visual presence for the same carat weight. It's one of those beautiful little advantages that makes moissanite such intelligent luxury.
  
  Pricing typically increases exponentially with carat weight, not linearly. A 2-carat stone isn't just twice the price of a 1-carat—it might be 2.5 times the price because larger, high-quality crystals are harder to grow and require more precise cutting. But compared to diamonds, where this exponential pricing becomes absolutely astronomical, moissanite remains remarkably accessible.
  
  The Penelope 3ct Oval Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring demonstrates how a larger carat weight creates undeniable presence. This is a statement piece—the kind that makes people stop mid-conversation to say, "Wait, let me see that ring."

  Consider also how the stone will look on the actual hand. Finger size matters. A 1.5-carat oval on a size 4.5 finger looks dramatically different than the same stone on a size 7.5 finger.

• 5. The Source/Brand: Guarantee of Quality and Ethics
  This is the factor people underestimate until they learn the hard way. I've seen it happen too many times—someone buys a "bargain" moissanite from an unknown overseas seller, saves $200, and receives a stone that looks cloudy, shows color tints, or worse, isn't even moissanite at all.
  
  When you buy from Awareness Avenue, you're not just buying a stone. You're buying our 25+ years of gemological expertise in sourcing. You're buying our relationships with the top three moissanite manufacturers globally. You're buying our lifetime warranty that guarantees your stone will never lose its brilliance, never cloud, never discolor. You're buying settings crafted from solid precious metals, not plated base metals that'll turn your finger green.
  
  We stand behind every single piece with our 30-day return policy, secure checkout, and customer service team that actually knows the difference between brilliant cut and step cut. That knowledge and guarantee is built into the price—and it's what lets you sleep soundly knowing your investment is protected.
  
  Every moissanite we offer comes with certification detailing its specifications. No mystery stones. No "trust us" marketing. Just transparent, verifiable quality that you can pass down to future generations with pride.

Price vs. Value: A Clear Comparison with Diamonds

I'll never forget the couple who came in last fall, absolutely set on a 2-carat diamond. They had a $15,000 budget and thought they were in good shape. Then they saw what $15,000 actually bought: a 2-carat diamond with visible inclusions, a slight yellow tint, and a cut grade that was merely "good." The disappointment on her face was heartbreaking.

Ten minutes later, I showed them a 2.5-carat moissanite—colorless, VVS clarity, ideal cut—that would cost them $1,400 for the stone. They thought I was joking.

This is what I mean by understanding value versus price.

Let's break down the numbers clearly:

That 0.75 difference in hardness between moissanite (9.25) and diamond (10)? It's academically interesting but practically irrelevant. Moissanite is the second-hardest gemstone suitable for jewelry. It resists scratching from everything you'll encounter in daily life. I've seen moissanite rings worn for 15+ years that still look brand new.

For those exploring all their ethical gemstone options, we also offer stunning lab-grown diamonds like The Mariposa Emerald Cut Lab Diamond Ring. This piece showcases our expertise across the entire spectrum of ethical luxury stones. Lab-grown diamonds offer the exact same chemical, optical, and physical properties as mined diamonds but at significantly better value and with guaranteed ethical sourcing.

The ethical value of choosing lab-grown—whether moissanite or lab diamond—extends beyond the financial. You're making a statement about the kind of world you want to live in. No mining operations displacing communities. No funding conflicts. No question marks about where your precious stone originated. Just pure, brilliant stones created through innovation and science, ready to symbolize your love story.

Is More Expensive Moissanite Better? How to Spot True Quality

Last month, a customer from Nevada came to us after a disappointing experience. She'd found a 2-carat moissanite online for $380 total. "Seemed like an amazing deal," she told me. When it arrived, the stone looked hazy. Under certain lighting, it had a slight greenish tint. The "14k gold" setting turned her finger dark within two weeks.

She ended up spending more in the end to get what she should've bought initially.

So let me address this head-on: is more expensive moissanite better? When buying from a reputable source, yes—usually. But you need to understand what you're paying for.

Very low-priced moissanite typically indicates corners cut somewhere. Maybe it's an inferior cut—I'm talking about asymmetrical facets, poor polish, or proportions that just don't optimize light return. These cutting shortcuts turn what should be a brilliant stone into something flat and lifeless. Or you might get undesirable color tints. Some cheaper moissanites show yellow under warm lighting or grey in natural light. Others develop that telltale "costume jewelry" green tint.

Lower clarity can also be an issue, though it's less common with moissanite than diamonds. Still, poorly manufactured stones might have visible inclusions, cloudiness, or internal stress fractures that affect transparency. And don't even get me started on low-grade setting materials. I've seen "gold-plated" rings where the plating wore off in months, revealing cheap brass underneath.

Here's how to spot true quality and ensure your investment delivers lasting value:

At Awareness Avenue, we price our moissanite to reflect genuine quality. Every stone meets D-E-F colorless standards. Every stone achieves VVS+ clarity. Every cut is precision-engineered for maximum light performance. Our settings use solid 10k, 14k, or 18k gold—never plated base metals. This commitment to quality is why we've outfitted over 8,500 engagement rings and maintained a customer satisfaction rate that would make most jewelers jealous.

When you shop our brilliant moissanite engagement rings collection, you're seeing pieces where the price directly correlates with genuine value. Better metal weights. More intricate setting details. Larger center stones with ideal proportions. You're not paying for marketing hype or inflated brand prestige. You're paying for materials, craftsmanship, and the peace of mind that comes from a lifetime warranty backed by a family-owned business that's been in jewelry for over two decades.

Our Picks: Getting the Most Brilliance For Your Budget

Ready to see what intelligent luxury looks like? I've selected pieces from our collection that represent exceptional value at different price points. Whether your budget is modest or generous, these rings deliver maximum sparkle through superior cut quality, guaranteed colorless stones, and designs that'll look timeless decades from now.

Perfect for fall engagements or as showstopping holiday gifts:

1. The Classic Solitaire: The Luna Moissanite Ring

   Sometimes the most powerful statement is simplicity itself. The Luna features a brilliant round-cut moissanite in a refined solitaire setting that puts all the attention exactly where it belongs—on that gorgeous stone. Round cuts are the most brilliant of all diamond shapes, and when executed properly in moissanite, they're absolutely mesmerizing. This is the ring for people who appreciate understated elegance and timeless design. It'll look as perfect at your 40th anniversary as it does the day you propose.

   

2. The Modern Statement: The Adelina Rae 2ct Emerald Cut Moissanite Ring

   If you love architectural elegance and sophisticated sparkle, The Adelina Rae is calling your name. That 2-carat emerald cut moissanite creates a hall-of-mirrors effect that's hypnotic. Emerald cuts are unforgiving—they reveal every flaw, every color tint, every cutting imperfection. Which is exactly why our D-E-F colorless, VVS clarity stone in this setting is so spectacular. The elongated shape also makes fingers look longer and more elegant. This is modern luxury with old Hollywood glamour.

   

3. The Romantic Choice: The Opaline 1ct Moissanite Ring

   For those who want elegance without overwhelming presence, The Opaline hits that sweet spot. The 1-carat moissanite offers substantial sparkle while remaining practical for daily wear. This size works beautifully on any finger size and represents exceptional value—you're getting a stone that looks comparable to a $5,000-$7,000 diamond for a fraction of the cost. The setting is delicate yet secure, romantic yet refined.

   

4. The Budget-Conscious Stunner: The Isabella Princess Cut Moissanite Ring

   Want to know a secret? The Isabella proves that budget-friendly doesn't mean compromise. This 1.5ct princess cut moissanite is set in S925 sterling silver with 18k gold plating, creating a sophisticated look at an accessible price point. Princess cuts offer incredible brilliance with their 58 facets arranged in a contemporary square shape. The geometric lines appeal to modern sensibilities while the exceptional sparkle satisfies traditional expectations. This is how you get a luxury look while staying within a modest budget.

   

5. The Multi-Stone Brilliance: Lily Three-Stone Moissanite Ring

   Here's a smart strategy: the Lily Three-Stone design lets you achieve higher total carat weight—and more overall sparkle—often at better value than a single larger stone. The three-stone arrangement also carries beautiful symbolism: past, present, and future. The side stones complement the center moissanite perfectly, creating a cascade of light that's absolutely breathtaking. This is maximum impact for your investment.

   

Every piece in our complete moissanite rings collection meets our non-negotiable standards: D-E-F colorless grading, VVS+ clarity, and precision cuts engineered for maximum light performance. We've spent 25+ years building relationships with the world's top moissanite manufacturers. We've rejected countless stones that didn't meet our standards. All so that when you receive your ring, you can trust it's exceptional quality that'll shine brilliantly for generations.